Born on April 20, 1951 in New York City, Luther Vandross was one of the greatest male vocalists of all-time, winning eight Grammys, nine American Music Awards, and six NAACP Image Awards. He was also inducted into the BET Walk of Fame, and received the Soul Train Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.  Vandross was a consummate composer, producer, and arranger who sold over 30 million singles and albums, including 13 platinum or double platinum albums and seven number one singles.

Following a very successful career as a studio and background vocalist working with Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Donna Summer, and Barbara Streisand, Vandross became one of the most admired and influential solo artists. After suffering a stroke on April 16, 2003, he passed away July 1, 2005 at the age of 54.