Luther Vandross Biography: Net Worth, Age, Grammy Awards, Height, Songs, Legacy, Career, Movies, Partner

Luther Ronzoni Vandross also known as Luther Vandross is a prominent American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor known for his smooth, powerful baritone voice and romantic soul ballads that defined R&B music in the 1980s and 1990s.

With multiple Grammy Awards and timeless hits like Never Too Much, Here and Now, and Dance With My Father, he became one of the most beloved and influential voices in American music, earning the title of the Velvet Voice for his emotional depth and vocal mastery.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Luther Ronzoni Vandross
• Stage Name: Luther Vandross
• Born: April 20, 1951
• Age: 54 years old
• Died: July 1, 2005
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
• Height: 6 feet 3 inches
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Luther Vandross Sr. and Mary Ida Vandross
• Siblings: Patricia Vandross, Anthony Vandross and Charles Vandross
• Spouse: Unknown
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $30 million USD

Early Life and Education

Luther Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in New York City, New York, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Luther Vandross Sr., an upholsterer and amateur singer, and Mary Ida Vandross, a practical nurse, in a musical family in Manhattan after his father died when he was eight years old.

He grew up with siblings Patricia Vandross, Anthony Vandross, and Charles Vandross and was deeply influenced by his mother’s love of music and the sounds of Motown and gospel. He attended Taft High School where he sang in the choir and later briefly studied at Western Michigan University before dropping out to pursue music full time in New York. His ethnicity is American, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Luther Vandross began his professional path singing commercial jingles and background vocals for artists including David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Barbra Streisand in the 1970s. He achieved breakthrough success in 1981 with his debut solo album Never Too Much, which topped the R&B charts and launched a string of platinum-selling albums and hits.

He wrote and produced many of his own songs while collaborating with top producers and created enduring classics such as Here and Now, Any Love, and Dance With My Father. Luther won eight Grammy Awards including Song of the Year for Dance With My Father and sold over 40 million records worldwide.

He also acted in films and television while maintaining a reputation for perfectionism in the studio.

From Harlem choir boy to one of the greatest R&B vocalists of all time, he influenced generations of singers with his technical brilliance and emotional delivery. He continued performing and recording until health issues forced him to slow down, passing away in 2005 from complications following a stroke. His legacy lives on through his music and the annual Luther Vandross Day celebrated in New York.

Social Media

• Luther Vandross does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Luther Vandross was 54 years old at the time of his death and his height was 6 feet 3 inches. He never married and had no children. He was known for keeping his personal relationships private throughout his life.

He prioritized his music career, family connections with his mother and siblings, and maintaining a low-key personal life while battling weight and health issues in later years.

Net Worth

Luther Vandross‘s net worth is estimated at $30 million USD adjusted for the enduring value of his music catalog and estate. His income primarily came from record sales and royalties, concert tours, songwriting and production credits, commercial jingles, and posthumous releases and licensing of his catalog.