Category Archives: Music Legends

Remembering Luther

20 Sunday Apr 2008

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by vivrant thang on luther vandross

Today would have been Luther’s 57th birthday. I really miss that man. I grew up on his music. As the child of a baby boomer, I had no choice!

I vividly remember that day in July when he passed. I was on my way to the mall and heard the news on the radio. For some reason I didn’t have my cell so I pulled off the road to call my mother. She was practically in tears. We attended the Essence Music Festival a few days later, which he always closed out. They had quickly pulled together a moving tribute, in which Gerald Levert took part.

TOO. SOON.

I was in Philly this weekend for the Steve Harvey/Mo’Nique comedy show and had a chance to hear Danny Clay perform – a man who many swear is Luther reincarnated. Normally that would get the major side-eye from me. [thanks SB!]

However, this man here could be the truth. Danny is a former inmate that called into Steve’s morning show and just started singing. Steve told him to hold on and the rest is history. He’s taken Danny under his wing and now he’s opening for him on his “Still Trippin” tour. Luther’s mother also heard him sing before she passed and gave him her stamp of approval.

In my opinion, there will neva eva eva – in this lifetime or the next – be another Luther. His voice just can’t be duplicated. I will say that Danny definitely comes the closest I’ve ever heard. I would book him to sing Here and Now at my wedding. 🙂 I look forward to his original songs because his voice is indeed – so amazing.

Let’s celebrate Luther today. Here are me and The First Lady’s favorites. What are yours?

*update: Head on over to DJ Diva’s spot and cop her hot Luther mixes: Slow Jams and Fast Mix.

Superstar/Until You Come Back To Me (Superstar -originally Delaney/Bonnie and Until – Stevie Wonder classic)
(STILL trying to recover from the massacre at Little Ursher)

A House Is Not A Home (gives me chills- if you only watch one, this is it!)
note: originally sung by Dionne Warwick, who is in the audience and is understandably moved to tears)

Love Won’t Let Me Wait
(remake of Major Harris classic)

Anyone Who Had A Heart (remake of 1963 Dionne Warwick classic)
(highlight of the So Amazing All Star Tribute album is the duet with Luther and Elton John)

Wait For Love
(this song has got me through some rough times!)

Got To Give It Up : Happy Birthday, Marvin Gaye

01 Tuesday Apr 2008

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I don’t make mention of very many artists’ birthdays here. However, Marvin Gaye’s music is one of the biggest foundations upon which I’m building this blog. I have used “Inner City Blues/Makes Me Wanna Holler” and “What’s Going On” to write some of my most poignant, important posts.

Not to mention, there are currently six of his songs on my Favorite Songs of All Time list, with more to be added. Very few artists will have that many songs on the list when it’s all said and done…if it is ever done.

  • Distant Lover
  • Sexual Healing
  • If I Should Die Tonight (sigh)
  • Til Tomorrow
  • Just To Keep You Satisfied
  • You Sure Love to Ball

We miss you, Marvin.

Happy 69th Birthday.

“Got To Give It Up”

“What’s Going On/ What’s Happening Brother” (definitely worth watching. LISTEN.)
An excerpt from a DVD of some of Marvin’s greatest live performances on TV and film, “Real Thing: In Performance 1964-1981,” This live performance comes from the long out-of-circulation 1973 film, “Save The Children” with James Jamerson on bass.

Please join one of my favorite soul sites, Soul Commune over the next couple of days  as they pay tribute to Marvin, the man and the music.  While you’re there, join the community!

If you’re a Marvin fan, post some of your favorites in the comments. If I was up to it, I would have stopped by the bar/restaurant named for him that opened up here in DC late last year. Should be rockin in there tonight.

*Also, please check out Harlem’s beautiful tribute post over at Soul Bounce.

** Had to come back and mention one of my favorite tribute albums, Marvin is 60. I’m not a fan of many tribute albums. Some of them are a DISASTER, no matter how many heavy-hitters you pull in. However, “60” was actually very well done. Stand-outs for me include:

  • the collabo between Erykah Badu and D’Angelo on”Your Precious Love”
  • Brian McKnight did a great job on my favorite, “Distant Lover”
  • Will Downing crooned out a great rendition of “You Sure Love to Ball”
  • Montell Jordan, “I Want You”
  • Who didn’t want to “…Get It On” with Gerald Levert
  • Chico Debarge made you want to stay “Til Tomorrow”
  • Kenny Lattimore definitely kept me “……Satisfied”

 

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