Luther Vandross, the legendary "Velvet Voice" of R&B and soul, captivated audiences worldwide with his smooth baritone and impeccable phrasing. Born in New York City in 1951, Vandross rose to prominence in the early 1980s, enchanting fans with his romantic ballads and infectious grooves. His debut album, "Never Too Much," launched an illustrious career that spanned over three decades, yielding eleven consecutive platinum albums and over 40 million records sold. Vandross's discography is a treasure trove of hits, from duets with icons like Dionne Warwick and Janet Jackson to solo masterpieces like "Dance with My Father," which earned him a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2004. Recognized by Rolling Stone and Billboard as one of the greatest singers and R&B artists of all time, Vandross's legacy endures through his timeless music and the enduring impact he has had on the genre.