Rest in Peace: Luther Vandross

Legendary American soul singer Luther Vandross died at the age of 54, two years after suffering a devastating stroke that left him debilitated for the rest of his life.



Vandross stopped making public appearances following his stroke in his New York apartment, but managed to keep recording, winning four Grammys in 2004 including best song for his wrenching "Dance With My Father." But even as he ailed, "Dance With My Father," co-written with Richard Marx, sold nearly a million copies in its first month of release in June 2003 and went on to win four Grammys, although he did not attend the ceremony.

The artist dominated the rhythm and blues world for more than 20 years, his 14 albums selling more than 25 million records and winning a total of eight Grammy awards in the latter part of his three-decade career.

Vandross was considered the premier soul balladeer of his generation, with a silky voice that seduced millions of fans and won over collaborators such as David Bowie and Aretha Franklin.He became a fixture on the urban music charts, and wrote for artists like Franklin, Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick, but mainstream success eluded him until 1989, when he had his first Top 10 pop hit with "Here and Now," a track tacked onto a compilation album. That song has since become something of a classic wedding ballad.