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LUTHER Birthday Listening Party
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 3:00 PM ET
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https://LUTHER.eventbrite.com
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EVERYBODY REJOICE!
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EVERYBODY REJOICE!
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Thank You Louie!
When the Masters at Work and of the dance floor offers “A few words about Luther Vandross“ we have to take a grateful pause and repost. Shout out to Louie for such incredible thoughts of honor bragging on his talents.
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Watch the back story of the making of "Are You Using Me" featuring Fonzi Thornton.
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Back in 1975, Luther, was a five-person group. Luther the album was released in 1976 and the group’s final album, This Close to You, in 1977.
All tracks on both albums were written by Luther proving that LOVE and all that goes along with it, was always his message. The Luther album also features the song “Everybody Rejoice” a song of jubilance, resurgence, and freedom! It’s used in the movie and stage performances of the critically acclaimed and seven-time Tony winner, The Wiz.
After 40 years, both albums have been remastered and will be available in vinyl, CD and digital formats in April and June. For now enjoy this track of “Funky Music” then pre-order your copy of these seminal collections.
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pre-order links:
Luther: https://luthervandross.lnk.to/lutherAF
This Close to You: https://luthervandross.lnk.to/thisclosetoyouAF
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Photo: Diane Sumler, Luther Vandross, Anthony Hinton, Theresa V. Reed, Christine Wiltshire
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Which Luther song are you most thankful for and why?
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Now Fall in love with Luther’s ORIGINAL version of “Don’t Wanna Be A Fool.” This Song is off his 1977 second studio album This Close To You. Are you familiar with this album?
Luther did not want to be played with and felt so strongly about it that he used the same title and wrote a new set of lyrics for it, which he released on his Power of Love album in 1991, the version you probably started singing when you heard the song title.
Enjoy this up-tempo ditty and tell us if you can relate. Share on Instagram, FANDROSS_Official.
Written and Produced by Luther Vandross
I was alone and blue
Until I came by you
Yeah, I was always down
Until you come around
But what I could not see
Is that you were playin’ with me
Instead of happiness
You brought the misery
I couldn’t face life without love
Now I see it’s no good for me
From now on I’ll be alone
And I won’t have to be a fool anymore
Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool
So I surely will never love again
Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool
We can never be more than friends
Can’t help remembering
Some of the better things
Like when we used to do
The things we loved to do
This really can’t be real
Because you made me feel
That I had everything
That happiness could bring
I thought that it was all a lie
When they told me that you were playin’ around
You know it really makes me cry
When I think about how you brought me down
Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool
So I surely will never love again
Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool
We can never be more than friends
Oh baby, Oh oh
I’ll never love again (Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool)
We can’t be more than friends (Can’t be a fool, my baby)
Cause there’s a million broken-hearted people in the world (Can’t be a fool)
That’s why I can’t be a fool, no (Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool)
And that’s for love (Can’t be a fool, my baby)
There’s not enough guarantee on it, yeah (Can’t be a fool)
True love is hard to find (Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool)
And it ain’t every day (Can’t be a fool, my baby)
That you can get it, get it, get it, get it all (Can’t be a fool)
(Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool)
That’s why I can’t be a fool, no (Can’t be a fool, my baby)
I can’t be a fool, no no (Can’t be a fool)
(Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool)
Don’t wanna be, don’t wanna be a fool no
(Can’t be a fool) No oh
(Can’t be a fool) Can’t be a fool
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Appreciating Luther as a Songwriter
Ivan Hampden, Jr., a member of Luther’s band and a songwriting collaborator, shares his story of writing a song with Luther on the Dance With My Father album. “They Said You Needed Me” will become a new favorite. Wait for it – the entire song and pictures from the DWMF album booklet are included at the end.
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ALL THINGS LUTHER CROSSWORD
Luther fans – try your hand at this interactive crossword. Some are easy, some are tricky, all are Luther. Have fun!
Or click puzzle below for printable version…
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When two hearts are far apart…
Luther’s Got You Covered
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On Luther’s I Know album sits an incredible song written by Carole Bayer Sager and Albert Hammond titled “When I Need You” .. It expresses the emotional and physical struggles and hardships of having to be away from home and your lover for long stints of time .. Well Luther tenderly sings how to handle it and fill the gaps without compromising your integrity or your relationship ..
When I Need You
Feel It. Sing It.
No one knows the side of you that I know
No one gets to see, to feel you
To hear you when they call
I’m the only one you answer
Because I know what to do
I know what to do
CHORUS:
When I need you
I just close my eyes and I’m with you
And all that I so want to give you
Is only a heartbeat away
When I need love
I hold out my hand and I touch love
I never knew there was so much love
Keeping me warm night and day
Miles and miles of empty space in between us
A telephone can’t take the place of your smile
But I won’t be traveling forever
It’s cold out, but hold out
And do like I do
CHORUS
It’s not easy when the road is your driver
But honey that’s the heavy load that we bear
But I won’t be traveling a lifetime
It’s cold out, but hold out
And do like I do
When I need you
But I won’t be traveling a lifetime
It’s cold out, oh honey, hold out
And do like I do
CHORUS
When I need love
I hold out my hand and I touch love
I never knew there was so much love
Keeping me warm night and day
Honey, when I need you
I’m in a cloud and I’m holding my hand out to you
Holding my hand out to you
Holding my hand out to you
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When Your Heart Is Searching For Someone Who Needs Love Like You Need Love
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Luther’s Got You Covered
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“When You Call On Me (Baby That’s When I’ll Come Running)” is the sweetest plea to find that right someone .. A song in prayer about a soul search for an honest and tender love, scattered with promises of both, cuddles of love and endless moments to remind you how much you’re cared for .. Phew! .. Now after you’ve listened to the song closely answer this:
Fine Sirs have you ever been this willing to love a good woman when you find her? When she calls out for you will you make the run to her? Will you put everything into the relationship to keep her in your life? What do you need from her to know she loves you back?
Ladies if this man is searching for you, will you open up and give your all to him when he finds you? Are you ready?
When You Call on Me
It doesn’t take much for me to know when a woman’s lonely
Especially when I’m all alone myself
If there’s anyone out there that needs love like I need love
Just hold on and I’ll be there
CHORUS:
(When you call on me, babe) When you call on me
Baby, that’s when I’ll come runnin’ (Runnin) to you (To you)
When you call on me (Yeah)
Baby, that’s when I’ll come runnin’, runnin’
If ever I find that someone special for me
I will do all that I can to keep her in my life
Now I lay me down to sleep and hope that heaven hears my heart
Send me someone right now
CHORUS 2X
Oh, I promise when you fall asleep
At night I will be there
To cuddle you in love
And show you that I care
It doesn’t take much for me to know when a woman’s lonely
Especially when I’m alone myself
If there’s anyone out there who needs love like I need love
Just hold on and I’ll be right there
CHORUS REPEATS TO END
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In case you missed it…
Richard Marx appeared on the Tamron Hall show and talked about his relationship with Luther, and the song they co-wrote, “Dance With My Father.” His appearance also included a touching performance of the song.
#DanceWithMyFather20
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Luther sings that after this kind of unexpected breakup it's possible to feel dazed, confused and that life isn't giving enough for you to hold your head up and move on .. "too far down is where you fall when you don't care no more" .. which is why he encourages you to "take one day by one day and don’t let this thing take you over" ..
“TOO FAR DOWN”
Last time you thought of him, he thought of you
And it proves the magic was for real
Just then the winds of change
Brought down the falling rain, so unexpected
What should you do?
Now, you’ve got plans to change, some things to rearrange
Scared of tomorrow, scared of right now too
See, it’s all very sad
Can’t deny you feel bad
But I just don’t want you to let this thing take you over
CHORUS:
Don’t let it hurt
so bad, don’t let it because?
Everything can be the way that it was
But keep hurt inside and it’s just like those tears of the clown
Everyone says that you’ll come back around
But, not if you fall too far down
No one really knows
When their clouds will go away
That’s why they say we should always save
For a rainy day
Someone made some promises that didn’t keep
It set you up just to let you down
Be careful not to let it push you around
And you’ll be okay, if you take one day, by one day
See, I just don’t want you to
Let this thing take you over
Chorus
Too far down is where you fall when you don’t care no more
But, what about love?
Isn’t it worth living for?
You don’t know?
Chorus
You’re not the only one who’s loved and who’s lost
So many people too, know they’ve paid the cost
The thing that we learn is how to get a smile from a frown
Go ahead if you want, stumble and fall
But, don’t fall honey too far down
Pick yourself up; if you’re lost you’ll be found
But, if you don’t care, you’re just too far down
I know you feel so left out; pushed around
But nevertheless, don’t go too far down
#FANDROSSFRIDAY
Luther's Got You Covered
Luther sings that after this kind of unexpected breakup it's possible to feel dazed, confused and that life isn't giving enough for you to hold your head up and move on .. "too far down is where you fall when you don't care no more" .. which is why he encourages you to "take one day by one day and don’t let this thing take you over" ..
“TOO FAR DOWN”
Last time you thought of him, he thought of you
And it proves the magic was for real
Just then the winds of change
Brought down the falling rain, so unexpected
What should you do?
Now, you’ve got plans to change, some things to rearrange
Scared of tomorrow, scared of right now too
See, it’s all very sad
Can’t deny you feel bad
But I just don’t want you to let this thing take you over
CHORUS:
Don’t let it hurt
so bad, don’t let it because?
Everything can be the way that it was
But keep hurt inside and it’s just like those tears of the clown
Everyone says that you’ll come back around
But, not if you fall too far down
No one really knows
When their clouds will go away
That’s why they say we should always save
For a rainy day
Someone made some promises that didn’t keep
It set you up just to let you down
Be careful not to let it push you around
And you’ll be okay, if you take one day, by one day
See, I just don’t want you to
Let this thing take you over
Chorus
Too far down is where you fall when you don’t care no more
But, what about love?
Isn’t it worth living for?
You don’t know?
Chorus
You’re not the only one who’s loved and who’s lost
So many people too, know they’ve paid the cost
The thing that we learn is how to get a smile from a frown
Go ahead if you want, stumble and fall
But, don’t fall honey too far down
Pick yourself up; if you’re lost you’ll be found
But, if you don’t care, you’re just too far down
I know you feel so left out; pushed around
But nevertheless, don’t go too far down
A special treat just in time for Valentine’s Day…
Luther Vandross — Live at Radio City Music Hall 2003 — Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition — The Last Concert. This album celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Luther’s iconic sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall. The expanded edition features the entire concert in original set order, including 4 new tracks: “Power of Love/Love Power,” “Going Out of My Head,” “Any Day Now,” and “Say It Now,” and Luther’s on-stage banter. Available digitally now.
You can’t spell LOVE without LV.
It captures a witty side that is rarely or not spoken about. It was a great show.
Enjoy!
Jeff James
A&R, Sony/Legacy
Watch the new video for Luther’s Radio City rendition of “I’d Rather.” This track will be available on the upcoming release of Luther Vandross — Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 — Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition — The Last Concert.
Better Love is a great soulful and sultry Luther song .. He lets you know another guy could give you a better life of material things but even if you searched the world over you couldn’t find a Better LOVE that is as deep and lasting as his .. With today’s technology a lyrical video as been created to get you reading and grooving .. Jam on!
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Isn’t There Someone
With the season’s change it’s time to Fall in love with this little known yet powerful, heart grabbing gem ISN’T THERE SOMEONE .. Written by and released on Luther’s 1998 “I Know” album ..
In this song Luther lays out intense emotions from two different perspectives .. One is focused on someone who is lonely, waiting and questioning where love is and feeling like they are dying from lack of love .. But their night dreams are still full of hope and romance ..
The other is sadly watching that loneliness and pain, hears the desperate prayers and is more than willing to be the person who cares that you’re dying for love, so is pulling you closer to be the someone you need ..
It’s an opera! All the suspense .. Will they come together??
If you’ve ever been on either side tell us about it and tag us on our IG page, FANDROSS_Official using the hashtag:
#LVSOMEONE
For all we know some people only cry
They have no good times, no poetry rhymes
They don’t know how or when or if or why
Why the goodness never stays
Or why love didn’t come again today
Isn’t there someone who sees
I’ll be the someone who cares that you’re dying for love
I can be the someone that you need
And you wish your life could be more like your dreams
What a moonlit sound, your voice is not too loud
But somehow I hear it coming through to me
I pray you hang on to your dream
And I hope it gives you all the love you need
You need
Is there someone to believe
Well, I’ll be the someone who cares that you’re dying for love
I can be the someone that you need
That’s why I’m pulling you closer to me
But like anything you can’t see
It’s just a little harder to believe
Well, I’ll be the someone who cares that you’re dying for love
I can be the someone that you need
I can be the someone that you need
Luther Vandross and Richard Marx, Songwriters
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SAVE THE DATE
FANDROSS presents a Zoom LUTHER Listening Party on Friday, July 1, 2022 @ 6pm.
Join the fun as our captivating commentator and Luther historian bedazzle us with interesting facts while listening to the funky, sexy and salty music from this first album and hear the beginning of that infamous Luther background sound.
For example, did you know…
LUTHER was a five person group in 1976 before he took you by storm as a solo artist?!
And there’s much more. Spread the word to Luther fans everywhere, #lutherlisteningparty
RSVP right here, right now.
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The Luther Vandross Foundation scholarship application is now live. Find out more info HERE.
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This week's feature is Til My Baby Comes Home. The album was released on March 8, 1985 but this single, written by Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller, was released 2 months earlier. We've combined rare concert footage and commentary from Luther's tour mates for this special production.
In Vegas 2001, the strip was hot as Luther and his crew took to the stage with this funky version of 'Til My Baby Comes Home.
Exclusive archival video is courtesy of thorn world.
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“Take You Out” written by Warryn Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John Smith
Lead Vocals: Keith Anthony Fluitt, Kevin Owens, Clayton Bryant | Backing Vocals: Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, Tawatha Agee, Alfa Anderson | Music Remix: Ivan Hampden, Jr. | Vocal Arrangements: Lisa Fischer | Mixer: Aaron Whitby | Luther Vandross Archival Footage: Thornworld | Hats & Masks Images: Harlem Heaven’s Hat | Revised Lyrics: Max Szadek, Lisa Fischer | Video Compilation: Leisa Chester Weir, LGK Marketing | Video Production: Max Szadek
