New CD Release Despite Vandross's Stroke, Hospitalization
09:05 PM - Jun 9, 2003
Luther Vandross, king of the velvety romantic voice and R&B, remains hospitalized but is finally semi-conscious now after suffering a serious stroke almost two months ago.[1] Just before his stroke Vandross was working on the final touches for his new CD to be released tomorrow, June 10, 2003, entitled “Dance With My Father.” CD cover - Dance With My Father, by Luther Vandross, released June 10, 2003
You can listen to three of the songs from his new CD at the official Luther Vandross website. Vandross also shares some of his thoughts about this new CD, and you can read more about his music and his life.
The title track from the new CD, “Dance With My Father,” is about his own boyhood memories. His father died suddenly when the young Luther was only 7-1/2 years old. Besides being a captivatingly beautiful song and a sweet, heartfelt tribute to his father and early childhood, Vandross sings it to its fullest, and his voice is incredibly rich, resonant, and expressive, as always.
When Luther Vandross sings you can’t help but take notice and want to become enveloped by his passionate voice, and this new CD is rumored to be his best ever, too. You can hear the entire “Dance With My Father” song and download the lyrics for the album at his official website. Be sure to have a tissue handy, as this one really tugs at the heartstrings. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders today, but it should be out on the shelves everywhere tomorrow, maybe even just after the stroke of midnight tonight at stores that are open.
If you look through Vandross’s discography I think you’ll be amazed at how many of his songs are standards that you’ll know. I always loved his voice and his music but I didn’t realize the huge volume of music he’s composed and recorded over the years. I do hope he recovers and that he’s also able to sing again. As a musician myself I know how much that matters in one’s life.
Tours and appearances are on hold for now, as his doctors, family, and friends watch over him, bring music in for him, read him the latest Billboard Charts, and remain optimistic about his recovery. Let’s hope that in time he’ll be back at it singing again and writing music. You can even leave an email for him at his website, as his family is reading notes from wellwishers to him at his bedside.
I’ve been following the news about Vandross ever since I heard about his stroke last April. Here are a few of the recent articles about him:
[1]Hospitalized Vandross releases new album
Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press, via the Kansas City Star, 2003-06-09.