Luther Vandross

To most people Luther finally arrived with the song Never Too Much and I am delighted to say that I was one of the first to play it in the UK.

At that time we were hosting the Main Event every week at Placemate 7 in Manchester, and of course I was on Piccadilly as well Taking Care of Business.

I had picked up a copy of the track from Spin Inn and it became an instant floor filler. I remember the first night I played it, Colin CURTIS, who was standing at the other end of the room, came rushing over to find out what it was.

Since then Luther has made some truly amazing music including Here and Now, So Amazing, A House is not a home and Dance with my father. But Luther VANDROSS had been making great music for a number of years but more often than not, on other people’s albums. He truly was a voice for hire.

My two favourite tracks by Luther are both songs with other artists. His duet with Cheryl LYNN, If this world were mine, will always be my number 1. Don’t ask my why but there is something about that track that really touched me. My other favourite track was one that he did with Greg DIAMOND’S BIONIC BOOGIE.

I can honestly say I know nothing about that group other than to say that ‘Hot Butterfly’ is one of the best records ever made.

I never got to meet Luther but I did get to experience something that few other people have. I had an interview planned with him on his visit to Manchester and I had to be at the Apollo at a certain time during the afternoon of his gig. I arrived in good time and was in the hall as he went through his repertoire.

It was simply amazing. He was absolutely demanding and everything had to be right. By the time he finished, I was told that he didn’t have time to do the interview and my chance was gone but I will never forget that amazing afternoon.

Luther was the most amazing vocalist I have ever seen or heard. His ability to make any song his own is quite unique.

He will be sorely missed.

Mike S