Luther Vandross Passes Away

Grammy winner and R&B singer Luther Vandross will never bring music to our ears again. The 54-year old superstar who wrote such hits as "Dance with my Father," "Here and Now," and "Power of Love, died on Friday John F. Kennedy Medical Center in New Jersey surrounded by family and friends. Although the cause of his death is uncertain, Vandross did battle with obesity throughout his life and suffered a stroke in 2003 just before his 52nd birthday. "He is the Frank Sinatra of black music," rapper and actor LL Cool J said. "On a different level obviously, but he is a spectacular and special artist and with such a spectacular voice." Behind that spectacular voice and glitzy stage fecade, Vandross was a warm and humorous and would often joke about his weight, admitting he could eat 10 chickens in one sitting. His 2001 comeback album, "Luther Vandross" got critical acclaim and left a lasting impact on younger generations of R&B lovers. His memory will live on through his soulful songs and moving lyrics.