Source: Paul Natkin / Getty
With the recent documentary on his life, fans were reminded of Luther Vandross’ journey to the upper echelon of R&B. As was common among many musicians, his journey included a stint as a premiere background vocalist. Although it is hard to see a voice as distinct as Luther’s taking a back seat to anyone, he did have to pay his dues like everyone else.
Thankfully, in his case, it was those connections that guided him to become a music icon in his own right. Let’s check out some of the iconic musicians that he backed up in his early years!
RELATED:
LUTHERIZED: Songs That Luther Vandross Sang So Well…You Forgot They Were Sung By Someone Else First
Luther Vandross ‘Never Too Much’ Documentary Will Drop on New Year’s Day
Luther Vandross Songs Sampled By Hip-Hop
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
1. David Bowie – “Young Americans”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
2. Chic – “Everybody Dance”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
3. Bette Midler – “Strangers In The Night”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
4. J. Geils Band – “Surrender”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
5. Ringo Starr – “Drowning in the Sea of Love”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
6. Average White Band and Ben E. King – “Get It Up For Love”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
7. Carly Simon – “De Bat (Fly In The Face)”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
8. Roberta Flack – “You Are Everything”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
9. Roy Buchanan – “Down By The River”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
10. Carole Bayer Sager – “One Star Shining”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
11. Aretha Franklin – “Jump To It”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
12. Stevie Wonder – “Part Time Lover”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
13. Barbara Streisand – “The Places You Find Love”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
14. Sister Sledge – “We Are Family”
Before He Was “Luther”: Classic Music Featuring The Icon Singing Background was originally published on myclassixatl.com
