There are very few artists that can take a song recorded by someone else and make it their own…and there are even fewer that could do it like the late Luther Vandross.
Nearly 20 years after his passing in 2005, the R&B icon is still one of the greatest singers of the 20th century – a vocal stylist who can make any song into a soulful hit.
There has been a long list of musicians whose classics have been remade by one of the greatest R&B vocalists. And, to be honest, Luther’s version makes you almost forget it was a cover to begin with.
In honor of Luther’s 75th birthday (and his upcoming Rock Hall induction!), check out our favorite Luther covers below!
1. “Always and Forever”
Original Artists: Heatwave
2. “A House Is Not a Home”
Original Artist: Dionne Warwick
3. “If Only For One Night”
Original Artist: Brenda Russell
4. “So Amazing”
Original Artist: Dionne Warwick
5. “If This World Were Mine” (ft. Cheryl Lynn)
Original Artists: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
6. “Lovely Day” (ft. Busta Rhymes)
Original Artist: Bill Withers
7. “The Closer I Get To You” (ft. Beyoncé)
Original Artists: Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
8. “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”
Original Artist: Major Harris
9. “Creepin'”
Original Artist: Stevie Wonder
10. “Endless Love” (ft. Mariah Carey)
Original Artists: Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
11. “You Stopped Loving Me”
Original Artist: Roberta Flack
12. “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”
Original Artists: McFadden & Whitehead
13. “All The Woman I Need”
Original Artist: Linda Clifford (as “All The Man I Need”)
BONUS: This track was also covered by Whitney Houston, so you can click here for her version… just because.
