{"id":220258,"date":"2026-02-02T05:38:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/who-is-luther-vandross-what-to-know-after-chers-grammys-reference\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T05:38:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:38:22","slug":"who-is-luther-vandross-what-to-know-after-chers-grammys-reference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/02\/who-is-luther-vandross-what-to-know-after-chers-grammys-reference\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is Luther Vandross? What to Know After Cher\u2019s Grammys Reference"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Cher<\/strong><\/a> arguably stole the show when she mistakenly announced that Record of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards<\/a> was won by the late R&B musician Luther Vandross<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The musical icon, 79, slipped up<\/a> after Kendrick Lamar<\/strong> and SZA<\/strong> were in fact awarded the prestigious title on Sunday, February 1, for their collaboration \u201cLuther,\u201d a track that samples Vandross\u2019 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn<\/strong>, \u201cIf This World Were Mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hilarious mistake occurred when Cher attempted to announce Lamar, 38, and SZA, 36, while reading the envelope she\u2019d been given by Grammys organizers. Amid her excitement, Cher announced Vandross, who died in 2005 at the age of 54 after an illustrious career in the music business, before correcting herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Kendrick Lamar!\u201d Cher yelled as Lamar and SZA awkwardly made their way to the stage inside Los Angeles\u2019 Crypto.com Arena to collect their award.<\/p>\n

Lamar gracefully acknowledged the late musician during his speech, telling the crowd, \u201cThis is what music is about: Luther Vandross.\u201d The audience in turn erupted with laughter.<\/p>\n

Lamar spoke further about Vandross, who won eight Grammy Awards of his own throughout his musical career. \u201cThis is special for me. I gotta take my time. It\u2019s one of my favorite artists of all time,\u201d Lamar said. \u201cThey granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn near all dropped a tear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Vandross\u2019 achievements and legacy.<\/p>\n

Who Is Luther Vandross?<\/h2>\n
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\n Luther Vandross<\/span> Kevin Winter\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vandross was an R&B and soul singer, renowned for his romantic lyricism, who was born in New York City and sold over 40 million records globally. He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021, and his debut solo album, 1981\u2019s Never Too Much<\/em>, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in February 2025.<\/p>\n

Among his most acclaimed songs include \u201cNever Too Much,\u201d sharing the name of his debut album, \u201cHere and Now,\u201d released in 1989, and \u201cDance With My Father,\u201d which was the title track of his final album and won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2004.<\/p>\n

How Did Luther Vandross Die?<\/h2>\n

According to an obituary<\/a> posted by Seattle\u2019s Noble & Kelsey Funeral Home Inc. in 2005, Vandross had suffered from \u201cpoor health since April 16, 2003, when he suffered a debilitating stroke while at home in Manhattan.\u201d The obituary also detailed that Vandross had been \u201cbattling with weight problems for years\u201d and suffered from diabetes and hypertension.<\/p>\n

Who Is Luther Vandross\u2019 Family?<\/h2>\n

Vandross was never known to publicly marry anybody, as confirmed via the obituary. He is survived by \u201chis two sisters and brother.\u201d The online tribute also pointed out his \u201cability to capture and create romantic moments and further enhance them with his silky voice, [which] made his songs natural choices for millions of weddings around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who Did Luther Vandross Inspire Through His Musical Contributions?<\/h2>\n
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\"GettyImages-1513062-Luther.jpg\"<\/div>

\n Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle in 2000<\/span> Steve W Grayson\/Online USA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Besides Lamar and SZA, Vandross was publicly admired by a string of modern-day heavyweights. He collaborated with Beyonc\u00e9<\/strong> on the 2003 duet \u201cThe Closer I Get to You\u201d, Mariah Carey<\/strong> on the 1994 song \u201cEndless Love\u201d and Janet Jackson<\/strong> on the 1992 track \u201cThe Best Things in Life Are Free,\u201d among other stars.<\/p>\n

He also provided backing vocals for musicians including Roberta Flack<\/strong>, Bette Midler<\/strong>, David Bowie<\/strong>, Carly Simon<\/strong>, Donna Summer<\/strong>, Ringo Starr<\/strong> and Barbra Streisand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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