You can never have too much Luther!
Today’s Google Doodle celebrates the late, great Luther Ronzoni Vandross on what would have been his 70th birthday. Designed by Atlanta-based artist Sam Bass, the video illustrates his music’s enduring legacy on people and the culture. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer captured the essence of romantic, platonic, and familial love for listeners across the generational divide.
Vandross was born April 20, 1951, in New York City and began writing music at 13, inspired by iconic singers such as Dionne Warwick. He started his career singing background for Roberta Flack, and he launched his solo music career in 1981 with the chart-topping single “Never Too Much.” His 14 subsequent albums all went platinum or multi-platinum. He was a consummate performer, having a hand in every part of the show, from set design to background singer’s costumes.
He left a hole in our hearts and the music industry when he passed away in 2005, two years after suffering a stroke.
Happy 70th birthday, Luther Vandross!
Today’s music video #GoogleDoodle celebrates the award-winning singer, songwriter, & producer, whose “Velvet Voice” has romanced generations
by guest artist and animator @artbysambass → https://t.co/ki6f440ED7 pic.twitter.com/GYEMiUMnq9
advertisement— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) April 20, 2021
So glad Luther Vandross gets the Google doodle on what would have been his 70th. Also, not enough people are aware that he sang the hands down best version of The Impossible Dream https://t.co/ky2lInYFkV
advertisement— Wesley (@WesleyLowery) April 20, 2021
I cried.
Seriously. Y’all don’t even understand.advertisementGo to Google & hit play.
Happy 70th Birthday Luther Vandross! pic.twitter.com/4sF5aTjdUG
— Adrienne she/her (@soulpowercoach) April 20, 2021
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This made me tear up a little. Well done @Google Happy Worthday #LutherVandross G.O.A.T pic.twitter.com/T83QuPdhZN
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) April 20, 2021
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Happy 70th Birthday to the LEGENDARY Luther Vandross! This surprise appearance he made on The Arsenio Hall Show will always be iconic! pic.twitter.com/DyVnKA2tbb
— (@MJFINESSELOVERR) April 20, 2021
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I am going to cry today. Even before my 2nd shot this afternoon… https://t.co/nSdztLFp6i
— brownjuice (@brownjuice) April 20, 2021
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Wow. I still remember the moment Never Too Much played on the radio for the first time. Talk about a multi-generational hit. Everybody in my family loved that album.
advertisement— Brittany Humphrey (@BevsKid1) April 20, 2021
LUTHER I miss him so much. HBD https://t.co/mZ2w0V1vZx
advertisement— Usher’s Accountant (@Glitterandspit) April 20, 2021
✨wish he had more time here https://t.co/fsNAryu66F
advertisement— ✨Dora Winifred Read (@dioruadore) April 20, 2021
I love this for him! Rip Luther Vandross https://t.co/loE1wdnXVF
advertisement— B. (@TheBrieAgency) April 20, 2021
Well done, @GoogleDoodles and @artbysambass. Very well done! Happy Birthday, Luther! https://t.co/spB2XTw6p2
advertisement— Denise Reese (@DeniseReeseVO) April 20, 2021
Today’s @GoogleDoodles created by Atlanta-based guest artist Sam Bass, celebrates the 70th birthday of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, AND producer Luther Vandross. ♥️
advertisementThx @jentrification for bringing it to our attention! https://t.co/TYl3kPBAZh pic.twitter.com/85iYvHuRah
— #blkcreatives netwrk – wear a mask (@blkcreatives) April 20, 2021
So happy to see Luther Vandross being honored by Google today! His voice, music and showmanship remain unmatched.
Happy birthday Luther!! ❤️#nevertoomuch https://t.co/h2WmTHS22R
— Queen of Zamunda (@HouseJones_) April 20, 2021
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Today would’ve been Luther Vandross’ 70th birthday and Google NAILED the assignment. pic.twitter.com/HJLZv9s0Mz
— GirlTyler (@sheistyler) April 20, 2021
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❤️❤️❤️❤️loves that they showed him being played at the cookout cuz he is def on the Black cookout playlist https://t.co/HZmdn3Vc1e
— ✊ (@TyChantelle) April 20, 2021
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On his heavenly 70th bday, we’re celebrating legendary multi-platinum singer, songwriter & producer, @luthervandross with ENDLESS LOVE!
In this #ApolloArchives clip, he reminisces on losing at #AmateurNightApollo 4 times (with THAT voice?!) & then performs alongside Boy George. pic.twitter.com/W64Il0KVgu
advertisement— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) April 20, 2021
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We’ll love you always and forever, Luther. Your legacy lives on!