There are so many true statements in Caryl Phillips’ tribute to Luther Vandross on the Guardian’s website that if I pulled them all, I’d basically print the entire column.
Luther put into words, into song “Modern Love, Black American Style”. It’s hard to explain. I’m not saying his music was / is only for black folks. I mean there was a richness, a soulness, a spiritual yearning that I believe is a special part of being a black American. This feeling has been expressed in blues and even gospel music. But there was something about Luther’s voice that made more tears flow from me than any church service.
I’ve never admitted this but during my days as a DJ, I had to turn down the studio monitor when I played “A House Is Not a Home”. That song always left me in tears.
Wait. “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” did that too.
In any case, if you want a wonderful insight into his music, read the article.
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“Anyone Who Had a Heart.” That’s mine. Buckets of tears every time.