Honored in 2025 with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his 1981 debut album Never Too Much, Luther Vandross is in the running for another major accolade. As announced last week, the late singer-songwriter-producer is among the Class of 2026 nominees — also including Phil Collins, P!nk, Billy Idol and Lauryn Hill — for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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So how would eight-time Grammy Award winner Vandross feel about his nomination and possible induction? Bassist-producer Marcus Miller, a longtime collaborator of the studio singer-turned-star solo artist, tells Billboard with a laugh, “He’d probably start figuring out what he’s going to wear. But like I said in the documentary [2024’s Luther: Never Too Much], he made no bones about wanting a Grammy. And when he got one, he was very proud. Being recognized was important to him — and this will be the icing on the cake.”
In addition to the critically acclaimed documentary tracing Vandross’ life and musical legacy, the late artist’s enduring influence was further underscored by the 2024 release of “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA. The song — which samples Vandross’ 1982 hit duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Were Mine” — reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 consecutive weeks last year. This year, “Luther” scored two Grammy Awards: record of the year and best melodic rap performance.
In sharing the Luther Vandross Estate’s reaction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nod, estate manager David Gottlieb remarks, “This is the culmination of a long time coming. I’ve been with the estate since 2010, and it’s been on the to-do list. It’s also very easy to make Luther’s connection to rock and roll. David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ doesn’t happen without Luther in the room. The song is the first top 40 hit that Bowie had, and Luther’s voice is all over that song and its structure. His credentials for being a singer, songwriter, producer, composer, everything. Isn’t that rock and roll? He personifies all of it.”
Both Miller and Gottlieb note that Vandross’ creative inspiration and ultimate legacy stem from what Miller calls “his love for love. We used to call all the songs he wrote ‘the Luther Vandross Book of Love.’ He just really valued love. It was the inspiration for most of his songs.”
“Luther was always saying something about the universal topic of love,” adds Gottlieb. “It’s one that all of us as human beings feel, strive for and want. That’s why his legacy is timeless, something that’s constantly called back. Every generation is going to look at him the same way that generations look at Frank Sinatra or someone like that. It is never going to go away.”