6 Fun Facts About Luther Vandross

Jamar Roberts’ new work Power of Love, celebrating the R&B legend Luther Vandross and bringing his iconic hits to life, will have its world premiere at New York City Center during the 2026-27 season. 

To get you in the mood for this exciting new work, here are six fun facts about Vandross and his legacy that you may not have known—from songs and performances to his style and fashion: 

1. That Familiar Voice... 

Before you knew Luther Vandross’s voice for his era-defining R&B hits, you might have known his voice from certain catchy TV commercials, to which he lent his now iconic pipes. Luther sang famous jingles for Miller Beer (“If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the beer”), KFC, Mountain Dew, Juicy Fruit, NBC (“Proud as a Peacock”), and Gino’s Pizza, where he developed his signature quivering vocal cadence over the line “Sizzlin’ Hot!”  He even sang a song for a US Military recruitment video: “It’s a great place to start!” 

2. A Brand New Day 

Vandross composed one of the most memorable songs for the musical The Wiz, “A Brand New Day” (also titled “Everybody Rejoice”). While it was his single contribution to the musical, it became one of the most memorable and enduring songs from the show. For the movie version with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in 1978, Vandross sang the song’s opening lines. It established him as a composer of uncommon talent six years before his debut album dropped.  

3. From the Apollo to Sesame Street 

Luther Vandross holds the distinct career milestone of appearing on the very first episode of Sesame Street in 1969, reappearing throughout the show’s first season. At the time, he sang with the vocal group Listen My Brother, which was founded as part of a workshop at the Apollo Theater. After performing as part of the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, the group was scouted to appear on the children’s show. While filming, Vandross had no idea how big Sesame Street would become, saying, “We were wondering, why are we singing songs about counting to 20?” 

4. In Good Company 

Vandross got his first big professional break not as a soloist but as a sessions vocalist, working with some of the most popular singers of the time. He sang backup for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway on their eponymous album, as well as Bette Midler, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, Cat Stevens, Donna Summer, and Chic. He produced and wrote music for Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick. When singing background for David Bowie on his album Young Americans, he even provided his own composition for the song “Fascination.” 

5. Opulence! He Owns Everything! 

Vandross once said that he was “cursed with good taste.” This was reflected  in what he wore—iconic leopard-print silks, sequined blazers, embellished suits—the costumes he designed for his own background singers, and his appropriately lush home in Connecticut. Sofas were upholstered in silks, Tiffany lamps abounded, and (the most opulent of details) the interior walls were covered in cashmere. Guests were forbidden to touch, including Oprah during her house tour in 1989.  

6. And the Winner Is... 

It took ten years after his solo debut for Vandross to be recognized at the Grammys. Although receiving nine nominations in the decade after the release of his debut Never Too Much, it wasn’t until 1991 that he finally received recognition with Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Here and Now.” As the audience gave him a standing ovation, he gave an effortless rendition of the song’s lyrics: “Your love is all I need.”