This episode of Deeper Than Atlantis takes a look at some of the late, great balladeer and songwriter, Luther Vandross' work prior to him being signed to Epic Records and releasing his first album in 1981. Looking back at his career in the 1970s, Vandross was a highly sought out session vocalist who lent his talents to those both established and on the rise, including David Bowie, Bette Midler, Carly Simon, Average White Band, The Brecker Brothers, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards' group Chic, Roberta Flack and many others! This hour looks at some of his unsung songwriting, production and vocal arranging contributions. Here's a small taste of his immense body of work:
Intro/Talkover: Never Had a Love Like This Before- Tavares
Everybody Rejoice- Luther Vandross (Written by Vandross, later used on The WIZ Soundtrack as "Brand New Day", also appears on the 1976 LP of his group, Luther)
Fascination- David Bowie (Co-written by Vandross and features backing vox by group, Luther)
Meet Luther Vandross--(Epic Promo with commercial reel, Juicy Fruit, American Airlines)
On the Beat- BB&Q Band (Vandross on backing vocals, co-arranged background vocals)
Drop/Oxygen
Jump To It- Aretha Franklin (Written and produced by Vandross)
Love Power- Bob James (Vandross on backing vocals)
Keep It Steady- The Brecker Brothers (Vandross, backing vocals, writing/arranging vocal credit)
Hot Butterfly- Gregg Diamond's Bionic Boogie (Vandross lead vocals)
Talkover- Shine
Georgy Porgy - Charme (Vandross lead vocals)
You Stopped Loving Me - Roberta Flack (Written by Vandross)
Talkover--Any Love Luther Vandross
Lover's Change- Luther (Performed by his group, Luther, written by Vandross, Vandross on lead)
