Luther Vandross: The Ultimate Voice of Wedding Romance
When it comes to wedding music, few artists carry as much emotional weight as Luther Vandross. With eight Grammy Awards and over 25 million albums sold, Luther’s “Velvet Voice” has been the soundtrack to thousands of “I dos.” Whether he was reinventing a classic or releasing an original hit, his music centers on the purity of love, making him a must-have on any romantic wedding playlist.
Iconic Luther Wedding Moments
- The 90s First Dance Gold Standard: “Here and Now” – Luther Vandross. Released in late 1989, this song became a “wedding super hit” throughout the 1990s. As noted in my 1990s book, its vow-like lyrics (“Here and now, I vow to be one with thee”) helped it peak at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of the greatest first dance songs of all time.
- The Heartfelt Tribute: “Dance With My Father” – Luther Vandross. Co-written with Richard Marx and released in 2003, this song is a beautiful, tear-jerking mainstay for father-daughter dances. It’s a powerful tribute to the bond between a parent and child.
- The Epic Duet: “Endless Love” – Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey. This 1994 cover of the Lionel Richie/Diana Ross classic is Luther’s biggest pop hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It brings together two of the greatest voices in history for a truly show-stopping wedding moment.
- The Modern R&B Classic: “Power of Love/Love Power” – Luther Vandross. This 1991 medley reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a great choice for a grand entrance or an upbeat slow dance, celebrating the transformative power of love.
Expert DJ Tips for a Luther Set
- The Cover Master: Luther had a gift for taking existing hits and making them “his.” His version of “Always and Forever” (1994) and “A House Is Not a Home” (1981) are often preferred by couples over the originals because of his signature soulful delivery.
- R&B Chart Toppers: For a more rhythmic set, don’t overlook his #1 R&B hits like “Any Love” (1988) or “Stop to Love” (1986). These are perfect for keeping a soulful groove going during the dinner service.
- The “Power” Medley: If you want a song that starts romantic but builds in energy, “Power of Love/Love Power” is a fantastic choice that encourages guests to join the couple on the floor.
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Luther Vandross Highest Charting Billboard Hits
R&B
- #1 “Never Too Much”, 1981
- #1 “Stop to Love”, 1986
- #1 “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” (with Gregory Hines), 1987
- #1 “Any Love”, 1988
- #1 “Here and Now”, 1989
- #1 “Power of Love/Love Power”, 1991
- #1 “The Best Things in Life Are Free” (with Janet Jackson, BBD and Ralph Tresvant), 1992
- #3 “Bad Boy”/”Having a Party” (Medley), 1982
- #3 “Give Me the Reason”, 1986
- #3 “She Won’t Talk to Me”, 1988
- #3 “For You to Love”, 1989
- #4 “If This World Were Mine” (with Cheryl Lynn), 1982
- #4 “Til My Baby Comes Home”, 1985
- #4 “It’s Over Now”, 1985
- #4 “Don’t Want to Be a Fool”, 1991
- #5 “Superstar”/”Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (Medley), 1984
- #5 “Treat You Right”, 1990
- #5 “Your Secret Love”, 1996
Love Songs List
Dance With My Father
Released in 2003 on the album Dance with My Father.
The song was written along with one of his close friends, Richard Marx. The song is a tribute to Luther’s father. Dance With My Father is a mainstay at wedding receptions to be played for the father-daughter dance.
I’d play a song that would never ever end
‘Cause I’d love love love to
Dance with my father again
Here And Now
Released in 1989 on the album The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love.
Here and Now was a wedding super hit in the 1990s and was played at thousands of weddings as the first dance song for wedding couples. Here and Now peaked and number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Here and now
I vow to be one with thee, hey
Your love is all I need
Power of Love/Love Power
Released in 1991 on the album Power Of Love.
The song did reach number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
You’ve got to believe in love
It’s a feeling that’s next to none
Can’t stop until we are one
With the power of love
Always And Forever
The song was originally released in 1977 by the band Heatwave.
Released in 1994 on the album Songs
Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true
Endless Love
(Duet with Mariah Carey)
The song was originally released in 1981 as a duet with Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Released in 1994 on album Songs.
Endless Love is Luther Vandross’ biggest pop hit and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
You’d be the only one
Cause no, I can’t deny
This love I have inside
And I’ll give it all to you
My love
The Best Things In Life Are Free
(Duet with Janet Jackson)
Released in 1992 on the soundtrack of Mo’ Money.
No more than you’re willing to give
‘Cause you won’t pay nothin’
For this good lovin’
It’s for free
There’s Nothing Better Than Love
(Duet with Gregory Hines)
Released in 1986 on the album Give Me The Reason.
So let yourself reach for that star
And go no matter how far
To the one you love
To love
A House Is Not A Home
The song was originally released in 1964 by Dionne Warwick.
Released in 1981 on the album Never Too Much.
Are you gonna be in love with me
I want you and need to be, yeah
Still in love with me
Say you’re gonna be in love with me
Any Love
Released in 1988 on the album Any Love.
The song did reach #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B charts.
Love is sweet and so divine
And I can’t wait for my love life to shine
Can anybody tell me where I can find
Any love
Love The One You’re With
The song was first released in 1970 by Folk singer Stephan Stills.
Released in 1994 on album Songs.
And if you can’t be
With the one you love
Honey, love the one you’re with
Luther Vandross Spotify Playlist
Have a favorite Luther Vandross love song or party song? Please share your song below in the comments.
