We are up to our sixth show. And to think, no one thought it would last.
This show pays tribute to two of the leading lights of the ‘80s-Rick James and Luther Vandross. As unlikely bedfellows as these two men are, the fact is that they made some of the decade’s defining music. Rick’s hardcore funk filled in the gap between Parliament/Funkadelic and Prince, and he also made waves as a talent scout/producer for artists like The Mary Jane Girls, The Stone City Band and Teena Marie. Luther, meanwhile, initially made his name as a background singer and vocal arranger. Bowie’s “Young Americans”, Chic’s “Le Freak”, Sister Sledge’s “He’s The Greatest Dancer” and Irene Cara’s “Fame” all featured heavy vocal contributions from LV. At age thirty, in 1981, he released his first solo album, Never Too Much, and it made him a household name. From that point until 1998 (a span of 11 albums), everything he released went Gold or Platinum. Luther was also a producer of renown, helming sessions for Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Teddy Pendergrass, among others.
On the show, you’ll hear Rick and Luther’s key hits and album tracks, and you’ll also hear many of their productions for others. Enjoy the show!