As celebrate the fathers and father figures of the world today, From The Vault journeys back to 2003, when one of the founding fathers of modern R&B was releasing his final album.
Today’s pick is ‘Dance With My Father’ by the late, great Luther Vandross.
‘Dance’ was one of many acclaimed gems that could be found on the four-time GRAMMY-winning album of the same name. Written by Vandross and Richard Marx, it dealt centered on happy childhood memories the singer had of his dad – who died due to complications of diabetes.
Because he was hospitalized at the time of the song’s release, Vandross wasn’t able to promote it. Still, it became one of the most requested songs at the time, and was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the Adult R&B Songs charts and peaked at #21 in the UK.
The video for the jam was shot while the singer was still hospitalized. It featured various famous friends of his, some appearing with their fathers, some with their kids and others alone with pictures of them and their deceased loved ones. Beyoncé, Monica, Brian McKnight, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, and Celine Dion all appear alongside many others.
Throwback images of Luther are also shown throughout the visual.
Before he passed in 2005, Luther Vandross was able, with this song and parent album, to remind the world that it was his unique brand of R&B that birthed a plethora of chart-topping artists. Put simply, that he was your favorite artist’s favorite artist.
We send love and light to all the kings out there. May they continue to teach, nurture and inspire us.
