Reference Number
ARC-0385
Level of description
collection
Title
Luther Vandross Collection (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Collection)
Date
circa 1987, 2000-2003, undated
Size
1.34 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Luther Vandross Collection spans the years circa 1987, 2000 to 2003, and includes undated materials. The collection includes a 2003 letter from Clive Davis to Vandross regarding a track by Shep Crawford, "Buy Me a Rose," and a new song by Harold Lilly, "Got You Home;" undated handwritten lyrics, song lists, and photocopied performance and recording notes for "My Sensitivity (Gets in the Way)," "If Only For One Night," "It's Over Now," "'Til My Baby Comes Home," "Creepin'," "Wait For Love," and "The Night I Fell In Love;" handwritten orchestration for "Never Too Much;" a poster for an appearance at the Hammersmith Odeon, circa 1987; and the contents of two binders of tour documents from 2000 and 2001. The tour documents include information on pyrotechnics, stage and set design, lighting and sound design, and catering; as well as requirements for hired crew, technical specifications, travel itineraries, venue maps and contact information, site plans, and invoices, contracts, and licenses. The collection will be of most use to those interested in Vandross' later career and artistic process.
Biography / Administrative History
Luther Vandross was one of the most successful R&B artists of the 1980s and 1990s. Over the course of his career, Vandross scored a series of multi-million-selling albums containing chart-topping hit singles. He performed to sold-out tours of the U.S. and around the world. Vandross also took charge of his music creatively, writing or co-writing most of his songs, and arranging and producing his own records. He performed these functions for other artists as well, providing them with their own hits. He was, however, equally well known for his distinctive interpretations of classic pop and R&B songs, reflecting his knowledge and appreciation of the popular music of his youth. Possessed of a smooth, versatile tenor voice, he charmed millions with his romantic music.
Notes
Citation: [Identification of Item], Luther Vandross Collection (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Collection), Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist. Completed June 25, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Acquisition Note: The Luther Vandross Collection was purchased by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., from the Estate of Luther Vandross through Dawson & Nye Auctioneers and Appraisers in 2007.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
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