Culture
Today's Google Doodle Honors Legendary Singer Luther Vandross On His 70th Birthday
20th April 2021 by BOTWC Staff

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20th April 2021 by BOTWC Staff
You can never have too much Luther!
Today's Google Doodle celebrates the late, great Luther Ronzoni Vandross on what would have been his 70th birthday. Designed by Atlanta-based artist Sam Bass, the video illustrates his music's enduring legacy on people and the culture. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer captured the essence of romantic, platonic, and familial love for listeners across the generational divide.
Vandross was born April 20, 1951, in New York City and began writing music at 13, inspired by iconic singers such as Dionne Warwick. He started his career singing background for Roberta Flack, and he launched his solo music career in 1981 with the chart-topping single "Never Too Much." His 14 subsequent albums all went platinum or multi-platinum. He was a consummate performer, having a hand in every part of the show, from set design to background singer's costumes.
He left a hole in our hearts and the music industry when he passed away in 2005, two years after suffering a stroke.
Happy 70th birthday, Luther Vandross!
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) April 20, 2021
Today's music video #GoogleDoodle celebrates the award-winning singer, songwriter, & producer, whose "Velvet Voice" has romanced generations 🎙
🎨 by guest artist and animator @artbysambass → https://t.co/ki6f440ED7 pic.twitter.com/GYEMiUMnq9
So glad Luther Vandross gets the Google doodle on what would have been his 70th. Also, not enough people are aware that he sang the hands down best version of The Impossible Dream https://t.co/ky2lInYFkV
— Wesley (@WesleyLowery) April 20, 2021
💜 😢
— Adrienne she/her (@soulpowercoach) April 20, 2021
I cried.
Seriously. Y'all don't even understand.
Go to Google & hit play.
👑 Happy 70th Birthday Luther Vandross! pic.twitter.com/4sF5aTjdUG
This made me tear up a little. Well done @Google Happy Worthday #LutherVandross G.O.A.T 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/T83QuPdhZN
— Regina King (@ReginaKing) April 20, 2021
Happy 70th Birthday to the LEGENDARY Luther Vandross! This surprise appearance he made on The Arsenio Hall Show will always be iconic! pic.twitter.com/DyVnKA2tbb
— 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒸𝒶 (@MJFINESSELOVERR) April 20, 2021
I am going to cry today. Even before my 2nd shot this afternoon... https://t.co/nSdztLFp6i
— brownjuice (@brownjuice) April 20, 2021
Wow. I still remember the moment Never Too Much played on the radio for the first time. Talk about a multi-generational hit. Everybody in my family loved that album.
— Brittany Humphrey (@BevsKid1) April 20, 2021
💕🎤 https://t.co/ZEV9rrcdRz
LUTHER🙌🏽 I miss him so much.🥺 HBD https://t.co/mZ2w0V1vZx
— Usher’s Accountant (@Glitterandspit) April 20, 2021
💛✨wish he had more time here https://t.co/fsNAryu66F
— ✨Dora Winifred Read (@dioruadore) April 20, 2021
I love this for him! Rip Luther Vandross💛 https://t.co/loE1wdnXVF
— B. 👑 (@TheBrieAgency) April 20, 2021
Well done, @GoogleDoodles and @artbysambass. Very well done! Happy Birthday, Luther! https://t.co/spB2XTw6p2
— Denise Reese (@DeniseReeseVO) April 20, 2021
Today’s @GoogleDoodles created by Atlanta-based guest artist Sam Bass, celebrates the 70th birthday of multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, AND producer Luther Vandross. ♥️👑
— #blkcreatives netwrk🏁- wear a mask (@blkcreatives) April 20, 2021
Thx @jentrification for bringing it to our attention! https://t.co/TYl3kPBAZh pic.twitter.com/85iYvHuRah
So happy to see Luther Vandross being honored by Google today! His voice, music and showmanship remain unmatched.
— Queen of Zamunda (@HouseJones_) April 20, 2021
Happy birthday Luther!!🎉❤️#nevertoomuch https://t.co/h2WmTHS22R
Today would've been Luther Vandross' 70th birthday and Google NAILED the assignment. pic.twitter.com/HJLZv9s0Mz
— GirlTyler (@sheistyler) April 20, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️loves that they showed him being played at the cookout cuz he is def on the Black cookout playlist https://t.co/HZmdn3Vc1e
— ✊🏾 (@TyChantelle) April 20, 2021
On his heavenly 70th bday, we're celebrating legendary multi-platinum singer, songwriter & producer, @luthervandross with ENDLESS LOVE!
— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) April 20, 2021
In this #ApolloArchives clip, he reminisces on losing at #AmateurNightApollo 4 times (with THAT voice?!) & then performs alongside Boy George. pic.twitter.com/W64Il0KVgu
We'll love you always and forever, Luther. Your legacy lives on!