Women Mourn Worldwide Tonight

For Luther Vandross is dead:

Grammy award winner Luther Vandross, whose deep, lush voice on such hits as "Here and Now" and "Any Love" sold more than 25 million albums while providing the romantic backdrop for millions of couples worldwide, died Friday. He was 54.

Vandross died at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., said hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh. He did not release the cause of death.

Since suffering a stroke in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003, the R&B crooner stopped making public appearances - but amazingly managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the bittersweet "Dance With My Father."

Vandross, who was still in a wheelchair at the time, delivered a videotaped thank you.


"Remember, when I say goodbye it's never for long," said a weak-looking Vandross. "Because" - he broke into his familiar hit - "I believe in the power of love."

Can't say I was a fan, but I don't think I was in the, ahem, target audience. Note how WordGirl beat me to the punch.