Luther Vandross and Samara Joy sing across generations

It's Been a Minute

NPR

News Commentary, Society & Culture, News, Spirituality, Religion & Spirituality

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🗓️ 2 September 2023

⏱️ 40 minutes

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Summary

Music is all about pushing the envelope, and no one knew that more than Luther Vandross. His rendition of "A House is Not a Home" is so beloved, many fans don't even know it's a cover. His sound also laid the groundwork for many popular artists today, from Jazmine Sullivan to Beyoncé. Host Brittany Luse is joined by Craig Seymour, author of "Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross" to discuss Luther's impact and why his name isn't often in conversation with other greats - even though it should be.

Then, Brittany is joined by Grammy award-winning jazz singer Samara Joy. Samara talks about her album, Linger Awhile, and how she makes music that sounds timeless.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey everyone, you're listening to, it's been a minute from NPR, I'm Brittany Loose.
0:08.3	This week we're talking about a name that's been popping up in the headlines recently.
0:12.9	One of the musical greats, the premiere balladier, Luther Vantross.
0:23.0	In his lifetime he won eight Grammy awards and was nominated for 33.
0:28.6	Luther's music changed the sound of R&D.
0:31.5	He created a new standard and his songs have become a staple for just about every major
0:36.5	life event, weddings, family reunions, and even a few births.
0:42.0	This year also marks 20 years since Luther's last performance at Radio City Musical in
0:47.8	2003.
0:48.8	We're going to send them all for you tonight.
0:57.8	Two months later Vantross suffered a debilitating stroke and in 2005 passed away.
1:04.0	And though he lives on in our hearts and on our playlists, the icon status held by artists
1:09.6	like Whitney and Aretha has escaped Luther.
1:13.1	There's no Luther biopic, no tell-all memoir, no unsung episode.
1:17.8	But recently plans were announced for the first ever feature-length documentary on the legendary
1:22.4	singer's life and career, produced by Jamie Foxx, Colin Firth, and Sony Music.
1:27.8	Today, we're revisiting my conversation with veteran music journalist Craig Seymour,
1:33.5	author of Luther, the life and longing of Luther Vantross.
1:37.7	We make the case for why Luther should be on the Mount Rushmore of American Music.
1:46.4	Craig Seymour, welcome to it's been a minute, it's so great to have you.
1:49.8	Oh, thanks so much for having me, I'm so excited to be here.
1:53.6	We're about to talk one of my favorite topics, I definitely think he's one of your favorite
	...

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