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Darlene Love: ‘Luther Was The Greatest’

“Luther was the greatest, because he started out in the business as a background singer, so his sessions were always so much fun. He always had the greatest background singers. When it was time to work, we worked. He was never one of those people that was like, ‘Listen, I’m Luther Vandross, let’s get things straight.’ He was just one of the guys. Sometimes he’d come out and sing the background with us. He made up all the arrangements himself.” – Darlene Love

Read more at Vulture.

Announcing The Luther Vandross Estate’s ‘Power Of Love Experience’

The Luther Vandross Estate announces a partnership with Hidden Beach Experiences and Marcus Miller to create ‘The Power of Love Experience – A Tribute to the Life of Luther Vandross’

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Los Angeles, CA – The Luther Vandross Estate announces a partnership with Hidden Beach Experiences and Marcus Miller to create “The Power of Love Experience – A Tribute to the Life of Luther Vandross.”

Commemorating 10 years since the world lost the multiple award-winning vocalist, all three entities have engaged in an exclusive agreement to produce this musical narrative that will tour 15 U.S. markets.

During Vandross’ illustrious 35-year career, he sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, released 12 consecutive platinum/double platinum albums, won eight (8) GRAMMY® Awards and 31 nominations.

Known as the “Velvet Voice,” Rolling Stone Magazine named Vandross one of the “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” In 2014, he received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Power of Love Experience will be a semi-biographical story in song, featuring a who’s who of musical talent led by Marcus Miller, Vandross’ longtime musical director, co-songwriter and co-producer.

Plans for The Power of Love Experience include the creation of a mobile museum highlighting Vandross’ memorabilia and archival images and footage. In association with the estate, Hidden Beach will create The Vandross Award for vocal excellence, an award to be given to established as well as up and coming performing artists who exemplifying Vandross’ commitment to excellence, vocal performance and showmanship.

The Power of Love Experience will begin the first quarter of 2016 in major U.S. markets.
Steve McKeever, Hidden Beach Experiences CEO, said the upcoming event is the first of many housed under the company’s new division, “Guardians of Soul,” whose mission is to preserve and celebrate the legacies of R&B, Soul and Jazz icons.

“With current news headlines reminding us that our nation still has deep wounds in need of healing, we cannot think of a more appropriate time to celebrate the power of love – analogous with the life and legacy of Luther Vandross,” McKeever said. “Luther’s music and messages of love touched people around the globe. We are humbled and honored that the Luther Vandross Estate has entrusted us to create such an event.”

Marcus Miller, the world-renown bassist and UNESCO Artist for Peace, has performed with hundreds of artists. However, he said his experience working with Vandross, over the years, remains one of his most memorable experiences.

“I am blessed to have worked with many truly gifted artists but my time with Luther was perhaps my most fulfilling professionally and personally,” said the two-time GRAMMY Award recipient. “When I co-wrote and produced “Power of Love/Love Power” with Luther, neither of us knew the impact it would have nor that it would earn us both GRAMMY Awards. But Luther’s power (musical prowess) couldn’t be denied. I am truly honored to partner with Hidden Beach and the Luther Vandross Estate to celebrate my friend’s musical legacy through The Power of Love Experience.”

McKeever said this (Power of Love) experience opportunity was made possible by a relationship that has been nurtured between Hidden Beach, Miller and the Estate. The first endeavor, produced by the Guardians of Soul division was the coordination of activities surrounding Vandross’ posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.

“The Estate of Luther Vandross is excited to be working with such a creative team striving to showcase the music quality and depth that made Luther Vandross such a dominant R&B performer for a generation,” said Seveda Williams, one of the Estate’s board members.

“Luther always shone best under the spotlight of performing live and every new generation deserves the opportunity to hear how special Luther’s music is and how it was made so uniquely and timeless.”