Luther Vandross’ nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame would be one of his greatest honors, according to those who knew him best.
Marcus Miller, a legendary bassist and a longtime collaborator of Vandross, spoke with Billboard about the news of his nomination.
“He’d probably start figuring out what he’s going to wear. But like I said in the documentary [2024’s Luther: Never Too Much], he made no bones about wanting a Grammy. And when he got one, he was very proud,” Miller explained. “Being recognized was important to him — and this will be the icing on the cake.”
Miller said that Vandross crafted music in his own style because of “his love for love.
”We used to call all the songs he wrote ‘the Luther Vandross Book of Love.’ He just really valued love. It was the inspiration for most of his songs.”
David Gottlieb, Vandross’ estate manager, said the singer exemplifies everything that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stands for.
“This is the culmination of a long time coming. I’ve been with the estate since 2010, and it’s been on the to-do list. It’s also very easy to make Luther’s connection to rock and roll. David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ doesn’t happen without Luther in the room,” Gottlieb said.
“The song is the first top 40 hit that Bowie had, and Luther’s voice is all over that song and its structure. His credentials for being a singer, songwriter, producer, composer, everything. Isn’t that rock and roll? He personifies all of it.”
Along with Vandross, Sade, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan, and New Edition are among the nominees for the class of 2026.
John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, released a statement about the 2026 class.
This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces,” said Sykes.”And sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture.”