John Salley on Friendship with Luther Vandross, Luther Feeling He Couldn't Come Out as Gay (Part 28)

[@johnniedillard4316]

I believe most black people knew Luther was gay...but what he didn't know was...WE DIDN'T CARE! His voice and the songs he sang was AMAZING...RIP

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

Most People knew his was Gay not just blacks Moron!

[@markfrank5937]

💯

[@johnnyblingg]

@@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551 bruh stop bitching

[@godson5877]

Exactly

[@margaretwhite444]

Exactly no one should tell your story but you he's not here now they need to leave that alone

[@justlikebck5162]

Every black person I know knew Luther was gay nobody give a fuck he’s a legend point blank

[@yellagirl419]

Right thats some industry stuff those higher ups be the main ones telling artist they cant date,cant be married, cant be pregnant, cant be gay or their records wont sell meanwhile the public dont be giving a damn we only cared about the music Period "The Voice"

[@174mars]

That’s so true. Back in the 90s my mom told me Hey Luther is gay but it’s okay

[@thesaintst1851]

Totally agree! Massive legend sorely missed

[@rosilynmakeba1092]

P.E.R.I.O.D!

[@phantasm541]

Facts no one cares he is legend And will never be replaced…..

[@eazyecurry8749]

I could care less what Luther sexuality was he had a voice out of this world and his songs are timeless

[@ivorysteele]

Fa real. It was kinda obvious. But he kept to himself. And people including heterosexual should quit with the sexual stuff in the videos. Give us the music and let us enjoy and understand for ourselves

[@ivorysteele]

@MANSQUITO you going too far.

[@coolman5242]

@@ivorysteele fr, he came out of nowhere with that

[@Lovely-si6sw]

Ever so often I type in Luther Vandross "A House is not a Home live", right here on YT. When he's standing there in that tux, FINE as F. singing to Dionne Warwick at the NAACP awards(when the camera pans out, you see a young Janet Jackson looking like she's reminiscing on something sensual) Dionne sheds a tear (just like I did the first and second time I saw it), you know you are witnessing greatness. The crowd was eating out of the palm of his hand. I see what my Mama and aunties use to get so excited about.

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

@@ivorysteele So what about romantic stuff? Both straights and gays allowed to put that in videos according to you or just the straights?

[@nikawallace5876]

We never cared if Luther was gay... all we know is that he can Sang his Ass off... RIP to one of the best R&B singer to ever do it🙏🏿

[@chrystalcarter8069]

There will never be another. I really wish I could get another Luther album!

[@nikawallace5876]

@@chrystalcarter8069 I was thinking the same thing... was hoping he had left some music behind and someone could have put out another one of his albums. There is literally no one left who can make you feel the way he did

[@alucardvekkia3966]

@Aaron James Everyone has the right to be open about their life, and gay people have been judged heavily for that for years and years

[@demo7457]

We all knew that Queen Latifah was gay.

[@nikawallace5876]

@@demo7457 I agree

[@nellienell924]

Luther was a private person ! He never denied or confirmed anything!! His life was his business!! Love you Luther !

[@vanettajohnson1864]

Facts!!!!

[@shamondavis406]

@nellienell924 Couldn't agree more!!

[@nellienell924]

@ I love Luther I always sing to his songs !! He was big part of my childhood growing his music being played

[@alp.comedian6314]

Luther: he never told us he was gay because it was none of our business.

[@kimnkayscakes8265]

Exactly 🤷🏾‍♀️💯

[@whatwouldezrado]

Thank you!!

[@cheetahgirlfan32]

Right

[@robert.mills5]

Exactly!!! Nobody business but his...

[@hlongshlongs8729]

Exactly 💯.. loved Luther very talented

[@KARS215]

Who cares if Luther was gay. His music is timeless!

[@thesaintst1851]

Agreed

[@mwiggins0014]

I knew he waa but didn't care. Just like George Michael. Loved them both and their music.

[@LittleJacob208]

There is a popular misconception that the black community is homophobic. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was a open secret everyone new he was gay but we didn’t care his music was quality.

[@coachrobinson9958]

@@LittleJacob208 his music helped me/wife get six children. As far as him being gay: he never came onto me. 😊

[@cassandrajames3793]

Fact!

[@RedRedDaDon]

" A House is not a Home " at the NAACP Awards was the best live performance of all time.

[@ChocolateQueen225]

Gives me chills everytime

[@chrystalcarter8069]

Yes an amazing and timeless performance!

[@1980starjustice]

Yup, the 1988 naacp awards I rewatched it for the first time since I was a kid like two months ago and I can’t stop watching it….that type of voice and talent is what’s missing in music today….no one captivates me the way the artist from back in the day does…there’s a TALENT GAP 💯

[@howardbell1364]

"A House is not a Home" at the NAACP awards in 1988 by Luther Vandross, is definitely one of, if not the greatest live solo performances. When the recording camera showed through the audience, some of the "greatest" artists(a young Janet Jackson, the great Dionne Warwick, Quincy Jones among others) seemed visibly blown away by the delivery. Greatness.

[@Dougie19xx]

Yes lawd!!!! Dionne Warwick was about to slide out her seat!

[@cryospiral]

Gay or not Luther Vandross had one of the best voices in the history of planet Earth. Understanding him not coming out publicly may have been a business decision but I think it's unfortunate that he was never allowed to fully be himself.

[@Ghanaquankel2776]

He was allowed to be himself. I never heard black people question if Luther was gay or not when he was alive they focused only on his music. When Luther died that is when his sexuality came more to questions.

[@general52]

@@Ghanaquankel2776 What are you talking about?!?🤣🤣 They ALWAYS questioned his sexuality!

[@nickarnez4503]

@@general52 The Man had a song called "Dance with my Father" 🤔

[@shametrickpowell6918]

@@nickarnez4503 was not a song about a relationship or gay relationship with a man that was a song about wishing his father was in his life

[@nickarnez4503]

No straight brotha is making a song called " Dance with my Father" it says everything

[@robertwilliamsjr.2452]

Vlad misses out on key info because he’s always trying to outtalk his guest.

[@jamesgibson3716]

He's bad, but he's not worst than Nore (Drink Champs)...that dude is a horrible interviewer.

[@timcampbell4132]

@@jamesgibson3716 Agreed, NORE, but, still come on his brand is "Drink" Champs, his interviewing style fits that. It's NOT LIKE he's on the OWN network, interviewing Will Packer.

[@jamesgibson3716]

@@timcampbell4132 you still gotta give your guests a chance to fully answer questions.

[@N4divers]

@@timcampbell4132 it's funny when NORE asks a question but then interrupts the person and starts talking lol

[@ebonyepps2261]

Him and Nore on Drink Champs, always interrupting guests.

[@chrishorton6874]

My pops was luthers drummer until 87 when he died and it was no big ass secret.The stylists on tour,and plenty of staff was clearly gay.He was one of the greatest male vocalists ever but he was a KNOWN male diva.

[@BHampden]

My Pops was Luther’s drummer that followed yours after 87 until his death. Yogi was your dad, no? We should chat bro

[@shonmosley4215]

@@BHampden Exactly lol Yogi was thee Man!

[@alfonzojarmonii3876]

I remember reading about your dad’s death in Jet magazine when I was a child

[@ispeakmucho]

@@BHampden wow that's crazy both of yall

[@terikathomas2131]

Omg. Did you ever meet Mr. vandross?

[@lb1798]

Luther's voice fits NO CATEGORY Whitney's voice fits NO CATEGORY THEY WERE the category!!!

[@BLACKSHAMPU]

💯

[@funnybones2677]

Right On 👍🏾

[@shanwills718]

No lies told 💯

[@chuuuchify]

Luther being gay was the worse kept secret. U can't compete with them vocals tho!!! Big Luufah was on a whole nother planet when it came to singing.

[@barnyard4068]

Absolutely!!¡ it was obvious that Luther was gay!!¡ Amazing voice and performer!

[@chuuuchify]

@@barnyard4068 One of the greats!!!

[@kedavis]

"Luufah" YES!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@hershall_3162]

Moms put me on Luther back in the day. That “A house is not a home” used to stay on repeat on family trips. Whole car just yelling lol

[@hershall_3162]

@MANSQUITO Different strokes for different folks 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@mnoell35]

“Whole car just yelling!”😂😂😂😂

[@landonwoods7250]

And I mean whole car yelling 😂...

[@yezmirsheppard-halika6892]

ARE YOU GOOONNNNAAA BE IN LOOOOOOVE WITH MEEEEEEE🤣🤣

[@lebronshairline4768]

Okaaay. Moms put me on as a kid. I’ve loved Luther ever since

[@AlyMckininn]

Can we talk about how Salley is a great man for being as understanding as he was and also being a sports icon!?! We need to normalize stellar men who know who they are and feel comfortable talking about friends, family and strangers with such regards and love, support and respect! You’re a good guy Mr John Salley!

[@Awillii]

Thats how humans should be

[@terranceparris4169]

Life is not about who makes the most money its about getting old : because getting old is a gift ;that right there is a quote that is PRICELESS

[@joycewilliams7393]

You are right. God, love, and life are more precious than any amount of money.

[@krissmgvlogs]

I don't blame Luther for keeping his sexuality under wraps, it would have over-shadowed his career.

[@marilynschneider7691]

If he wanted to keep his personal life private, that was his choice and his business alone. I loved Luther. There will NEVER be another. I miss him so much. R.I.P. Luther, you were LOVED! 💕

[@meghanmisaliar]

Hush Karen

[@congokinshasa3519]

What recklessness to talk lightly about the private life of a deceased legend just to gain views and make money.

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

John Salley should never talk about Luther's personal business if Luther never spoke about it publicly. The black community knew and we loved Luther and his music.

[@brandondavenport562]

What about the business between suge and Ray j

[@rasulparrish5578]

I totally agree.. even in death, character is relevant

[@josephmiller1576]

If you listen carefully Sally made a humble comment about luther sexuality. . Don't bash john Sally

[@yezmirsheppard-halika6892]

I think he knows Luther couldn't be free then, it was a way of vindicating him because society is more accepting of it today.

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

@@yezmirsheppard-halika6892 Luther Vandross needed no vindication. It was an open "secret" whom Luther preferred and the majority of fans were fine with it. Luther knew he gave women that fantasy of romance, he had spoken about it.

[@murryjm]

I completely agree with John Salley. Why heterosexual men hate gay people puzzles me particularly from a personal interest standpoint…It only means that there are more available women to choose from.

[@billygriffin1055]

Cause it's weird..the end..lol

[@gp4824]

Exactly

[@films5555]

Because these men are in the closet & threatened by gay sexuality.

[@mariahyohannes]

@@billygriffin1055 that's subjective. Anyway STRAIGHT men aren't thinking about what other men decide to do behind closed doors

[@billygriffin1055]

@@mariahyohannes ...how the heck you know what it is to be a Man? Go take up for your love ones else where...it's nasty in my book, I don't care what laws are passed! Ok?

[@kevinharris3993]

Who care who Luther sleeps with? His voice was amazing & that is what made him a legend. However I think a real friend should respect the privacy of a person even in death. I think if Luther didn't want the world to know he was sleeping with, Salley should respect that.

[@devanshepard9118]

i see why salley said it though cause it did show how different people are compared to today vs the 80s

[@lynnvictor3188]

I think we all knew he was gay but loved him for the AMAZING artist he was. Love John Sally for this ! I’ll also say, Luther was a GROWN man about whatever his preference was and kept the right folk in his camp. Think about it --no one ever sold a story on him to Enquirer and no “lover” as ever popped up ….even since he died !

[@dallasplays897]

Nobody cares about Luther’s sexuality. Let the man rest in peace. The body of work he gifted to this world is all that matters. There will never be another Luther! He was the master of love songs no matter who we think he was singing to. His music touched your heart.

[@336Supreme]

John has an understanding heart

[@Lee-ue5bd]

I always tell my kids Luther was the greatest ballad singer ever.

[@RodGRoy]

John: I'm telling you something as a friend don't look it up. Vlad: I'm looking it up right now!!!

[@jason.d4025]

Luther Vandross was one of the world best male singers of all time and there will never be another one I still listing to his music to this day I remember going to his full concert back in 1997 I was about 15 years old at the time but may he rest in peace 🙏🏽🕊️

[@rizzadelphia4450]

I remember that awards ceremony... stevie was showing off then luther hit him with the woooooooooooaaaahhhhhhh

[@sasfiremaiden840]

Luther had a beautiful voice. There will NEVER be another R&B artist who can hold a candle to him!!!❤️

[@jboone7570]

You got that right...NEVER

[@michellerosebrown]

"Never Too Much" 🌹

[@AB_Jax]

Luther's voice is unmatched

[@kendrickbell8525]

"Excuse me miss, what's your name", made him prevalent in the 2000's.🎵

[@k.y3551]

He was already prevalent

[@stephanieray7205]

One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Luther songs!!!! When he hits that low note at the very beginning of the song... whew chile... I LOVE IT!!!

[@shumonjohnson6077]

Aye! "Can I take you out tonight" 🎶

[@sondante3429]

" So close to paradise, closer than I should I be. Come along for the ride, it happened unexpectedly." 🎶🎤

[@biddybop8515]

💃🏿

[@shelly1432]

We all knew just like DaBrat, Queen Latifah & others before then. It was just like that back in the day.

[@mg19cal]

Da Brat may be full gay NOW, but ask Iverson how gay she was when he was smashing

[@shelly1432]

@@mg19cal Oh snap😁 I forgot she use to mess with him back in the day.

[@mg19cal]

@@shelly1432 Iverson had Da Brat AND Nas baby mom, around the same time frame too. AND was married. This man rolled like stone gathering ZERO moss 😁

[@thegoose2724]

@@mg19cal Who's to say that he really smashed Brat? It could've all been done out of friendship. A friend keeping a friends secret and allowing the public to think whatever they may choose. That goes on a helluva lot more than we'll ever know and that is why the only business we all should be concerned with is our own. That is the one true business that anyone really and truly knows!!!!! Out

[@geraldjohnson3216]

A waist of pussy..dam all these men are looking for a beautiful women but they want to rub fur pies and eat the nappy dugout and wearing a strap on just get a man.

[@TASIAawful1]

He still is my most favourite male singer a voice so beautiful rest in peace Luther we miss you

[@Biggdoom344]

I heard the Luther is gay rumors and didn’t believe them. Then he recorded secret love. At that point it hit me he wasn’t singing about a woman he was creeping with, but about a man leading a double life.

[@mrwhite77781]

Creeping

[@tamikasmith4329]

😳......thanks for ruining a perfectly good sidepiece song 🙄😏

[@stroop3666]

He was NOT leading a double life. He was always with men. I could care less, i miss that voice!!! I miss the QUEEN OF SOUL, ARETHA FRANKLIN TOO!!!

[@westloopcounseling9937]

...also "Power Of Love".

[@brittanyspencer205]

Wow💀

[@richardgentry6996]

Judge artists by their work not by sexual orientation

[@feb111980mhh]

Unless they're dancing naked in a shower prison scene with a bunch of other men.

[@rODIUMuk]

If that was the case , most artists out wouldn’t have careers though

[@xyrw236]

Saw Luther in concert 8 times. Never cared who he slept with once he left the stage.

[@TRaider66]

8 times!! Wow I’m envious. I was born in 1980 and Luther is my favorite male vocalist. I wish I could have seen him just once.

[@coastersandcars63]

You could say I taught John Salley tolerance and acceptance. Back during college days, he called me a FAQ once then later apologized profusely! Our paths cross maybe once a decade now but I actually consider him one of the coolest dudes I've ever met!

[@irasoul2023]

Who cares about Luther Vandross's sexuality the man is a true legend that gave us timeless music 🎶 his music and legacy will always live on

[@wiggywil]

A show of hands of folks who KZbind their FAVORITE Luther Vandross song after this piece.....

[@1980starjustice]

Never stopped listening to Luther……there was no need to revisit…..Luther stays in rotation in the house, the car….his music is everywhere 💯

[@gnickshiphop]

I don't think John should've divulged that Luther was gay. If he didn't make that public I would've let it die with him. I guess he was speaking Luther's truth for him in some respect though

[@weidaingram2325]

Luther was a private person, I think that statement he made about Luther is his opinion. True friends do not tear down each other. I have yet to hear someone say Luther was his lover.. Luther was a loner.

[@kedavis]

John & Vlad really shared some gems in this interview, especially towards the end.

[@THINKBIGc]

How John Salley and TK Kirkland know everybody🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@krazysmooth4]

That’s what happens when you been around for so long🤣🤣

[@gabrieltalavera8692]

He mentions that's what friends are for and I literally just watched that performance with Whitney right before I watched this. I take it as a divine sign for me to keep singing. Luther was definitely an inspiration. 🙏

[@larrygarcia1577]

I don't care if Luther was Gay. I loved his voice and his music . I have made love to his music too many times to remember. He had the voice of an Angel . Another Music Legend gone way to soon .RIP Luther

[@daniellefunderburg9277]

The ultimate goal is to hear, well done my good and faithful servant when we face Yah.

[@wkatc007]

Only for certain religious folks

[@ezmereldagerard6999]

Luther Vandross is the most gifted talented singer. I would listen to him sing a phone book. I love Luther Vandrose ♥ always have! His voice and talent are one in a million!! WE ALL STILL MISS LUTHER!! ❤💚💖💛💙💜💞💐💐💐💐

[@deniseelalala85]

What a talent he was, I bet if he was still here, he could still sing his azz off. He'd be in his 70s now.

[@rachelderenoncourt3881]

From the African-American confederation we knew Luther, Da Brat and Latiffa were gay many moons ago and we loved them regardless. My friends husband was best-friends with the basketball coach at an HBCU and knew Latiffa was gay because her girlfriend was on the team an Latiffa would visit her all the time. Then I moved from Florida to New York I had a friend whose cousin was at the gay clubs and confirmed that she was gay. Though Latiffa would not go in the clubs, she would be parking lot pimpin!’ Haha!! By the way Vlad is the FEDS!!!

[@graphitepoo]

Da brat is bi, she talked about dating AI back in the day.

[@JayEP86]

Yup

[@rachelderenoncourt3881]

@@graphitepoo and Kurt Frost though I don’t think she was bi. I think she hadn’t quite figured things out just yet.

[@aprilrae6551]

I always knew Latifa was a Lesbian. She looked like one.

[@Jcrash71]

Blk ppl are not supportive of gay artists lol, please stop

[@littlemikeism]

When Luther sang, nothing else mattered.

[@Ghanaquankel2776]

Someone not coming out saying they're gay doesn't mean they're not gay. Queen Latifah had been on Earth for 50 years and had never took the stage to announce she was gay until we saw her with her girlfriend couple of weeks ago. Good point John Salley.

[@thekorsh4230]

But why are so many stars gay? I don't get it.

[@Ghanaquankel2776]

@@thekorsh4230 Your question is kind of like asking why are so many white Americans racist as hell. The hell if anyone knows.

[@ernestcoleman1821]

But we all knew just like the brat

[@Ghanaquankel2776]

@@ernestcoleman1821 Yeah u r right. We all knew Da Brat was.

[@audreyphillips1795]

It doesn't matter if he was or wasn't. Nobody worries about who we have intimacy and I am not worried about their choices either. He was talented we love him and miss him.

[@Jay_Dickenson]

The best male vocalist to ever do it. Unfortunately, more people cared about his sexuality than didn’t and that’s still an issue in 2025.

[@Keysala79]

I really like Mr Sally on the show, conversation feels so dope

[@ErnieTimmons-fn7ng]

It blows my mind how people were always trying to get in Luther's business. Questioning luthers sexual preference, his weight and the interviewers and comedians comments about him were not only ridiculous, but ignorant. Luther Vandross was one of the greatest singers and anyone who was saying these things about this man should be ashamed of themselves! We were all lucky to have him in our lives and I can only hope that we have another performer that sings so beautiful.We were all blessed to here his voice. R.I.P Luther I know you didn't find the love of your life,but we all loved you.

[@kennethsimmons4072]

One of the best voices ever, ever, ever, ever on this planet and "GOD BLESSED "him with an amazing voice and who ever got the opportunity to hear him sing heard one of the "GREATEST "

[@SimplyZBest2000]

"That's what friends are for" was the song he was referring to. Completely 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sipnog3528]

Same happened to Mark Feehily during Westlife early years. When he finally came out his band mates and his fans applauded him for being brave and he did find out that his fans didn't care, they just loved him for his talent and the person he is.

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

That's because he had to build a fanbase with hetero catering music and videos. If he came out the gate singing about men and having men as love interests in videos, even with the same looks and talent, the reactions would've been different. Let's be real here. People was ignang as hell even then when Westlife was big. Nowadays it's easier sure.

[@jeffreyrepace785]

Luther came from a different era...Manilow too. Afraid to admit the obvious out of fear. But true fans don't care!

[@croberts30]

This is the same thing Lil Uzi Vert is going thru....he's OBVIOUSLY gay but he can't come out because he thinks people won't like his music anymore

[@kjdnyhmghfvb]

Nah he isnt Gay...he's just toxic

[@lionofjudah4028]

Lol

[@nickarnez4503]

And Young Thug too

[@xxxmetalslugga5349]

How can you say that when lil Nas x exist

[@_unclecharles_]

nah vert not gay he just loves attention thats why he does all that flamboyant shit

[@controking8165]

“I’m finna look it up right now!” 🤦🏾‍♂️ Booyyyy you shoulda known 🤣🤣

[@yungcorleone2919]

Luther could’ve been an alien for all I care he was still an amazing artist wish I could have see him perform 🕊️

[@markosclark]

In my opinion. Luther had the greatest voice in RnB history. Gay or straight, you can’t take that away from him.

Luther’s voice was like velvet sooooo good, timeless!!

[@Audaugust]

I always thought Queen Latifa was gay

[@718empire]

I think it's unfair that people could come and talk about people's lives after they deaf if Luther vandross wanted everybody to know he was gay and his family wanted him to know everybody know he was gay they would have told him I don't think a distant friend that you seen once in awhile should have a right to get on TV shows and talk about your private life for some white guy to make money that shows me what kind of friend John Sally is if I told you something in confidence I'm expecting you to wait till I die and tell the world

[@zerotolerance923]

Its vlad why suprised

[@tal23-tanika3]

Exactly

[@StarPlatinumV]

Agreed. Luther could have been asexual, metro.... People say, I never saw him with woman. Well, no one has seen me with a woman for over 2 decades. I just don't want to date. I have been hurt many times. BUT, I get called gay or in the closet. Keep in mind: NO ONE HAS SEEN HIM KISSING OR DATING A MAN EITHER. So, I think it's messed up for others to "out" someone with no proof or evidence. It's just ANOTHER attack on black males.

[@malikg7757]

@@StarPlatinumV no he was gay it's just we didn't care

[@rODIUMuk]

It’s widely documented . He killed his young lover in a car crash

[@aqueenceereid4249]

Everyone knew it, Wayne Brady, everyone knew it. There are just some folks who just can't hide it like they think they are.

[@mr.e347]

Luther is greatest vocalist of all time. Period. Love his voice his music. Maybe he wasnt as famous as some celebrities.

[@mnoell35]

Gregory Hines ft. Luther “There’s nothing better than love.” Greatest duo of all time!

[@navivwilkins3266]

People say who cares, but during that time when he first started performing Black folks would have cared and it would have hurt his career if not destroyed it. The closet is a dark lonely place. People should let folks be who they are without judgement.

[@KultivateWitKah]

Essentially that Would Mess up his career because his audience was mainly woman of all ages and he Mainly didn’t want to disappoint his mother.

[@Carvel0]

John Sally know all the dl brothers. Sipping my tea

[@nemohoez871]

I'm convinced now I wason the fence his first 40 episodes

[@michaeln3936]

"Sipping my tea" is something a gay man would say.

[@houseofgame5082]

Someone "knowing" alot of gay people means he or she is gay??? Nah you're just ignorant

[@Carvel0]

@@houseofgame5082 knowing gay people absolutely does not make you gay BUT if you know that this person is DL and that person's DL and this person is DL how do you know that all these people are DL 🤔🤔🤔

[@yoshikitakaya7871]

@@michaeln3936 or a woman....

[@michaelpeterson1928]

The Most Sadness emotions is hiding who you really are but being in America and reaching the Status of Famous could never ever allow people to really see, who or question your Love life

[@jasonjose255]

1st Soul Train Music Awards. Luther, Dionne, Stevie and Whitney "That's What Friends are For"

[@freedom1597]

People will never look past Gayness no matter how Fantastic they are. Luther Vandross never came out because it would have destroyed his image at the time.

[@BJN1253]

Thank you for saying this. All of these people on here saying that they didn't care that Luther was gay is lying. If Luther had come out back in the 80s they would have cared.

[@peaceseeker9927]

It was obvious all along Luther was gay, so that's no big revelation. But when I was young and heard Luther sing in person in a small auditorium I was stunned at the quality of his voice. I didn't know someone could sound like that. Other great black male vocalists get their credit but this man Luther was elite.

[@imthamost]

A Yooooo..... just checked out that performance he talked about with Luther, Whitney, Dionne, & Stevie ...OMG🤯 they all killed it. & Stevie did start the competition lol but Luther did what Luther always did... Extra killed it✌🏿

[@richierich3541]

Who cares about Luther’s personal life, he was a great singer, and a legend.

[@b.stewart4240]

If people didn’t say anything while he was alive, they need not comment now! RIP Luther

[@feedbackthemagazinellc3652]

The name of that song is: That’s what friends are for… Dionne Warwick, Whitney, Luther & Stevie Wonder.

[@dextersfinest175]

That's Elton John, not Luther Vandross

[@ricktoldonjr.7351]

Don't forget Elton Jon

[@eiddiegreen4148]

First let me say that in every duet I've ever seen her in. Whitney never intentionally out sang anyone. Pure class. Even though I'm sure she knew she could .

[@reneejr3650]

I remember John Salley in that "Can I Take U Out Tonight" video..Garcelle & Luther stepping..that video is 🔥🔥❤

[@TheStimie]

We all knew Luther was gay and nobody cared. Peace to the legend.

[@louisedory7725]

Luther was gorgeous too. So all the ladies loved that plus a phenomenal voice

[@joycewilliams7393]

Very handsome, dignified, and sexy The most beautiful smile 😁.

[@eastbee103]

Luther gave us love through his talent!! That is all that matters!!

[@xavierwilliams4119]

Rahsaan Patterson is openly gay but his music is insane.

[@jaimesmith2266]

Luther vandross is one of my all time favorite singers ever he was a master at covering other folks songs and making them his own whatever luther lifestyle choices was i never cared i just admired the mans talent.

[@Drew039]

Yeah, he Nat Adderley Jr., and Marcus Miller were geniuses when it came to remakes.

[@valeriehenderson627]

@Jaime I realize this is 2022, but I listen to Luther everyday. The words in a lot of his songs is pure poetry. He brought us all types of songs, sad, happy, party, he did it all. Peace and Blessings🌹

[@jgjg3848]

If Luther didn't put his person business out there, his friends should not be doing it either.

[@michellekarlene1131]

Come on now, someone tells you something in confidence, even in death you should keep that person:s confidence close your heart.

[@juggernautblue]

If Salley not gay he's the gay whisperer

[@valeriareed7234]

There was no reason for Luther to share what he was or was not sexually.......He shared his talent.......That is all that matters....

[@letakeokuk5446]

Luther and Patti Labelle covering Ashford and Simpson’s “Is it Still Good to You”. Amazing!!! I wish he didn’t have to hide who he was, he’d probably still be here…breaks my heart..💕💕

[@thamimaluki7586]

What do you think about Freddy Jackson?🤔

[@voraciouschild9226]

He died from diabetes according to certain sources.

[@fredriksmith3975]

seeing luther body usher and 98 degrees when he sang man in the mirror 20 years ago or so was just amazinf

[@Ben2bwild]

One of my favorite performances. 98 degrees were looking at him in awe lol

[@geraldtimberlake6709]

Luther was a Major talent....RIP

[@maxtheknife]

Luther was one of very few black artists selling back to back platinum records with zero support on the Pop side in the 80s. And these sales were mostly from black women. If he offically came out as gay, those platinum record sales would have come to a screeching halt! Im sure Sony kept him in the closet because they knew his black female fanbase would have abandoned him, even though they already knew he was gay. They just didnt want him to say it.

[@devanshepard9118]

Yep look at tevin Campbell

[@MrTorreyL]

His personal and aura was to women. Him admitting to gay would've taken away from that.

[@CelestialGatez]

Here we goooo. The industry is FULL of gays. That book "On My Way to Hollywood" by Roman Castle dropped all that tea about what he encountered in L.A. It shook the hell outta him. Imagine your career lagging because you refuse to get down. SMH. It is what it is. Everybody got they life.

[@CelestialGatez]

@Abe M. Being born and raised in L.A. means nothing. He told his story and it didn't sound so farfetched to me. Of course the industry is about making money. That's universal. But when you try to take advantage of someone who is trying to make an honest living it is disgusting.

[@voraciouschild9226]

@Abe M. They do blackball you. It's a form of control.

[@msmichelle2196]

The Bible says it best, the love of money is the root of all evil...hollyweird is a beast and no one survives it you either adapt for fame but you will always loose your soul, mind and body to remain in the spotlight

[@barnyard4068]

This life is definitely fleeting!

[@TemujinScott80]

It’s funny, Patti LaBelle is catching all the smoke. Again her and John were his friends.

[@chilezp]

Right!!

[@tyriaeliis738]

We loved Luther growing up. I’m sad he couldn’t live his truth

[@caleebpinkett6450]

Luther’s voice was better than Marvin’s. And I love Marvin but Luther was on a different level.

[@akeisesample2080]

Facts!

[@ymarley1180]

Diff sounds love em both

[@ivorysteele]

Nope. They are different. Marvin is cool as fuck. Luther is a ballad singer, not a set soul singer like Marvin Gaye

[@Hooperd2023]

Idk man Marvin is really in a league of his own.

[@cbkantron74]

This brings new awareness to who John Salley is in the entertainment World along with the sports world

[@JohnDoe-iv5ns]

4:19 John Salley: “But then Tyler The Creator” Vlad: he’s gay 🤣🤣🤣

[@misterbee66]

The greatest male vocalist of all time.

[@mg19cal]

I'm still trying to figure out why people even *CARE* if a person is gay or not

[@thebomb5629]

it's not about the person it's about gayism, it will be a controversial topic for a long time.

[@stickmanbw]

It stops bloodlines

[@joycewilliams7393]

1Corinthians 6:9

[@Cwm368]

Luther was gay at a time when it wasn't talked about as much and people didn't want to broach that subject. It's a shame it cost him so much happiness and stress in his life. How happy he could have been if he felt comfortable and able to live his life freely. It must have been so hard on him, his health.

[@vladimirjackson1272]

We ALWAYS knew he was gay and who cares! I met him and saw him on a date with a guy once in NY, I was also on a date! (with a woman of course) They were sitting at the booth behind me, literally, directly behind us. I had to just tell him how much I loved him and his music. He was such a nice and humble person! I still have the dinner receipt that he signed and I will NEVER sell it!

[@vladimirjackson1272]

@cornelius washington Bro, I have NO IDEA who he was with because, it was Luther! I could care less who he was with as they are pretty much invisible. Was just stating how I got to meet the man, sir.

[@Dallas3212]

I don't think there was any need for you to emphasize that it was a woman, Vladimir.

[@vladimirjackson1272]

@Dallas Destilworth Yeah, I really give AF about what YOU felt it was important to emphasize! I wanted to make it clear that IM STRAIGHT! You don't like that, that's too bad!

[@Dallas3212]

@@vladimirjackson1272 Vladimir, you implied that you don't care that Luther was gay, but yet felt the need to emphasize that you were straight as if you would be bothered by people thinking you were gay--it's just the tone of your message felt contradictory. It felt as if you were saying on the one hand who cares if Luther is gay, but on the other hand I CARE if people think I'm gay so let me ASSERT that I AM STRAIGHT! You feel me fam?

[@vladimirjackson1272]

@Dallas Destilworth You damn right, I want it known that I'm straight! What does me caring about what Luther or anyone else does have anything to do with what I want to make clear about me🤔 to each their own!