Who Did It Better? - Stevie Wonder vs. Luther Vandross (1974/1985)

[@jaeboston9228]

STEVIE...his rendition has so much emotional meaning to me. I lost my best friend, my brother in 75. He would always creep into my dreams just like STEVIE sang it. I cry to this day when I hear it. I miss you, Ricky.

[@bmuhamad]

Stevie is still the originator & innovator. Luther is smooth, that's cool. Stevie's that guy, in this case. Plus the harmonica...

[@charleswilliams8248]

Well spoken truth!

[@beyourself2444]

My fav artistes

[@rosilynmakeba1092]

😉

[@islandgirl5382]

I like Luther; but Stevie performing HIS masterpiece!!

[@keatingroark]

It’s NOT A COMPETITION. Both of these brothers are incredible vocalists and music artists. Rest In Peace Luther. Stay strong Stevie!

[@viralbuthow000]

I feel you

[@pbrown7142]

Period. A songwriter makes so much money because their songs can be licensed to others to remake if they so choose. But to have this great song sung by these two incredible voices was amazing artistry. Again, everything is not a competition. Let's expand our thought processes.

[@tom11zz884]

That's not what the content creator is saying though. They are saying which version sounds better, and it is Luther's version...

[@deanne.]

💯

[@fredbrooks7529]

@@tom11zz884 Nah little homie, it's Stevie. Luther is great though.

[@DavidRichardson95]

Stevie's more mellow, laid back and somber, while Luther's version is more upbeat. In this case, Stevie's version trumps Luther's. Plus you have the late great Minnie Riperton on the backing vocals for Stevie's version, so you can't lose. Luther's _creep, creep, creep_ is iconic though.

[@supreme1096]

The late Minnie Ripperton's background vocal range & Stevie playing the harmonica sold the song

[@Pink-fe1qs]

I was wondering who was singing in the background...wow...learn something new every day. Thanks😊

[@junebermingham9300]

Thanks for Info on Back ground singer Minnie Riperton!! Great sound! 👍☘️

[@quincycooper79]

I like Luther's version better.

[@humblewarrior7593]

I totally agree with your perspective

[@supreme1096]

No disrespect to the late Luther Vandross but you always have to give the originator, creator the win. Stevie's version all day every day

[@jesushateswood]

I agree with you for the most part but that's not always the case IMO. Carol King is the originater of NATURAL WOMAN but Aretha Franklin's version was 🔥. Karen Carpenter of the Carpenters sang SUPERSTAR first but Luther's version is fantastic. So....😏

[@danieltaylor1157]

98% of the time if Luther covered your song then that became his song.

[@tom11zz884]

That's not what the content creator is saying though. They are saying which version sounds better, and it is Luther's version...

[@supreme1096]

Good

[@charleswilliams8248]

Stevie Wonderful has that harmonica and the late great Minnie Rippelton ! Nuff said! Luther is a great cover, much love and respect to him!

[@venitakbennett-bonaparte1986]

Stevie. It was His Song. He wrote, arranged and composed it.

[@abdurshabazz68]

But bro Luther Made Creek creek creek creek creek

[@venitakbennett-bonaparte1986]

@@abdurshabazz68 Creep Creep Creep?

[@melloLL4722]

@@abdurshabazz68 Creep...

[@tom11zz884]

But does it sound better though.. And the answer is NO Luther version is better..

[@charleswilliams8248]

Luther version is a great cover, not better than the original. The harmonica and the great Minnie Rippelton singing the background for Stevie Wonderful Wonder nothing more to say! Close the door 🚪.

[@blacktigeress6035]

I love Stevie's version better. It has this futuristic and hypnotic sound. Also Minnie Riperton is singing on this.

[@OOICU812]

I Iearn something every day. Thank you!

[@supastar7]

I love Stevie but Luther put a whole new dimension on it ..I love both..but Luther grooved it on another Tip

[@viralbuthow000]

The harmonica and Minnie seal the deal for me

[@corkystrong3036]

Yes

[@cflo1023]

yep!

[@deacon8754]

Both but Stevie’s sounds a little more obsessive serious and Luther’s more innocent playful. Luther was the master of remakes, Stevie has Minnie and that harmonica solo. I can’t pick.

[@stacistewart815]

There is no comparison... They are BOTH amazing.. 2 different styles

[@tom11zz884]

That's not what the content creator is saying though. They are saying which version sounds better, and it is Luther's version...

[@KharaokeTube]

Ditto.

[@wflister]

No one’s a bigger Stevie fan than me. Named my daughter after Stevie. However, I prefer Luther’s version, especially when he did it live.

[@cochrancochran66]

Yes both are STAR Quality! Luther’s version is silky. Stevie’s version is raw and savory 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@fibboobbif]

I like Stevies version more. All handmade.

[@Silly81]

My mother loves Luther’s version but I love Stevie’s, the original.

[@midiresurrectedagain9340]

LUTHA!!! STEVIE WONDER Is UNTOUCHABLE But Luther's Smooth Rich Vocals & That HQ Crisp SUPER MIX/MASTER Put DAT THANG/STANK On It IMO... Salute To BOTH!!! RIP Luther Vandross.... #LEGENDARY P E A C E...

[@heathertea2704]

FAX!!! 💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿

[@dahmeneekah]

Yes

[@crystald8465]

Why you spell his name EXACTLY how we say it? 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 This made my heart laugh!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Pink-fe1qs]

Stevie Wonder 100%🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rosegold973]

Not gonna lie, I adore Luther’s version of this song.

[@powerplay4real174]

He was a master of the remake and when he remade a song it went form Good to Great.

[@Borderlinepsycotic]

Everybody is voting off of emotion, and I understand it. Stevie is the master, LOVE his original…. But Luther’s voice just destroys songs…. Their really two different songs, two totally different feels.

[@finitewonder4978]

@@Borderlinepsycotic My thougjts exactly

[@edamon20]

@@Borderlinepsycotic Right on the money!!! Takes them to another level!!

[@sherinebonsu8572]

Sing for me 4 times / Creep creep creep creep

[@kevinburkhardt930]

I can't choose one over the other. Both leave their unique and ingenious touch. They're just two bad brothers doing what they do.

[@marlocozart8528]

I agree and I listen to them both equally...

[@steelmagnolia3350]

I like the musical arrangement on the original, but Luther’s vocals! 💕. My mom played this Luther cassette nonstop - I loved how “If Only For One Night” led into “Creepin”.

[@anthonywestjr1063]

They're equally superb in their own superior uniqueness!

[@aw8119]

Because internet postings are forever, I dare not choose between these two beyond legends.

[@dtay8913]

Both are legends in their own right

[@ianh.f3354]

It's a win either way. Both are music legends.

[@brandondenver4331]

You've got a hung jury on this one for all the right reasons. Amazing talent on both sides!

[@whiteplayon]

Stevie wrote the music. Stevie wrote the lyrics. Stevie played various instruments on the record. Luther's producers along with Luther listened to how Stevie sang the melody and played the music, then decided how they were going to do it different to fit the way Luther sings. I think Marcus Miller produced some of the songs on this project. I do like both versions. Both artists are great and have their own style of singing. All around? Stevie is a genius. Way more than just a singer.

[@MickyTubbs1985]

Stevie Wonder's version from the beginning to the ending of the song is so distinctive that any other "cover" makes alterations to the original arrangement( that may sound nice, as is with Luther's cut) and rendition that still fall short regardless who sings it.

[@adaniels1968]

stevie wonder hands down

[@floridagator1765]

The 2 BEST live performers I every witnessed. BOTH legends!! RIP Luther😢

[@naturalimmunity7007]

One of my favorite songs EVER. I'll only choose Stevie because its his song

[@samsayles3983]

Agree completely even though Big Luther did his thang on da remake.

[@chaisroom6631]

Love both versions...both of them have a different feel but same message but if I had to choose it would be Luther Vandross

[@awkwardletter9533]

Stevie’s (and Minnie Riperton’s) is more s o u l f u l.

[@PatentRob]

I thought it was Syretta Wright, Steve's ex-wife, on background vocals, but Minnie came to mind first.

[@pappagetti]

I'm offended Stevie is even in question. What illuminates better? Your cellphone-flashlight or the sun. 🤔

[@TC-Jack]

🤣🤣🤣 Great assimilation! Stevie of course but I did grew up on Luther🤷🏽‍♀️

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

I really can't say on this one they both blew it out of the water

[@bigfamsmusic]

I didn't discover Stevies version until late in my 20's. I grew up with the Luther version , talking to first crushes while listening to the quite storm. The back story that Minnie Singing background is how Stevie produced her Epic album with Richard Rudolph and hearing her angelic voice sways it for me.

[@jojones2500]

Stevie's version is about voice and musical arrangement and Luther's version is more about voice . Both versions are good , however Stevie's version is better because of the musical arrangement. 🎈🎉🏆🎵

[@rogersmcneal5285]

Stevie's version is more jazzy! Stevie is the master. Luther's version is nice though.

[@dn30001]

Stevie wrote the joint..i prefer his. But...the teacher isnt always better than the student in all occasions. Case in point: Stevie wrote I Cant Help It and he performed a demo of it. He gave it to Michael Jackson and Michael's version cant be touched

[@MickyTubbs1985]

I agree with your assessment and concur with your preference; however, this is NOT one of those instances where "the student exceeds the teacher. I dare say there are instances where a "Cover" may surpass the original version of a song in its rendition and the one that comes to my mind is Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5's version of Bill "Smokey" Robinson and The Miracles' song "( I Wonder) Who's Loving you."

[@dn30001]

@@MickyTubbs1985 very valid point

[@GalaxyNexus1]

Not really a great comparison. Stevie wrote I Can't Help It for Michael, and as you said Stevie just sang a reference track for a demo. Michael's completed track is the original.

[@dn30001]

@@GalaxyNexus1 why wouldn't it be? When there are artists' demos that would blow away certain artists finished and polished product that exists and is accessible out there...

[@GalaxyNexus1]

@@dn30001 may be. But again, a demo is a demo, and not meant for public consumption.

[@iismellgood]

both, definitely not picking sides

[@Zaxxi5]

At 1:51 You can hear the legendary One and Only Mrs. Minnie Riperton in the background!!!!

[@freein2339]

Stevie...much better composer , musician , and performer...

[@myrasmama]

I love me some Luther, but this is Stevie's song.

[@jasonramsey927]

Jamie Foxx had a version as well. I believe it was on the tribute to Luther album

[@TheTiger2311]

These are legend so both have their on spin on it !

[@fredrandle]

Both versions too me are classics! I grew up on both of them.

[@moviegirl8648]

Stevie for me. No contest.

[@derrickbelmar]

I love Stevie but I'm gonna say luther ol luther tore this up 😂😂🤣🤣 I just found out today that Stevie wonder is the original and the writer of this amazing song.

[@andresrtidwell8933]

now you know who Did It Better :-) Stevie Wonder

[@globalgogetter4469]

Love you Luther and you did an excellent job, but ya'll KNOW can't NOBODY do Stevie better than Stevie. PERIODT.

[@ainagh]

That’s a hard one, especially for us early 70’s borne

[@bigb2494]

Stevie was easy listening to relax to. Luther's voice made it a mood setter

[@sebula7200]

Luther gets my vote for this song. However, I love Stevie also.

[@youaintgettingmyhandle]

I like both, I can't lie! However, when I was little, Luther's version used to scare me. The part when he went he said "Creep" at 6:35 scared me. I guess I thought it was a ghost, don't know what I was thinking. I can laugh at that now. 😂😂😂

[@heathertea2704]

😆🤣😆🤣😆😝😝😝

[@dahmeneekah]

😭😭Same here as a child... 🤦🏿‍♀️

[@matriarchsmatter]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Kindred04]

@JJ OJ - That's so cute! It's funny how we hear things as kids. That reminds me of a friend of mine who told me when she was little she used to think the song "The Image of You" by Scott Jarrett was sung by Kermit the Frog. I don't know how popular that song is outside of the DC area, but they used to play it every night here on the quiet storm. After that fool told me that, I couldn't hear the song without hearing Kermit. After reading your comment, I was like yeah, I can see why a kid wouldn't be trying to fool with that sound.

[@ryharuto]

I Lol’d when I went back to listen at 6:35 to see what was so scary to you. That was hilarious.

[@bettyking1495]

I love both are great Artist's 🎶🎤🎹

[@nickypuhalski4564]

Hands down my favourite song by my two favourite artists. Can't choose because they both do the song wonderfully 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@evonza4858]

They both did 🥰❤️🖤💚#you could have picked a better picture of them together, Luther looks dusty in this photo but I still love them both 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@Chazaq]

You don’t compare two great legends. You appreciate them and what they brought. Which is legendary music to the world for all to enjoy. Beautiful black music.

[@keithroberts4952]

One thing I like with Luther is that when he does a cover, he makes it his own! But I abs love stevie's version. His drumming, synth playing, singing and harmonica playing are top notch!!

[@arkantika3927]

Luther over does it. Stevie has just the right amount of effort ..as always Stevie wins .

[@Ms.RobbyEyeVee]

Stevie did it first, Luther did it next. I actually like both versions. Each had their season.

[@kellyecarr7238]

Stevie, hands down!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@debbieworrell-husted2628]

Luther definitely did his thing on this song! Stevie is the originator and the master of music, but Luther definitely took this song to a new level. Luther has this one.

[@learning5188]

I like Luther's voice better, but the execution goes to Stevie.

[@luddacriss]

House down. When I hear that intro beat I think Luther Vandross.

[@fredbrooks7529]

I can agree to that, vocally I give Luther the advantage. But all the other advantages goes to Stevie's version to me.

[@patrickquibodeaux4438]

Obviously Stevie gets credit for writing the song, but it's like he wrote it for Luther.

[@globalgogetter4469]

Bruh really? Luther was awesome on it too, but hell nah. he can't touch Stevie on this one.

[@Imjuslookinatthis]

DITTO!

[@cokedoutmarv2006]

At 53 this is my 1st time hearing Stevie's original, I love it but, Luther's version is the one I know, therefore it edges past SW's with polish from the 80's recording process and LV's smooth vocal styliings.

[@patriciadavis5939]

Stevie gets me every time. Luther wasn’t a push over by any means. But Stevie got this♥️♥️♥️🎼🎶🎵

[@loreleimcbroom328]

Both are beautiful. I'm partial to Stevie's version because it's more familiar but Luther's is lovely!

[@cynthiahill8165]

Stevie Wonder's version is haunting and the harmonica is irreplaceable. And Minnie Ripperton's vocals doing background is unforgettable. I love Luther's creep creep version also.

[@lamar69II]

Minnie Riperton in the background gives Stevie the edge!

[@PatentRob]

Is that Syretta Wright?

[@lamar69II]

No

[@LotusFlower5312]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! It pains me to say this cause nobody loves Stevie Wonder music more than me BUT Luther took this song to an entirely new level. It just draws you in & slowly drifts you away! Both get a thumbs up, though

[@3xdArKness]

us older headz gon roll wit little stevie wonder....then luther covered with honor

[@priceconsult5880]

Stevie and Luther are the very definition of excellence as artists, so there can be no competition; I'm sure that Luther covered this track as a tribute and love for Stevie. I love them both too much to choose; and I've always loved this song, so theanks!!

[@rickyspicer8014]

Stevie Wonder is in a class all by himself. Luther's body of work is not that extensive and most of his hits were songs that were written and sung by others people. But dont get it twisted, Luther could definitely sing!!

[@rouni5498]

I LOVE them both!!!!!!!!

[@tasi197]

I is a big Stevie fan, but I really like Luther's version I can't pick they both do it for me for different reasons

[@mo-whack6790]

I say luther because I grew up on that version so memories are attached to that one. But I can very well respect the originals sound and psychedelic theme knowing that it was made in the 70s.

[@labakerbrown]

I was born in the early 60s...old school music was my life bc of my Mom/Aunts and Uncles. However, in the late 70s, I heard Luther. My very 1st concert as a teenager was going to see Luther. It was then that I realized, Luther covered Stevie's song 🎵. I cried during the concert, bc I never thought someone would do that! Totally in shock! Not to Stevie! I listened to his every word. I fell in love with that version. However, in my late 20s I had the opportunity to see Stevie in concert! To say I'm confused 😕 is an understatement. If I play Stevie's version, the listening party is not over til I play Luther's version. After all these years, I'm still unable to decide. I still play old school music and I hear something new each time. Not knocking young people, but what in the world is that stuff u're listening to? I know times have changed, but r we so far apart, that the children have to listen to the words and language of some songs and it make them destructive? Listening to what's playing in the airwaves now, does it make u think b4 u act? R u really listening 🎶?

[@bojos6519]

Much as I love Stevie, Luther has a habit of making every cover version sound like he was the originator, Stevie's vocals are in black and white but Luther sings in glorious technicolor, have you guys seriously listened to his vocals on this, wow!

[@blackcavi4515]

Stevie Wonderful! Luther's voice and arrangement, and choice of song we're spot on, but Stevie embodied being an artist from writing, production, ect...he was futuristic.

[@Leslieangel45]

It really depends on who I'm in the mood for. I like both singing styles.

[@hamacus]

Come on man. Don’t make me choose!

[@jivonleejackson1673]

Different feels. Both are amazing. Wonder more THOUGHT provoking , Vandross more ROMANCE. I appreciate both versions completely. 💪🏽

[@mauricebrock4233]

That is a very interesting analogy.

[@joycelynbellamy7949]

Well Said

[@gastonneal724]

Luther was the better vocalist, Stevland was the best composer of the 20th century.

[@crystalbellmayes3]

I like Luther's version. His version reminds me of my courtship days.

[@junebermingham9300]

This is like Sophie's Choice! I love both singers, but Stevie is my choice on this one!, ,,, Thank you Reelblack👍☘️

[@sayahy4575]

SOPHIE'S CHOICE WAS " DEADLY". The COMPARISON between these two Artists is TIME and PURITY. STEVIE WONDER TAKES YOU IN THAT DREAM.

[@junebermingham9300]

@@sayahy4575 Hi saw Stevie here in Dublin Ireland, In 2019, (just before Covid) I Havel loved him for years!!! It was the best concert ,I have been to for a long time! R,I,P, Luther!! ☘️👍💚

[@nathc540]

Luther knows what to do with a song. His vocal prowess is second to none 🔥. Big up both of these legends

[@jazzi04]

Both Hands Down! 🙌

[@jackmeoff9116]

Steve's original version came out when I was 11yrs old..just a kid.. but Luther's version hit when I was in college gettin busy!! I love both!!

[@fldas17]

I really don’t like when people turn stuff like this into a competition! Both great, people have different opinions on who they prefer, as always. One shouldn’t discredit either.

[@bubbajohnson8098]

Exactly

[@khalifahmuhammad1574]

Stevie! Grittier. More intense.

[@dulcerolindeaux9700]

How am I gonna compare two legends? This is just disrespectful to my peace of mind! XD Seriously though, they are both amazing and I can't choose just one.

[@RedPill7154]

☀ This can't be a serious question. Luther Vandross all day ! ☀

[@heathertea2704]

LAWD LAWD LAWD!!! One of my FAVORITE SONGS by Sir Luther. HANDS DOWN🔥🔥🔥

[@anthonywestjr1063]

The heavens opened and showered us with perpetual bliss back to back for a brief moment! 🥂👍🏾🌠

[@ronniemoon57]

STEVIE OWNS IT

[@bullpolite3342]

It's some artist you just can't differentiate between and these 2 are in that category both are amazing. 🔥🔥

[@Harlow65220]

It's a tie, I love both versions and keep them on repeat when I have a quiet storm night of classic soul from the 70s and 80s from my vinyl records and cd collection!!!!

[@reubenyahsrael346]

Stevie hands down

[@reveroneveron7487]

Thanks for sharing this, the first time I heard this song was in one of Luther concert I stay with Luther sorry Stevie 💓💕👫🌻🌹🌎🌏🌍💋😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤😎🌻☝The One and only unconditional 😍

[@dexternorman6283]

No disrespect to Stevie Wonder but I think Luther Vandross won

[@austinstyles6393]

Both monster talents. But Wonder’s version wins by a mile.

[@beautyRest1]

Both are great, it’s just a great song, but Stevie’s version is still the BEST,!

[@corneliuswhite5139]

The Adaptor (Luther) has time to reflect and develop or embellish what The Originator (Stevie) has already created. I always felt that Stevie could plant seeds in the subconscious, and then someone like Luther comes along to create a presentation that's a little more "conscious". However, we couldn't have any of it without Stevie. I felt the same way with Stevie's "Maybe Your Baby" as sung later by Rufus and Chaka, or Brenda Russell's "Get Here", as later performed by Oleta Adams. It's like, you sense the first version in the ether somewhere, and then the secondary performer comes along and breathes more life into a song...performance wise. But make no mistake, the the secondary artist has a blueprint to work from... Can't have one without the other.

[@ChagoWilson]

Strange you should mention Brenda Russell who wrote and originally recorded "If Only For One Night" which became one of Luther's signature songs. Also, there is the Stevie Wonder composed and recorded, "Girl Blue" which I feel was masterfully covered by The Main Ingredient and my favored version of the song!