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

Shout out to Mark Anthony Neal for inspiring this episode. Please listen to both Stevie Wonder's original version of Creepin' (from Fulfillingness' First Finale) and Luther Vandross' cover at 4:22 from The Night I Fell in Love.) and share your thoughts in the comments section.
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[@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.

[@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.

[@islandgirl5382]

I like Luther; but Stevie performing HIS masterpiece!!

[@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]

😉

[@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 🚪.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@viralbuthow000]

The harmonica and Minnie seal the deal for me

[@corkystrong3036]

Yes

[@cflo1023]

yep!

[@Pink-fe1qs]

Stevie Wonder 100%🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@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.

[@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...

[@Silly81]

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

[@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”.

[@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!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fibboobbif]

I like Stevies version more. All handmade.

[@dtay8913]

Both are legends in their own right

[@brandondenver4331]

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

[@adaniels1968]

stevie wonder hands down

[@anthonywestjr1063]

They're equally superb in their own superior uniqueness!

[@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.

[@ianh.f3354]

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

[@floridagator1765]

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

[@iismellgood]

both, definitely not picking sides

[@aw8119]

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

[@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🤷🏽‍♀️

[@rogersmcneal5285]

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

[@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.

[@jasonramsey927]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🎈🎉🏆🎵

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@moviegirl8648]

Stevie for me. No contest.

[@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!! ☘️👍💚

[@ainagh]

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

[@myrasmama]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@andresrtidwell8933]

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

[@fredrandle]

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

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

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

[@TheTiger2311]

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

[@arkantika3927]

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

[@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.

[@globalgogetter4469]

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

[@hamacus]

Come on man. Don’t make me choose!

[@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 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="395">6:35</a> 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.

[@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!

[@gastonneal724]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@imackmusic7924]

Stevie 💯 (Tambourine, Organ,Live)

[@supreme1096]

Don't forget the Harmonica and Minnie Ripperton's vocals

[@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

[@nickypuhalski4564]

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

[@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

[@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 🎶?

[@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.

[@bullpolite3342]

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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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 😍

[@ms.stephanie.m]

Luther was in my "Hey day" so I am crazy about Luther's version. Stevie is the Master Jammer, but he lost this one. I hope he wrote it so he's getting those royalties checks. 💲💰🤑

[@hevyonez97]

Of course Stevie wrote it, he been writing ALL his music since 1972...this came in 1974, Luther made his version in 1985...sorry, but Stevie OWNS this masterpiece from top to bottom....Luther did great on his version but Stevie's original is out of this world....

[@jazzi04]

Both Hands Down! 🙌

[@freein2339]

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

[@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.

[@altheabarnes4517]

Stevie 🤩🎶🎵💖

[@taylor5973]

Luther!

[@mochawitch]

I grew up on Stevie's version. Stevie all the way 👍🏾👍🏾

[@sebula7200]

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

[@bettyking1495]

I love both are great Artist's 🎶🎤🎹

[@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!!

[@dexternorman6283]

No disrespect to Stevie Wonder but I think Luther Vandross won

[@4evernate28]

I really don’t care for Stevie’s production, so Luther wins this one.

[@yolandawilson6951]

Luther!!!

[@Ms.RobbyEyeVee]

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

[@3xdArKness]

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

[@patriciadavis5939]

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

[@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.

[@Leslieangel45]

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

[@kizzey2917]

Love both men but the championship belt for this song goes to Luther.

[@ronniemoon57]

I DON'T THINK SO. STEVIE WROTE IT, THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS HIS.

[@kizzey2917]

@@ronniemoon57 Sorry Luther song it better but both are great 👍

[@its1ofgodsfreckledbeauties587]

Shouldn’t be a competition. I loved both of them growing up.

[@loreleimcbroom328]

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

[@Aaron-sg8br]

To be honest Luther Vandross officially stole this song!!! The music and sound is more refined a perfect compliment to his voice! No disrespect to Stevie Wonder at all....

[@bigb2494]

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

[@austinstyles6393]

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

[@FonzyLuvalot]

Stevie!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@RedPill7154]

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

[@kellyecarr7238]

Stevie, hands down!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@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!

[@andreatrue3054]

This is my first time hearing Stevie's version. I like it!

[@pentz1]

Stevie's is more haunting and more in line with the words being sung...while Luther's is more about the interaction between him and the backing singers. Stevie for me but luther close behind.

[@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!!

[@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!!