Usher, Dion Salute Luther Vandross

Usher, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Wyclef Jean, Babyface, Patti Labelle, Mary J. Blige and Jamie Foxx are among the artists contributing to So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross, due September 20th. The compilation showcases contemporary artists covering the late R&B legend's hits, ranging from his debut album, 1981's Never Too Much, to his most recent release, 2003's Dance with My Father.

"No one had ever heard of anyone that sounded like Luther. No one heard anyone that brought that much soul," says Mary J. Blige, who sings the title track of Vandross' debut on the tribute album.

R&B superstar Usher, who sings his rendition of "Superstar," sees Vandross' music as having an enduring, cross-generational influence through "helping us understand the language of love. His legacy will live on forever," says Usher.

John contributes "Anyone Who Had a Heart," and Beyonce, who was featured on Dance with My Father's rendition of "The Closer I Get to You," performs the compilation's title track.

Vandross, an eight-time Grammy winner, died on July 1st from complications related to a 2003 stroke. He was fifty-four.

So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross track list:

"Never Too Much," Mary J. Blige
"A House Is Not A Home," Aretha Franklin
"Superstar," Usher
"So Amazing," Beyonce
"If This World Were Mine," Alicia Keys with Jermaine Paul
"Power of Love," Donna Summer
"Dance With My Father," Celine Dion
"Here and Now," Patti Labelle
"Creepin," Jamie Foxx
"Anyone Who Had A Heart," Elton John with Vandross' original vocals
"Till My Baby Comes Home," Fantasia
"Love Won't Let Me Wait," John Legend
"If Only For One Night," Babyface
"Always and Forever," Wyclef Jean

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Song Stories

“The A Team”

Ed Sheeran | 2011

This debut track from the then-20-year-old British singer-songwriter has a dark story behind it. Sheeran says he culls songwriting inspiration from "viewing other people's situations," which, for the heroine in "The A Team," involves drug addiction and prostitution that began as a teen. Sheeran paints the woman's trials with haunting imagery such as "But lately her face seems/Slowly sinking, wasting/Crumbling like pastries." "I did a gig at a homeless shelter, [and the song] is about one of the women there. It's her story," he said.

More Song Stories entries »

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