Vandross Making Progress

R&B singer Luther Vandross's condition continues to improve following the stroke he suffered in April. According to his J Records spokeswoman, Vandross' speech and cognitive functions are the "most exciting developments." "Everyday there's something new" that he's able to say, she says.

Also, Vandross responds when his music is played and "occasionally sings along."

But despite reports that Vandross has regained nearly all of his speech, his spokeswoman cautions that it's "still a long road ahead."

The singer has been hospitalized in New York since the April 16th stroke, spending nearly two months in the intensive care unit. He had a major breakthrough and moved out of the ICU in June, a week before his latest album Dance With My Father debuted at the top of the pop charts.

Vandross' long-term prognosis remains positive; his spokeswoman says that when the hospital stay is over, he'll be moved to a facility to continue the long rehab process.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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