Luther Vandross Is Celebrated In Vibrant Google Doodle Animation For His 70th Birthday

The illustrious R&B singer Luther Vandross would have turned 70 today. In honor of his legacy, Google has paid tribute to him with a lively and colorful animation that captures the spirit of Vandross. In the video, we’re taken through notable moments of the singer’s career, while his classic 1981 song “Never Too Much” plays in the background.

Created by Atlanta-based artist Sam Bass, the Doodle is a stunning work of art, filled with a vibrancy that makes your heart sing.  “It is a true reflection of Luther Vandross’ musical legacy around the world to be honored by Google with an animated Doodle that fittingly captures the joy Luther has brought the world,” reads an official statement from his estate. 

“Luther made each of his songs about one simple, universal subject – love; an emotion and feeling common to the human experience no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you look like. No one else has expressed this emotion in song to the level Luther did for over 35 years, and to have Google broadcast that around the world is a wonderful showcase of his immeasurable talent.”

Vandross launched his solo career in 1981, producing his debut studio album “Never Too Much,” which was the first of 14 studio albums that went either platinum or multi-platinum. Having full creative control over his art, Vandross’s talent as a musician was exceptional and certainly one-of-a-kind. 

Also in celebration of his birthday, Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, announced the RIAA certification of four of Vandross’s signature singles. The certification is highly prestigious, reserved for artists “who have met rigorous standards, and recipients join the ranks of the most iconic recording artists.” The four newly certified singles include: “Dance With My Father,” “Here and Now,” “Endless Love,” and “A House Is Not A Home.” 

Happy birthday, Luther Vandross! View the Google Doodle below: