His hit songs include "Never Too Much", "Here and Now", "Any Love", "Power of Love/Love Power", "I Can Make It Better" and "For You to Love". Many of his songs were covers of original music by other artists such as "If This World Were Mine" (duet with Cheryl Lynn), "Since I Lost My Baby", "Superstar" and "Always and Forever". Duets such as "The Closer I Get to You" with Beyoncรฉ, "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey and "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson were all hit songs in his career.
During his career, Vandross sold over 35 million records worldwide, and received eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four different times. He won a total of four Grammy Awards in 2004 including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for a song recorded not long before his death, "Dance with My Father".
Possessing a tenor vocal range, Vandross was commonly referred to as "The Velvet Voice" in reference to his exceptional vocal talent, and was sometimes called "The Best Voice of a Generation". He was also regarded as the "Pavarotti of Pop" by many critics.
In 2008, Vandross was ranked No. 54 on Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Mariah Carey stated several times in interviews that standing next to Vandross while recording their duet "Endless Love" was intimidating.
By popular vote, Vandross was inducted into The SoulMusic Hall of Fame at SoulMusic.com in December 2012.
My Favorite Things
Luther Vandross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles,
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I just simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.
The girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
The snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I just simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I just simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.
So bad, any more, not any more
The lyrics to the song "My Favorite Things" speaks to the joy that can be found in simple pleasures. They begin with a list of items that the singer finds comforting or pleasant, including raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles, and warm woolen mittens. The list goes on to include cream-colored ponies, crisp apple strudels, and other favorite things. The refrain of the song emphasizes the way that these items can help the singer to deal with difficult situations: when the dog bites or the bee stings, or when they are feeling sad, the singer just thinks about their favorite things, and suddenly the world seems a little bit brighter.
The song is a reminder that happiness can often be found in the small things in life. Although the song lyrics celebrates material comforts, the songโs theme is really about finding solace in the simple pleasures of life. By focusing on the good things, even during bad times, we can find strength to carry on. It can be seen as an expression of gratitude and a reminder to focus on the good things in life, no matter how small they may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
I love the simple pleasures in life, like the beauty of raindrops on roses or the playful nature of kittens with their cute whiskers.
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
There's something comforting about the bright sheen of copper kettles and the cozy warmth of a good pair of woolen mittens.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
There's a certain charm to receiving a gift wrapped in simple brown paper, tied up with a string. It's a reminder of the joy of giving and receiving.
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
I have a soft spot for the elegance of cream-colored ponies and the delicious aroma of crisp apple strudels.
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles,
The sound of a doorbell or sleigh bell triggers happy memories, and a warm plate of schnitzel with noodles is a favorite comfort food.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
The sight of wild geese soaring across the moonlit sky is a breathtaking natural wonder that fills me with awe.
The girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
There's something enchanting about the classic beauty of girls in white dresses paired with blue satin sashes.
The snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
Feeling the gentle touch of snowflakes landing on my nose and eyelashes during a winter walk fills me with a childlike joy and wonder.
Silver white winters that melt into springs
As much as I love the season of winter with its sparkling snow and crisp air, I also appreciate the transition into spring with its promise of new life and growth.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
Life can bring pain and discomfort, whether it's a dog bite or a bee sting.
When I'm feeling sad
When I'm feeling down or blue.
I just simply remember my favorite things
I find comfort and solace in remembering the simple joys and pleasures that make me happy.
And then I don't feel so bad.
These happy memories and thoughts help to lift my spirits and make me feel better.
Lyrics ยฉ CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ํํ
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles,
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I just simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad.
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
Silver white winters that melt into spring
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I just simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad.
I just simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad.
Michael Stallworth
Not just his voice, but the arrangement is very masterful. Has a jazz vibe to it.
Renda Victoria
i concur ... iโve been saying this for yearsssssssss. this was a clever arrangement ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ๐๐๐
Heisei_Editz813
Yes it is
Glenn Starkey
And despite being 90s instruments there is still a strong Harlem jazz feel to it...replace the synth with horns are you can feel the Duke or Count doing this number at the Apollo without much strain
Nancy Robinson
Sounds like a Quincy Jones arrangement.
semicharmedlife311
Luther and Whitney, truly the most amazing vocal talents we've been blessed to hear. And this arrangement is pure magic.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Vetti
Isnโt it beautiful? Whenever youโre listening to Luther Vandross youโre surrounded by love ...
Rest In Peace to the Legend
Luthando Lithemba
2020 and this is still my favourite version of the song ๐
Jacqueline Smith-Gaston
I love this version! Nobody sang it like Luther!
Stephen Altieri
Amen!!!