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 BeyoncΓ©, "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.
Shine
Luther Vandross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's about to be on
Ya'll came here to give it up
So come on and show me what you got
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Dancing underneath the party light
When I see you working that body right
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
I've been waiting, now I'm ready for the main event
All the ladies and the players in here dressed to kill
Choose a winner who has flavor looking on for style
Only the best can pass the test, let me check you out
In the midst of a fierce competition
Get a view from a better position
A little closer now you got my attention
Maybe your my, my, my, my, my superstar
Keep showing me moves that are blazing
'Cause you're teasing my imagination
Don't believe I can fight temptation
I think you already know that
Ya'll came here to give it up
So come on and show me what you got
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Dancing underneath the party light
When I see you working that body right
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
It's about to be on
Your time, your time to shine
Shine, shine, shine, shine groove shine
It's alright, alright to shine
Shine, shine, shine, shine it's alright
Spotlight search for someone special, could you be the one?
If you're not, then don't get jealous, just keep moving on
Feet to the beat, so hot the heat, springing off the shine
So clean, so fresh, a real good catch, so I'm gonna make you mine
In the midst of a fierce competition
Get a view from a better position
A little closer now you got my attention
Maybe your my, my, my, my, my superstar
Keep showing me moves that are blazing
'Cause you're teasing my imagination
Don't believe I can fight temptation
I think you already know that
Ya'll came here to give it up
So come on and show me what you got
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Dancing underneath the party light
When I see you working that body right
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
It's about to be on
Your time, your time to shine
Shine, shine, shine, shine groove shine
It's alright, alright to shine
Shine, shine, shine, shine it's alright
Ya'll came here to give it up
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Nobody but stars in here tonight
When I see you working that body right
Ya'll came here to give it up
So come on and show me what you got
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Dancing underneath the party light
When I see you working that body right
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Ya'll came here to give it up
So come on and show me what you got
It's about to be on baby non-stop
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Dancing underneath the party light
When I see you working that body right
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
The lyrics to Luther Vandross's song Shine are about a fierce competition at a party where everyone is showing off their best moves, and the singer is looking for someone special among the dancers. The song exudes confidence and excitement, with the repeated refrain "it's about to be on" building anticipation. Vandross sets the scene of the party with "nobody but stars in here tonight" and encourages the dancers to "show me what you got" because "tonight you're gonna get your time to shine." The singer is looking for the "winner who has flavor" and "style" and imagines that they could be their "superstar." The song is about seizing the moment and showcasing your best self in a competitive environment.
The lyrics are typical of Vandross's style, which often incorporated themes of love, self-confidence, and celebration. "Shine" was released in 2006 as part of Vandross's posthumous album "The Ultimate Luther Vandross," which featured previously unreleased material as well as some of his greatest hits. The song was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who were longtime collaborators with Vandross. Fans of the late singer have hailed "Shine" as a fitting tribute to his legacy, with its upbeat tempo and message of empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
It's about to be on
The event is about to begin.
Ya'll came here to give it up
Everyone came to show off their skills.
So come on and show me what you got
Demonstrate your talent to me.
It's about to be on baby non-stop
The event will be continuous.
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Tonight is your opportunity to shine and stand out.
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Only the best are present in the event tonight.
Dancing underneath the party light
People dance under the vibrant party lights.
When I see you working that body right
When someone shows their ability in dancing or movement.
I've been waiting, now I'm ready for the main event
The artist is ready for the main performance.
All the ladies and the players in here dressed to kill
Everyone is dressed up and looking sharp for the event.
Choose a winner who has flavor looking on for style
Looking for someone with a unique and stylish performance to win.
Only the best can pass the test, let me check you out
It is challenging to stand out, and the artist is carefully evaluating everyone's performance.
In the midst of a fierce competition
The event is very competitive.
Get a view from a better position
The singer wants to get a better idea of everyone's performance.
A little closer now you got my attention
Attention shifted to someone who is close and showing a great performance.
Maybe your my, my, my, my, my superstar
The artist thinks that the performer they are focusing on could be a superstar.
Keep showing me moves that are blazing
The artist is impressed with the performer, and wants to keep seeing more.
'Cause you're teasing my imagination
Watching the performer is exciting and stimulates the singer's imagination.
Don't believe I can fight temptation
The singer is tempted to focus on one performer, but doesn't believe they'll do it.
I think you already know that
The artist believes that the performer they are focusing on knows that they are catching their attention.
Spotlight search for someone special, could you be the one?
The artist is searching for someone unique and special in the event.
If you're not, then don't get jealous, just keep moving on
If someone doesn't stand out, they should keep going and not get jealous or discouraged.
Feet to the beat, so hot the heat, springing off the shine
Everyone is dancing and creating an energetic atmosphere.
So clean, so fresh, a real good catch, so I'm gonna make you mine
The artist is impressed with someone's performance and wants to make them stand out and win.
Your time, your time to shine
This is the performer's chance to stand out and shine.
Shine, shine, shine, shine groove shine
The singer wants the performer to give their best and really stand out and shine.
It's alright, alright to shine
It's good to show off your skills and shine.
Ya'll came here to give it up
Everyone is there to show off their skills.
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Only the most talented people are at the event.
It's about to be on baby non-stop
The performances will be non-stop and continuous.
When I see you working that body right
When someone is showing their moves and dancing well.
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Everyone will get a chance to shine and show off their skills tonight.
Nobody but stars in here tonight
Only top performers are present.
Dancing underneath the party light
Everyone is dancing under the bright party lights.
Ya'll came here to give it up
Everyone is there to show off their best performance.
So come on and show me what you got
The artist is requesting to see everyone's best performance and skills.
It's about to be on baby non-stop
The event is starting and will be continuous with multiple performances.
Tonight you're gonna get your time to shine
Everyone is going to have their chance to shine.
When I see you working that body right
Someone is dancing/moving impressively and standing out.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BERNARD EDWARDS, NILE GREGORY RODGERS, JAMES HARRIS, TERRY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@agapereign
I read that this song was written in the 80s and he kept it in the vault. It's a true winner. I wish he could have been alive to see how well it was received and to see that people are still listening to it in 2019.
@willardlockejr2965
I'm still listening to this kick @$$ jam in 2023. Forever RIHP Luther. Your musical legacy will continue to play on always.
@michellecooper5018
We still listening in 2023
@agapereign
@@michellecooper5018 facts.
@kimberlykowalski9483
2023 β€β€β€β€
@debbie5636
Shine is a sampling from Chicβs My Forbidden Lover. You can hear in the background Nile Rodgerβs guitar riff. Music was music back then.
@blah643
Its July 1 2021.
16 years ago on this day we, we lost one of the best voices to ever grace this earth.
R.I.P LutherπΉ
@robk9685
Exactly 10 years and one day later than we lost the best female voice to ever grace this earth.....Phyllis Hyman. (June 30, 1995).
@buffalosoldier4045
Truth facts we miss u luther Rip
@misterbee66
Indeed. The greatest male vocalist ever.