![](https://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:NmgRNvJRjKQC:www.bingsoldskool.com/luther.jpg) NEW YORK (Luther Vandross Fans Website) - Luther Vandross' new album, released as he lay in a hospital recovering from a stroke, has debuted at No. 1, according to industry figures released Wednesday. " Dance With My Father" sold more than 440,000 copies in its first week of release, marking the first No. 1 album debut for the Grammy winner, whose career spans more than two decades. The album was released by J Records on June 10, almost two months after Vandross suffered a stroke in his Manhattan home. The 52 year-old singer was hospitalized April 17 in critical condition at Weill-Cornell Medical College, barely conscious, and suffered serious setbacks; at one point, he needed a tracheotomy to help him breathe.
Although his condition was grave, family members moved ahead to release "Dance With My Father" as scheduled. His mother, Mary Vandross, said her son would have wanted his music to be heard and expressed confidence that it would be a success. His condition has markedly improved recently. On Thursday, he was moved out of intensive care. Luther Vandross has sold more than 20 million albums. He's best known for his romantic ballads, including "Here and Now" and "A House Is Not a Home."
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