NEW YORK (Verve
Music Group) - On August 3, 2004, in association with the American Diabetes Association, The
Verve Music Group will initiate an unprecedented fundraising and awareness campaign: "Write a Love Letter to Luther." Like the music of Luther Vandross, the effort is about the joy and beauty of the unselfish act of sharing/giving: to invite Luther's millions of fans to write him encouraging letters accompanied by a contribution to the American Diabetes Association.
This love letter campaign is launched in conjunction with the CD release of "Forever, For Always, For Luther" on Verve's GRP imprint. On "Forever, For Always For Luther" a blockbuster lineup of smooth jazz and soul stars celebrate the music of Luther Vandross, playing ten of his greatest hits. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has set up a dedicated web page (www.diabetes.org/letterstoluther) where Luther fans and supporters can send their " love letters" and contributions to benefit ADA's mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. To reinforce this important effort, the mayors of Atlanta; Dallas; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; Raleigh, NC and the borough president of (Manhattan) New York will proclaim Tuesday, August 3rd as "Write a Love Letter to Luther Day" in each of their cities.
The Verve Music Group will also spread the word via CD packaging, advertising, online marketing, and point-of-purchase materials at retail, while the ADA will alert their members and constituency via mailings, fundraising events, and online. On October 22, 2004, a major radio-sponsored gala event to benefit ADA featuring the artists from "Forever, For Always, For Luther," along with special guests from the R&B world, will take place in New York City. At the concert ADA will present the love letters to Luther's family and announce up-to-minute results of the fundraising campaign.
On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a diabetes-related stroke that put him in a coma for several weeks. Since he regained consciousness, the universally beloved vocalist has been on a long, arduous, yet successful journey towards full rehabilitation. In February of this year, four Grammy Awards lifted Luther's spirits.
Even better news: on July 27th, the Verve Music Group will release an all-star tribute to his humanity and artistry, "Forever, For Always, For Luther," co-produced by Luther's longtime co-writer and arranger and friend Rex Rideout with Bud Harner.
"Forever, For Always, For Luther" features some of the brightest singers and players in smooth jazz (Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson, Jr., Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Ledisi, Richard Elliot, George Benson, and Rick Braun) performing ten of his most cherished songs. "I really enjoy and appreciate this wonderful jazz tribute to my son and his musical legacy," says his mother, Mary Ida Vandross.
Supporters can send their love letters to Luther along with their contributions to the American Diabetes Association, who will present all letters to Mr. Vandross and his family.
Please join Luther and The Verve Music Group in sending a contribution to:
American Diabetes Association
Forever, For Always, For Luther Fund
1701 North Beauregard
Alexandria, VA 22311
No donation is too small to make a difference.
All donations are tax deductible.
For more information call 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org/letterstoluther
More than 18 million Americans have diabetes. Nearly one-third of them don't even know it. The unprecedented "Write a Love Letter to Luther" campaign and the subsequent concert will go a long way towards raising both national awareness of diabetes and supporting research for a cure. By celebrating Luther Vandross, we all can save lives.
For more information, contact, J'ai St. Laurent-Smyth, 212.331.2047 [[email protected]]
"We are honored that these talented, influential artists have joined together on this beautiful tribute to Luther Vandross and to help support the American Diabetes Association and the many Americans affected by diabetes. Luther Vandross is a living legend who continues to inspire millions of fans across the country."
- Vaneeda Bennett, Chief Development Officer, American Diabetes Association
"The Luther Vandross project, 'Forever, For Always, For Luther,' combines a well-deserved tribute to a great artist as well as providing a vehicle for helping to raise money for an important charity, The American Diabetes Association. The Verve Music Group, through its GRP label, is proud to join Luther and his family in helping raise the level of awareness of this prevalent disease and we thank all of the artists and musicians who so generously gave their time and talent to this worthy project."
- Ron Goldstein, President & CEO, The Verve Music Group
"Forever, For Always, For Luther" - in stores Tuesday, July 27th.
