(www.rendezvousmusic.com) -- This new loving tribute features all-star performances by Patti Austin,Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Wayman Tisdale,
Kevin Whalum and
Kirk Whalum “Having the opportunity to know and to work with Luther has truly been a blessing. This album was important in that it celebrates Luther as both singer and songwriter.” - Rex Rideout, Co-Producer Forever, For Always, For Luther Vols. I & II
This November 21st, Rendezvous Entertainment will release Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume II. Once again produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, Vol. II boasts a new cast of all-star singers and players that includes: Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Wayman Tisdale, Kevin Whalum and Kirk Whalum.
“Huge personality, huge talent...Luther Vandross will be forever missed,” says label founder Dave Koz. “But in true Luther-style, he left such large footprints for us to continue to inspire...as evidenced by this outpouring of musical love. I am thrilled and honored that Rendezvous could be part of the legacy, and help keep the man and his music alive.”
In keeping with tradition, Rendezvous Entertainment is partnering the release with the American Heart Association�s lifesaving campaign “The Power To End Stroke.” Especially targeted to the African-American community, the program seeks to raise the awareness of the warning signs of stroke in order to prevent or greatly minimize many of its debilitating consequences.
“When you look at the African American community, you see a greater disposition to virtually all the risk factors for stroke,” states the American Heart Association�s Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele. “This is exacerbated by the fact that there�s such a shortage of good, accurate information out there, especially in the black community on stoke. That�s leading to a stroke epidemic in the black community, and it�s critical that we act now to stop it.”
Patti Austin who often recorded with Luther, will be one of the project�s spokespersons. An all-star Forever, For Always, For Luther tour is being scheduled for Spring 2007. Also in February 2007 a major concert and fundraising telethon is planned in Washington, D.C., to raise funds for the American Heart Association�s Power To End Stroke campaign as well as the Luther Vandross Foundation.
On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a catastrophic diabetes-induced stroke that left him in a coma for several weeks. Thankfully in the long, hard months of rehabilitation, the man whose voice and songs had given sunshine to millions all over the world experienced the same via four Grammy® awards in February 2004 and the Verve/GRP all-star smooth jazz tribute Forever, For Always, For Luther the following July.
A month later, the label partnered with the American Diabetes Association in an innovative fund-raising and awareness campaign: “Send A Love Letter To Luther.” Sadly, Luther, the greatest �pure� American male pop vocalist since Nat King Cole, passed away on July 1, 2005. Forever, For Always, For Luther would go on to scan 115,000 units, garner a #1 Urban AC single, a #1 and Top 5 Smooth Jazz single and a 2005 Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Instrumental.
“I am so proud to continue this series of tributes to Luther started by our friends at Verve,” says label head Hyman Katz. “ I am also very proud to support the American Heart Association and their efforts to end stroke. It is my sincerest hope to help empower people about their health through the life-saving information contained in the CD artwork, while lifting their spirits through the incredible songs and music of Mr. Vandross.”
Tracklist
1. Give Me The Reason - Kirk Whalum
2. Til My Baby Comes Home - Norman Brown with Everette Harp
3. There�s Nothing Better Than Love - Maysa and Kevin Whalum
4. For You To Love - Jeff Lorber
5. If This World Were Mine – Gerald Albright
6. The Glow Of Love – Wayman Tisdale
7. So Amazing - Patti Austin
8. The Night I Fell In Love - Najee
9. Don�t Want To Be A Fool - Jonathan Butler
10. Superstar - Will Downing
Forever, For Always, For Luther Vol. 2 [REN 51222] in stores
November 21st on CD.
For more information, contact:
Inque Public Relations, 732.254.0607 / 212.491.6603
[email protected]
