Luther Vandross recovering from stroke

[Bernie]

Just heard on Fox News that Luther Vandross is in a hospital in New York after having suffered a stroke. They can't confirm at this time if his motor skills have been affected. Luther is 52 years old and has battled a weight problem for most of his life.

[Bernie]

Here's a link to Reuters...

http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle....toryID=2587914

[K-Bee]

That's very sad news indeed. The world cannot afford to loose a voice like Luther's even though his later recordings have been somehow...uneven.
I hope for a speedy recovery.

[markydefad]

Sad to hear about Luther's stroke. I was amazed to see an interview with him where he admitted to losing and gaining 100+ pounds 11 different times in his life!!!!!

Most people would consider losing 100+ pounds the accomplishement of their lifetime...but Luther was somehow able to do it 11 times.

Lord knows what a toll that takes on your body. He musta starved himself. The first time I saw him really thin, I thought "Oh gawd, he has AIDS". But then he gained the weight back.

I hope he gets well soon.

[markydefad]

Medical Update: Luther now has contracted pneumonia and had to have a tracheotomy to help him breathe. They were careful to do this in a way that wouldn't damage or affect his vocal chords.

They still don't know if he's suffered neurological damage. He has not opened his eyes or spoken since the stroke.

Sad news. :cry:

[keefelc]

Today's "USA Today" has some more info on Luther's condition. Unfortunately, the news isn't too positive. Here are excerpts:

In an update Monday, business manager Carmen Romano said, "The doctors report that neurologically he is minimally responsive, and we're waiting for him to regain full consciousness. I am told that this may take some time." Last week, the singer underwent a tracheotomy to help him breathe after contracting pneumonia.

Experts say that his two weeks of unconsciousness could indicate he suffered a massive stroke.

"Unconsciousness is an uncommon occurrence in patients with stroke, perhaps less than 5%," says James Meschia, associate professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "This would constitute a more severe type of stroke." Meschia, who is not involved in Vandross' care, adds, "Many stroke patients are either discharged to home or to a rehabilitation center within a week."

Before being stricken, Vandross was scheduled to be a guest judge on American Idol on May 6. J Records says his newest album, Dance With My Father, is still set for release June 10.

Let's hope for the best for Luther!

[SandraDee]

I listen to so many disco & soul records that at some point feature Luther's unique voice. He's one of the greats of the industry for sure. Hopefully, he'll come through this OK; on a positive note Quincy Jones had a massive brain haemorrage 30 years ago, survived it & went on to make his most successful stuff ever so there's hope for Luther yet.

[keefelc]

Let's end this work week with some good news about Luther Vandross!

GOOD NEWS: Hospitalized singer Luther Vandross has awoken from a coma caused by his April 16 stroke. "Late last week, he had what we would consider a first real breakthrough," his rep told USA Today. "He's much more alert, much more responsive neurologically. He was able to respond 'yes' or 'no' by nodding his head," although a tracheotomy tube prevents him from talking. It's amazing timing, since his new album Dance with My Father and his "best of" compilation, The Essential Luther Vandross, are to be released Tuesday (June 10th). Go Luther!

[NickNack]

Just read where Luther Vandross has been moved out of intensive care and his condition upgraded to stable. He's more responsive, alert, mouthing words and happy that his new CD is being well received. His publicist said she feels as though she's watching a modern day miracle.

Let's hope this continues and maybe we can get some good vibes over to "The Maestro". I haven't seen or heard anything on Barry White's condition in weeks.

[keefelc]

Nicky, that's great news about Luther! I wasn't very optimistic about his survival for awhile there. Now I can listen to his new CD without getting depressed! Can't wait to hear his takes on Flack & Hathaway's "Closer I Get To You" and Bill Withers's "Lovely Day".

[keefelc]

Here's the latest on Luther Vandross from E! Online News. Some very positive news!

"Vandross Talking, Singing, Improving"
by Joal Ryan
Aug 14, 2003, 2:20 PM PT

Luther Vandross is giving fans the reason--the reason to believe.

The Grammy-winning R&B balladeer, stricken in April by a stroke, is now talking and showing movement on his right side, reports say.

A spokeswoman for J Records, Vandross' label home, calls those two breakthroughs the "most exciting developments."

"Every day there's something new," the rep tells Rolling Stone.

Another sign of progress: The hit-maker, currently being cared for at an undisclosed rehab facility, is recognizing his own tunes on the radio, and sometimes singing along.

Still, J Records' Lois Najarian, is careful not to overstate the challenges ahead for Vandross, telling the Associated Press she doesn't want to "give the impression that miracles are taking place and he's going to be up and singing right away."

The fact that he's singing at all, though, is why his business manager once described his progress as a "modern-day miracle."

Vandross was found unconscious in his Manhattan apartment on April 16. In the ensuing touch-and-go weeks, the critically ill crooner battled pneumonia and endured a tracheotomy, all while in a coma.

In May, the 52-year-old began to show what were termed "the first signs of awareness"--moving his eyes, responding with a nod to "yes" and "no" questions.

In June, as his latest album, Dance with My Father, was climbing the charts, Vandross was checking out of New York's Weill Cornell Medical Center, and into a private facility.

No word if the singer is yet breathing entirely on his own, or still needs the aid of a respirator.

Dance with My Father, its title track a tribute to the parent he lost at age 7, remains a hot seller, currently number five on Billboard's R&B album charts.

Vandross' catalog of smooth hits include "Give Me the Reason," "Here and Now" and "Power of Love/Love Power."