Regarded as one of the smoothest and most talented crooners to ever grace the stage, Luther Vandross is a popular R&B artist when it comes to wedding playlists.
His voice is sweet and soulful, and makes for some pretty easy listening- whether it’s a power ballad to capture the singular attention of the audience or some background jams that make people go, “Wait, turn it up, I know this song!”
Even though his career was cut short, Luther Vandross is a wedding playlist staple for the couple deciding on their uber-romantic first dance song, filling out their cocktail hour wedding playlist, or significant dance with a parent.
Check out our list of the best Luther Vandross wedding songs below!
“Endless Love” ft. Mariah Carey
Has there ever been a song that wasn’t made more incredible by featuring Mariah Carey? No. (Then again, you’re talking to a Mariah Carey fan.)
Luther and Mariah harmonize effortlessly in this ballad, making it a popular choice for first dances at weddings all over the world.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one/Our lives have just begun/And forever (Forever)/I’ll hold you close in my arms.” Swoon.
While this song was originally sung by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross (arguably the best love song duet of all time), Luther and Mariah popularized this in 1994, and it made it all the way to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
“Here and Now”
This popular and timeless Luther Vandross banger is one of the most romantic songs ever written. Every lyric is a vow to endless and faithful love, and there’s a reason this tops the charts for love songs played at weddings.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Here and now/I promise to love faithfully/You’re all I need/Here and now/I vow to be one with thee/Your love is all I need.” That chorus is the stuff of 90’s R&B love songs!
Fun fact: This song gave Luther his first Grammy award.
“Never Too Much”
I personally love this one- we actually played this during our cocktail hour when we got married! When it comes to transitional music, you’ll want something that gets people up and mingling after being seated for the ceremony.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“I can’t fool myself, I don’t want nobody else to ever love me/You are my shinin’ star, my guiding light, my love fantasy/There’s not a minute, hour, day or night that I don’t love you/You’re at the top of my list ’cause I’m always thinkin’ of you.” What an earworm!
This song has that craveable, smooth, easy-listening feel, of course, with a hefty dash of romance. Play this jam to get the crowd moving and grooving before the night officially kicks off.
“Dance With My Father”
Grab the tissues for this one, because “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross is one of the most iconic songs for the Father-Daughter dance.
Especially for those who may have lost their fathers, the lyrics of this song are heart-wrenching and bittersweet.
Luther’s father passed when he was eight years old. In 2003, “Dance With My Father” was released, based on Luther’s mother’s recollections of singing and dancing around the house with him. Dedicated to his father’s memory, this song goes out to anybody who has lost their father too soon.
“So Amazing”
This sweet ballad was originally written by Luther Vandross for Dionne Warwick. Three years later, he covered the song himself and it made it onto the charts!
With lyrics like, “Got to tell you how you thrill me/I’m happy as I can be/You have come and it’s changed my whole world”, how could you not fall in love all over again while swaying gently with your partner on the dance floor?
“Power of Love/Love Power”
Looking to add some upbeat jams to a classic R&B cocktail hour? “Power of Love/Love Power” is actually a mash-up of two songs (“Love Power” is a song from the 60s by The Sandpebbles), highlighting Luther’s ability to deviate from his usual soulful crooning in favor of a pop melody, and still see success!
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Hold me closer and every minute/Of every hour, feel the power of love, yeah/Hold me tighter and take me higher/And feel the fire of the power of love.”
For a wedding, this would be a great addition to a fun dinner playlist.
“Always and Forever”
As far as first dance wedding songs go, it’s hard to beat the sheer romance in this one. “Always and Forever” functions both as a vow for eternal love as well as happy reflections of one couple, and who doesn’t want to hear that during a wedding?
For big Vandross fans, “Always and Forever” is an exemplary illustration of his soaring vocals, backed up with deliciously soulful harmonies – perfect for setting the mood of an unforgettably romantic slow dance.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Every day love me your own special way/Melt all my heart away with a smile/Take time to tell me you really care/And we’ll share tomorrow together.”
“Sugar and Spice (I Found Me A Girl)”
No 90’s classic R&B wedding playlist would be complete without this fun, flattering jam! If you’ve found the right person, you’ll definitely want to shout it from the rooftops just like Luther does here.
Lyrics you’ll love:
“And every day I thank my lucky stars/And all Heaven above/I’m at last and forever in love/She’s my girl.”
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”
Popularized by the funky disco duo, McFadden & Whitehead, this joyous and celebratory cover from Luther is a groovy jam that deserves a spot on your party playlist!
If you’re a fan of soul and disco, this is a classic that will get people out of their seats and tearing up the dance floor.
“Take You Out”
If you’ve got lots of singles attending your wedding, this song is great for getting people out to the dance floor and mingling.
It’s full of those great 90s R&B vibes and for us millennials/elder millennials (my soul just died a little typing that), you’ll instantly recognize the beat and rhythms as early 2000’s nostalgia.
Think of those fun, flirtatious jams that could empower your very single cousin (that’s been making eyes all night at your also very single bestie colleague) to ask them to dance!
Watch the magic happen at your wedding with the soulful guidance of Mr. Vandross.
