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Luther Vandross Recovers from Pneumonia, Has Tracheotomy

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4-28-03. R&B Singer Luther Vandross, 52, contracted pneumonia during his recent hospitalization for a stroke he survived on April 16 at his Manhattan, New York home. Vandross had to undergo a tracheotomy to assist his breathing. The procedure requires that a hole is made in the windpipe and a tube inserted. According to his business manager, Carmen Romano, “the tracheotomy was performed in a manner in which is vocal cords were not affected or damaged.” 

Since falling ill, Vandross has been minimally responsive neurologically, hence the reason doctors do not consider him in a coma state. He has not opened his eyes or spoken since his stroke. Doctors have not determined yet if there is permanent neurological damage like paralysis; however, they believe he has not suffered damage to parts of the brain that control speech. 

Still in critical but stable condition, Lois Najarian, his spokesperson says “we expected him to be out of intensive care right now.” He would be conscious if he were not heavily sedated to keep him comfortable. She also says a full recovery is expected, although it may take a long time and lots of rehabilitation.  

Vandross was alone for hours before any one knew he had a stroke. He is hospitalized at Weill-Cornell Medical College of New York-Presbyterian Hospital.  

J Records labelmate Alicia Keys offered words of encouragement. “This is Alicia. Please take your time. Don’t rush. You will get better, but it’s gonna take time. My mom, Jeff, Angie, and all your labelmates are praying for you and playing your music everywhere. In the car. In the crib. Have you heard us? You are loved!” 

In a statement  from singer Deborah Cox, she writes, “it is hard to put into words the depth of this tragedy. Luther is not only an innovative, accomplished musician and entertainer, but an incredibly warm and funny individual. He always found his way to my dressing room a shows to chat about all kinds of things and to lend support and encouragement as a mentor . . . I have been diligently praying for his recovery.”  

National prayer vigils have been held to aid in his recovery, spearheaded by friend Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Radio Celebrity Tom Joyner, and the Reverend Jesse Jackson. 

He was scheduled to be a guest judge on “American Idol” on May 6. The title track of his latest album, “Dance With My Father,” set for release June 10, was performed by former “American Idol” contestant Tamyra Gray on the April 28 episode of “Boston Public.” Guest appearances on the album include Beyonce’ Knowles of Destiny’s Child, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, Foxy Brown, and Queen Latifah.

Luther Vandross Suffers Stroke

4-22-03. Luther Vandross is in the hospital recovering from a stroke he suffered on Wednesday. He turned 52 on Sunday, April 20. A four-time Grammy award-winning singer, it is not clear whether or not Vandross' motor skills are impaired.

According to a statement by spokespeople for Luther,  "family and friends are hopeful for a speedy recovery," and "we're all very optimistic at this point."

He had recently completed a new CD set for release in June.  Some of  Luther Vandross' top hits include the romantic tunes, "Here and Now," "A House is Not a Home," and "Any Love." He has sold about 20 million albums in the U.S.

Vandross was in good health but has been suffering weight problems for years, reaching 330 pounds at one point. His excess weight led to diabetes and hypertension. Through diet and exercise he had kept his weight down for three year. Recently, he had gained weight again.

Vandross has long battled weight problems. At one point, he weighed more than 330 pounds, and his weight fluctuated dramatically over the years.

Vandross told The Associated Press in a 2001 interview that his excess weight had led to diabetes and hypertension, but he had been able to keep his weight down for three years through diet and exercise.