Send a Love Letter to Luther

On August 3, 2004, in association with the American Diabetes Association, The Verve Music Group initiated an unprecedented fundraising and awareness campaign: “Send a Love Letter To Luther”. Like the music of Luther Vandross, the plan 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 special mail box and dedicated webs page where Luther fans and supporters can send their ” love letters” and contributions to benefit the ADA’s mission of diabetes care, cure, an research.

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, at all fundraising events, and online. On October 22, 2004, a major radio-sponsored gala event to benefit the 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 the ADA will present the love letters to Luther’s family and announce the up-to-date results of the fundraising campaign.

On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a diabetes-induced 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 Luther¹s spirits. On July 27th, Verve released the all-star tribute to his humanity and artistry, Forever, For Always, For Luther, co-produced by Luther’s longtime producer 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 forward all letters to Mr. Vandross and his family.