Luther Vandross drew vocal grace and charisma from ‘60s pop heroines such as Dionne Warwick, and poetic phrasing from Motown ensembles like Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. By the ‘70s, he was writing songs and singing backup vocals for the likes of David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Chic, learning showmanship and paving the way for his career as a premier vocalist of R&B romance.