Vandross Doing First Interview Since Stroke
Singer Suffered Stroke In April 2003
POSTED: 9:41 a.m. EDT May 3, 2004
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has landed the first interview with singer Luther Vandross since his stroke over a year ago.
Vandross talked about his improving health, the tremendous fan support he's received and the importance of family.
Vandross, 52, suffered a debilitating stroke in his Manhattan apartment in April 2003 and was hospitalized in critical condition. He emerged from a coma in June and moved out of intensive care a few days later.
The interview -- scheduled to air Thursday in syndication -- is part of a one-hour program dedicated to Mother's Day. It'll also include a conversation with Vandross' mother and a performance from last year's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard.
Winfrey spent the day with Vandross at a rehabilitation center, attending his physical therapy sessions as well as his vocal coaching.
The singer has been showered with several awards for his multiplatinum album "Dance With My Father," including Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album for the disc, as well as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Song of the Year for the title track for "Dance With My Father."
Vandross could not make the trip to the ceremonies, but appeared in a taped statement, which concluded with him singing, "I believe in the power of love."
Vandross talked about his improving health, the tremendous fan support he's received and the importance of family.
Vandross, 52, suffered a debilitating stroke in his Manhattan apartment in April 2003 and was hospitalized in critical condition. He emerged from a coma in June and moved out of intensive care a few days later.
The interview -- scheduled to air Thursday in syndication -- is part of a one-hour program dedicated to Mother's Day. It'll also include a conversation with Vandross' mother and a performance from last year's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard.
Winfrey spent the day with Vandross at a rehabilitation center, attending his physical therapy sessions as well as his vocal coaching.
The singer has been showered with several awards for his multiplatinum album "Dance With My Father," including Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album for the disc, as well as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Song of the Year for the title track for "Dance With My Father."
Vandross could not make the trip to the ceremonies, but appeared in a taped statement, which concluded with him singing, "I believe in the power of love."Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
