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The song was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the musical Promises, Promises in 1968. Vandross’ remake of “A House Is Not a Home” was so thorough that nearly every singer of note who subsequently tackled the song — Ron Isley, Jaheim, Ne-Yo — has attempted to match his version. Vandross died in 2005, and a tribute album dedicated to him was released two months after. The Warwick single was performed in the key of F major, and it is most often played in that key in jazz interpretations.
Artist
Notable renditions include those by Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, among others. Each artist adds their own unique interpretation to the song, showcasing its enduring popularity and universal appeal. Vandross, a vocal fan of Warwick who collaborated with her during the Eighties, first released his cover of “A House Is Not a Home” in 1981. Warwick’s version feels rushed, but this is a song that needs space to maximize its drama. His version is seven minutes long — probably not an option for Warwick in 1964 — and it crawls.
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On stage in 1986, it’s remarkable the way Vandross is able to change the structure of a familiar song. He’s such an adept singer he can insert wildly long ad-libs — “goodnight” becomes “goodnight, good morning, good afternoon, hello, bye-bye baby, yeah yeah yeah” — and still find his way back to the beat. His voice is flexible enough to splinter a single “no” into six or eight parts and transform “love” into a colorful spray of falsetto.
Why is Luther Vandross’ version of the song particularly revered?
In conclusion, A House Is Not a Home by Luther Vandross is a song that speaks to the fundamental human need for love and companionship. It reminds us that a physical space is meaningless without the presence of loved ones to turn it into a home. The lyrics and emotions conveyed in this song resonate deeply with listeners, making it a timeless and unforgettable piece of music. Luther Vandross’ version of “A House Is Not a Home” is revered for his exceptional vocal performance, his emotional connection to the lyrics, and his ability to captivate listeners with his soulful delivery.
He hopes that when he climbs the stairs and turns the key, his loved one will be there, confessing their love for him. In the lyrics, Vandross expresses the longing for companionship and connection. Yes, Luther Vandross’ version of “A House Is Not a Home” was a commercial success. It peaked at number five on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, solidifying Vandross’ status as a rising star. The song’s popularity also helped propel the album “Never Too Much” to great success, further establishing Vandross as a prominent force in the music industry. Aside from Luther Vandross’ version, “A House Is Not a Home” has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Has “A House Is Not a Home” been featured in any films or TV shows?
Through Vandross’ heartfelt delivery, the song becomes an anthem for anyone longing for love and connection. "A House Is Not a Home" is a 1964 ballad written by the team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1964 film of the same name, starring Shelley Winters and Robert Taylor. Another version of the song, by Brook Benton, which was the version that appeared in the film, was released at nearly the same time.
The song explores the difference between a mere physical structure and the home that is created through love and emotional connection. It emphasizes that a house is merely a shell, while a home is a place filled with cherished memories, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Vandross beautifully captures this sentiment through his heartfelt delivery, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the longing for a true home.
Warwick’s rendition was weighed down by the pop-opera scoring that often graced Bacharach and David songs in the Sixties. In this case, that’s a detriment; sometimes it sounds like Warwick is fighting to be heard above the strings and brass. In contrast, Vandross’ imperious pleading never disappears beneath the orchestra. However, Vandross holds on to hope and pleads for his loved one to have a change of heart. He acknowledges that he is not meant to live alone and desperately wants to turn the house into a home again.
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Vandross ends the song with one final show of power, rising from the bottom of the scale through the full extent of his range on the word “me.” The camera cuts to Warwick, who appears to be concealing a tear. Vandross's version was sampled by Kanye West for "Slow Jamz", from Twista's 2004 album Kamikaze, as well as Kanye's own 2004 studio album The College Dropout. Nextdoor Neighbors in Los Angeles rate their top interests as walking, dogs, home improvement & diy, books, hiking & trails, gardening & landscape, seeing live music, cooking, volunteering, and travel. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. Vandross was not intimidated — by the end of his performance, the crowd was roaring, and Warwick was wiping away a tear.
Yes, Luther Vandross frequently performed “A House Is Not a Home” during his live concerts. Each live performance was a testament to Vandross’ incredible vocal talent, and the song often became a highlight of his shows. His live performances showcased his ability to captivate audiences and evoke strong emotions through his singing. The song appears on Luther Vandross’ album titled “Never Too Much,” which was released in 1981. It became one of the standout tracks on the album and helped solidify Vandross’ career as a successful solo artist.
A House Is Not a Home is a soulful ballad that was originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the musical Promises, Promises in 1968. However, it wasn’t until Luther Vandross released his rendition of the song in 1981 that it truly became a timeless classic. The powerful lyrics and Vandross’ emotive vocals resonate deeply with listeners, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia. Luther Vandross’ rendition of “A House Is Not a Home” brings a new level of depth and emotion to the song. Vandross’ rich and soulful vocals add a sense of vulnerability and longing, making the lyrics resonate even more powerfully with listeners. His interpretation of the song becomes a personal journey, filled with raw emotion and heartfelt delivery.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless lyrics, emotionally charged melody, and Luther Vandross’ exceptional vocal performance. Its universal theme of longing for a true home resonates with listeners from all walks of life, making it a timeless classic in the world of soulful ballads. It’s no wonder that this song has been sampled and covered by various artists, as it captures a universal feeling that many can relate to. Whether it’s the soulful vocals, the heart-wrenching lyrics, or the emotional resonance it carries, A House Is Not a Home remains a timeless classic.
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