Power Of Love/Love Power

Album: Power Of Love (1991)
Charted: 46 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the biggest solo hit for Vandross - his duet with Mariah Carey, "Endless Love, hit #2 in the US. He wrote it with producers Teddy Vann and Marcus Miller.
  • Like many of Luther's songs, this is a seductive tune about the obsessive kind of love that makes you block out everything but the person you are with. While Vandross was known for these baby-making songs, after his death in 2005 Out magazine reported that the singer was gay, but stayed in the closet to benefit his career. In 2017, his good friend Patti LaBelle said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, "He wasn't going to come out to the world. He had a lot of lady fans and he told me he didn't want to upset the world. It was really hard for him."
  • Using the awkward title "Power Of Love/Love Power" distinguished this song from the '80s "Power Of Love" hits by Huey Lewis & The News, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Jennifer Rush. The more distinct title also helped sort out royalty payments.
  • Backing vocalists on this song include Cissy Houston, Darlene Love and Lisa Fischer.
  • A 1995 remix went to #31 in the UK.

Comments: 5

  • Anonymoushttps://on.thegrio.com/3ruaIB6 All you need to know Sara from silver springs MD
  • Eugene from Minneapolis, MnBy the way Luther Vandross decided to add "Love Power" to this classic medley. The song was originally recorded by the 1960s R&B group called The SandPebbles in 1967. They took that one to #14 R&B and #22 Pop.
  • Phil from Vancouver, Wa0
  • Eugene from Minneapolis, MnSorry to bust your bubbles, but the brother was gay and that's OK. He was loved by many regardless. There were a couple people who have known him for a while have stepped up and said that it was true and he wanted to conceal this for the sake of his career, really. I mean can you really blame the guy?
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdLuther was not gay IMO ha had many female admirers and so many women worshipped him. On a tribute album Donna Summer had sung it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."