Super Bowl 2025 halftime show live updates: Kendrick Lamar ...

One of Kendrick Lamar's biggest hits on his "GNX" album is titled after Soul and R&B legend, Luther Vandross Jr.

Lamar's song "Luther" has continued to pick up steam ahead of tonight's Super Bowl LIX, which features fellow halftime performer SZA. The song features a sample of Marvin Gaye's "If This World Were Mine", which was also performed by Vandross and Cheryl Lynn.

Vandross was one of the more talented soul and R&B singers of the late 20th century. Born in New York, Vandross sold more than 40 million records worldwide and achieved 11 consecutive platinum albums certified by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Known for his romantic ballads, Vandross also served as backing vocalist on albums produced by David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, and Diana Ross.

An eight-time Grammy award winner, Vandross tragically died at the young age of 54 years old. Many modern day artists have covered Vandross' work including Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Elton John, and Usher.