[andygrif]

I'm gutted. I've been a big fan of Luther for nigh on 20 years, I have every album and was devastated when I heard of his stroke a couple of years ago. His father died of complications with diabetes, Luther also had the condition but didn't address it until it was too late.

His career never really was a huge as it was in the US - which is a shame becuase that meant that we hardly got to see him perform live in this country - and believe me he put on one of the best shows you'd ever see.

Every year it seemed that he was nominated for a Grammy, but until Dance With My Father (released after his stroke) he never won one. I am glad he finally acheived that ambition before his passing.

He was a perfectionist, a unique voice, a prolific songwriter, one of the most talented arrangers and producers and a talent the world can never have enough of. Above all, he was a devoted son to his mother and a devoted friend to many.

God bless you, Luther. May you rest in peace. There's a bright star in heaven tonight.