Luther Vandross signed with the Clive Davis-founded J Records after the release of his 14th studio album I Know. His self-titled 2001 album was his first on J Records and “Take You Out” was the album’s lead single. Vandross’s chivalrous approach to dating in the song provided the words for so many men to approach a love interest. The smooth confidence in Vandross’s voice had moved into the 2000s with renewed timeless romanticism and a Top Ten hit. Actress Garcelle Beauvais starred in the video as Vandross’s love interest. His 13th album upheld his legacy as one of the premier singers of all time and took him into a new era. Pharrell sampled parts of “Take You Out” for Jay-Z’s “Excuse Me Miss.” Vandross passed in 2005 but his voice continues to influence music today. Musician Tom Misch performed a mash-up cover of Vandross’s “Never Too Much” with Mac Miller’s “What’s The Use” for his Quarantine Sessions.Â
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