Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey, Endless Love | COVERS

In the 40^th edition of COVERS (2025), Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey deliver a compelling rendition of “Endless Love,” originally recorded by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 40^th edition of COVERS (2025), Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey deliver a compelling rendition of “Endless Love”, originally performed by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.

Following up a Lionel Richie and Diana Ross classic is not an easy task… for most. Neither Luther Vandross (1951 – 2005) nor Mariah Carey (b. 1969) is most people. Both Grammy-winning artists rank among the best to ever share their gift of song with the world.  On their cover of “Endless Love”, they shine bright like a diamond. “Endless Love” is the third track from Vandross’ 1994, Grammy-nominated album, Songs, an album where Vandross makes other timeless classics his own. “Endless Love” is the crown jewel.  A huge pop hit, “Endless Love” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2021. Fittingly, the duet was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Collaboration at the 37^th Annual Grammy Awards (Al Green and Lyle Lovett won the award for “Funny How Time Slips Away”). 

Despite not winning a Grammy, “Endless Love” in the hands of Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey is to die for.  It begins with the gorgeous adult contemporary R&B production, which suits both artists superbly. “Love” begins with warm piano, which sets the tone. The musical accompaniment consists of a rhythm section and orchestra, including soaring strings. Vandross’ vocals are velvety smooth as he draws first blood (“My love, there’s only you in my life / The only thing that’s right”). Carey matches his finesse with her own sophisticated pipes (“My first love, you’re every breath that I take / You’re every step I make”). Their chemistry is remarkable when they sing together, growing more powerful as the song progresses. Both excel at ad-libs, never over-singing but keeping things just right. After singing separately in the first verse, they sing together frequently throughout the rest of the song, sounding effortless.  Their voices soar to higher heights as the song progresses. One of the best moments of this cover is the non-lyrical singing on those iconic “doo(s)” during the instrumental section.  More could be said, but the music speaks for itself.  To reiterate, following Lionel Richie and Diana Ross is arduous.  But Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey – they’re built different! With their elite voices, “Endless Love” is utterly divine!

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Luther Vandross » Songs » Sony Music Entertainment » 1994

Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey, Endless Love: Covers No. 40 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; Alan Cordero, Flávia Vicentini from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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