For most of his career, Luther Vandross cut a puzzling figure. A charming romantic whose songs were so celebrated for bringing men and women to the bedroom that he was considered as much ...

Luther Vandross' niece reveals that the late singer's love songs were inspired by his own life, but not necessarily his romantic attachments.

Best known for his smooth, sexy love songs, his niece says inspiration came from Vandross’s own life and experiences, but not necessarily his love life, which he was fiercely private about.

What’s beautiful about Luther’s many love songs is their simplicity. The way they describe love is joyful and pure. “So amazing to be loved.

That's one reason Vandross' singing rang so true -- particularly with women, who recognized the vulnerability and insecurity at the heart of his songs.

Williams told the publication that Vandross’ iconic love songs were inspired by his own life, but not necessarily his romantic attachments.