ED GORDON, host: And now, we pay tribute to two of soul music's true legends.</s>ED GORDON, host: Singer Luther Vandross died Friday at the age of 54.  During Vandross'      career, he sold more than 25 million albums and became one of the top R&B      singers of his era.  He earned four Grammys with records that dominated      R&B and pop charts during the 1980s and '90s.  Two years ago, Vandross      suffered a stroke in New York.  His last album, the sentimental "Dance      with My Father," earned Vandross four more Grammys, including best male      R&B performance for the title track.</s>Mr. LUTHER VANDROSS: (Singing) I'd play song that would never, ever end.      How I'd love, love, love, to dance with my father again.</s>ED GORDON, host: For years, Vandross struggled with weight problems, diabetes and      hypertension.  Although officials gave no cause of death, he never quite      recovered from his stroke.  We'll offer a full tribute to Luther Vandross      on Friday.</s>ED GORDON, host: Renaldo "Obie" Benson also died Friday, in Detroit.  He was a      member of Motown's legendary singing group, The Four Tops.  Benson died      from lung cancer at the age of 69.  After joining Motown Records in the      1960s, The Four Tops sold more than 50 million records.  They recorded      major hits including "I Can't Help Myself," "Baby I Need Your Lovin'" and      "Reach Out I'll Be There." Benson also co-wrote a number of songs on      Marvin Gaye's classic album, "What's Going On."  With Benson's death,      only two of the original Four Tops remain, Levi Stubbs and Abdul "Duke"      Fakir.</s>ED GORDON, host: You're listening to NEWS & NOTES from NPR News.
NPR's Ed Gordon pays tribute to two of soul music's true legends. Singer Luther Vandross died Friday at the age of 54, and Renaldo "Obie" Benson also died Friday in Detroit at age 69. Benson was a member of Motown's legendary singing group The Four Tops.