Just a month ago it was announced that hip-hop, rap and R&B artists Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Fantasia are among the artists featured on a new Luther Vandross tribute album, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Now comes the news of the death of Luther Vandross. He died today at age 54.

The Clive Davis-orchestrated project is said to be a more literal interpretation of Vandross’ music than the 2004 jazz tribute disc ''Forever, For Always, For Luther.''

Producer Jimmy Jam said: “It's basically artists doing Luther Vandross songs, but they''re doing them their way. Some of the arrangements are very similar to Luther's arrangements."

Ruben Studdard, Angie Stone and Celine Dion are also tapped for the project. It will certainly have a lot more meaning now that the music world has lost Luther Vandross. He will be sadly missed by all of the music field. His voice was an unique blessing to all of us. He could fit in any genre of music.

RIP – Luther Vandross