Barry White and Luther Vandross, two legends in the music world, had a mutual respect for each other as iconic vocalists, but behind the scenes, there are rumors that Barry White tried to warn Luther Vandross about the powerful influence of Clive Davis, a top music executive. According to some speculative accounts, White supposedly cautioned Vandross about Davis’s personal and professional motivations, including alleged comments about his supposed attraction to men in the industry.
Clive Davis, the legendary music mogul who launched the careers of many famous artists, including Vandross, has always been a controversial figure. Known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to shape musical careers, Davis was both admired and feared in the industry. Barry White, having been around long enough to understand the inner workings of the business, reportedly wanted to protect Vandross from any potential exploitation, whether it was personal or professional. According to some, White may have felt that Vandross, being a rising star, was vulnerable to manipulation and needed to be cautious of Davis’s influence.
While these accounts are mostly speculative, they play into broader rumors and whispers that have circulated about Clive Davis over the years. Davis, who later came out as bisexual in his autobiography, has always been open about his personal life, but never specifically addressed these claims. The relationship between him and Vandross was well-known to be complex, with Davis playing a pivotal role in Vandross’s rise to fame.
In the end, whatever warnings Barry White may have given Vandross remain speculative. Vandross continued to work with Clive Davis and achieved immense success under his guidance, becoming one of the most beloved R&B vocalists of all time. Despite the rumors, both Vandross and Davis maintained professional success, although Vandross’s personal life remained largely private. Whether or not Barry White’s alleged warning had any lasting impact on their relationship remains a topic of industry gossip and speculation.