Terry Steele Brings Luther Vandross’ Love Songs Back to Life on His 2026 National Tour – Exclusive Interview

What if you could hear your favorite love songs again… and feel them all over your heart?

Grammy-nominated songwriter and singer Terry Steele is doing just that. Best known for co-writing Luther Vandross’ iconic hit “Here and Now,” he is now traveling across the country to celebrate the music that has touched millions.

Having worked with legends like Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder, Terry Steele brings a legacy of excellence to every stage he steps on.

This tour is not just about singing…

It’s about love, memories, and music that brings back special moments and touches the heart.

Music has a powerful effect on our emotions and well-being — just like the calming techniques we explored in our guide to reducing stress naturally.

✨ We had the pleasure of catching up with Terry Steele—here’s our exclusive interview.

Pump It Up Magazine: How did you first meet Luther Vandross, and why was he special to you?

Terry Steele:I first met Luther Vandross at the recording session for “Here and Now,” the song I wrote for his greatest hits album. That experience was incredibly special because it was the first time I had ever worked with a major artist—and he was including my song on his greatest hits album. I was there at the recording session with a full orchestra, and it was a series of unforgettable firsts. I’ll never forget that experience.

Pump It Up Magazine: You helped write the song “Here and Now.” How did that song come from your heart?

Terry Steele: Well, as the principal songwriter of “Here and Now,” I actually wrote that song when I was 19, just coming out of high school and heading into college. I initially wrote it on my own, and it was based on my parents’ love—their anniversary was coming up, so I wrote the song for them.Years later, I met Dionne Warwick’s son, David Elliott, and we went into the studio to revamp it. He added drums, and we created a new demo. David then brought it to his mom, Dionne, who heard the song while she was on her way to a party at Luther’s home. She shared the song with Luther, and he went on to record it for his greatest hits album.

Pump It Up Magazine: Why do you think people still love Luther’s songs so much today?

Terry Steele: I think people are still drawn to Luther’s music because it’s timeless. He created songs that resonate across generations—no matter where you’re from, everyone can relate to being in love, losing love, or finding it again. His music captures all the different faces of love. Luther’s songs are about real life and real experiences, and I think we all continue to connect with the challenges of life and the journey of love. There’s nothing quite like finding true love. Because he was the king of love ballads, both young and old audiences still relate to his music today.

Pump It Up Magazine: What made you want to do this tour to honor him?

Terry Steele: Well, this year would have been Luther’s 75th birthday on April 19, and I wanted to do something to honor him for all that he did for me. By recording “Here and Now,” he essentially helped launch my career. I’m calling the tour “The Power of Love” because I truly believe we’re living in a time when our world and our society need to return to loving one another. It felt like the perfect title. I believe there is real power in love—love covers a multitude of faults—and if we can begin to see people through the eyes of love again, it could help settle many of our differences.If we communicate and connect through love, we can look past so much. Now more than ever, I believe we need the power of love back in our lives.

Pump It Up Magazine: When people come to your show, how do you want them to feel?

Terry Steele: When people come to see Terry sing Luther Vandross, I want them to feel something special—I want them to reminisce. Maybe it takes them back to the first Luther concert they attended, or to the moment they first heard a particular song. When they’re sitting in the audience and a song begins, I want them to remember how they felt the very first time they heard it. I often hear after concerts how certain songs spoke to people during different phases of their lives. So I want us to go on that journey together—back to a time when we were in love, when love was just beginning, or when music helped us through difficult moments. Ultimately, I want the audience to reflect on Luther Vandross and his incredible ability to bring us all to a deeper place in love. At the same time, I hope to give them a fresh, modern experience through my own interpretation of his music—bringing those same beautiful emotions into the present.

Pump It Up Magazine: What is your favorite song to sing on stage and why?

Terry Steele: Well, of course, “Here and Now”—I have to say that one because it reminds me of when I first met Luther, and it also brings back the love between my mom and dad. It was just a wonderful time in my life. I also love singing “Dance with My Father.” That song really speaks to me. I didn’t write it, but it’s one of those songs I wish I had because it resonates so deeply on a personal level. I lost my dad over 21 years ago, and every time I sing it, it fills my heart with such warm and meaningful memories of him. It’s true—I would love to dance with my father again.

Pump It Up Magazine: What advice would you give to someone who dreams of becoming a singer?

Terry Steele: That’s a hard one. I really believe that first, you have to know that it’s truly your passion—your calling. Secondly, you have to study. A lot of singers don’t realize that if you want a long-lasting career, it takes effort and real work. So study—study music. I’m old-school, so learn your notes. Go to school and learn how to read music. Take voice lessons and learn how to preserve your voice. Then there’s the long haul—getting out there, pursuing your dreams, and never quitting. Find the love and passion in singing, and don’t focus on fame or money. Start from the foundation: doing it because you truly love it.

Pump It Up Magazine: If Luther could see you now, what do you think he would say to you?

Terry Steele: Wow, I believe Luther would say, “Good job.” I remember when I first met him and presented him with the song “Here and Now.” I asked him for a quote, and he said, “When you listen to ‘Here and Now,’ there’s no doubt that Terry Steele is a great singer and songwriter. I’m looking for more from this young man in the future.” Now, 35 years later, I think he would be pleased that I’m keeping his legacy alive and honoring him in the classic tradition—presenting his songs and his artistry to the best of my ability. I truly believe he would be proud.