The Greatest

Doctor of Love

Luther's legendary love ballads also struck a chord with Usher.

"He's influenced me in so many different ways—as a vocalist, as a communicator of love," Usher says. "His music holds so much passion. As a child, I realized one day I would have to make love songs, and I hoped that they would be just as good as Luther Vandross'."

"He was the doctor of love," Oprah says. "We miss him and we love him...I know Mary Ida Vandross, his mother, is at home, and we salute you Ms. Vandross. We salute you very much."