(10/13/03, 7 a.m. ET) -- R&B legend Luther Vandross, who has been hospitalized since suffering a stroke on April 16, is slowly making progress on the road to recovery, according to a report in the October 20 issue of People magazine. The singer recently had a tracheotomy tube removed, and he is talking once again. Another positive report comes from the singer's friend Patti LaBelle, who told People magazine that she sang a duet with Vandross during a recent visit. "His voice is the same as it ever was," Labelle told the magazine. Vandross is recovering at a New Jersey rehabilitation center.


Vandross' last sold out concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, on February 14, 2003, was recorded and compiled into the singer's first-ever live album, which will be released October 28.

The album, titled Luther Vandross Live at Radio City Music Hall, features the Number One R&B hits "I'd Rather," "Never Too Much," "Stop To Love," "Take You Out," and the Grammy Award-winning track "Here And Now." Other live versions of songs include "Superstar," "A House Is Not A Home," "Love Won't Let Me Wait," "Glow Of Love," "If Only For One Night," and "Creepin'."


The live album comes on the heels of Vandross' 15th album, Dance With My Father, which debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 albums chart in June, after selling more than 442,000 copies. The set is the singer's fastest-selling album to date.


Vandross is also nominated for two American Music Awards for favorite male artist and favorite album in the soul/R&B category.

Cool!! Can't wait for that Live CD.

Excellent News. Might get the CD as well! Way to go Luther! October 28? I had a paper that lists it as coming out tommorow and for only $9.88! I'm going to get a raincheck!