Vandross: Master Of The R&B Form

Rap is getting all the attention in black music today, but the traditional forms of R&B are still going strong. There is no better example than Luther Vandross, the great romantic balladeer playing shows tomorrow and Sunday at the Paramount.

Although he's not well-known outside the genre - he's had only one Top 10 single, the lush ``Here and Now,'' a hit earlier this year - Vandross is one of the most successful vocalists in pop. All seven of his albums - including the current compilation ``The Best of Love'' - have been million-sellers, and his concert tours are always sellouts.

The classy, deeply emotional singer continues the tradition of Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles and Smokey Robinson, although he derives most of his inspiration from female singers, especially Motown-era giants such as Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin.

Vandross is not only supremely gifted as a vocalist - he has great range and astounding control - he's also a fine songwriter and sought-after producer. He's made records with all three of his idols - Diana, Dionne and Aretha - and written many fine songs, including his first single in 1981, ``Never Too Much,'' the warm, moving ``So Amazing'' and the up-tempo ``Stop to Love.'' He's also a fine interpreter of classics, such as ``A House Is Not a Home'' and ``Until You Come Back to Me.''

Because virtually all his songs have to do with love, Vandross has become a sex symbol. Female fans scream and swoon over him. His concerts are love feasts with strong crowd response to not only his songs but to his every look and gesture.

The reaction to him is often compared to that accorded Barry White; both melt female hearts but neither are stereotypical sex symbols. White has always been a big man, but Vandross' weight fluctuates wildly. Earlier this year he was down to 193 pounds, but has gained some 40 pounds in recent months. He said in a recent Rolling Stone interview that his weight swings correspond to mood swings. ``Food and heartache are intertwined within me,'' he explained, saying that he loses weight when he's in love, and gains it when love fails. He has lost large amounts of weight eight times, only to gain it all back.

But none of that matters when Vandross hits the stage. His rich voice is unaffected by weight, and he has a fantastic wardrobe of varying sizes. His show is elaborate, with an orchestra, beautifully costumed backup singers, a decorated set and special lighting effects.

The shows are at 7 p.m. tomorrow; 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Opening is comedian Lewis Dix.