Studio album · No. 9

I Know Songwriting Credits by Luther Vandross

1998 Virgin 13 tracks 67:04

Produced by Luther Vandross, Marcus Miller, Nat Adderley Jr., Terence "Tramp Baby" Abney, Tony Moran, "Little" Louie Vega, Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, Rodney Jerkins  ·  Engineered by Ray Bardani, Al Schmitt, Stan Wallace, David Isaac, Dave Saronson, Steven Barkan, David Darlington, Tony Black, Paul Falcone, Ted Jensen

Virgin R&BQuiet stormAdult contemporary
Artist
92%
Authorship

Holds writing credit on 12 of 13 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 12 / 13 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 13 tracks with documented writers, by whether Luther Vandross carries a lyricist or composer credit.

92%
12 trackswritten by Luther Vandross 1 trackoutside writers
Luther Vandross's roles on this album

Share of the 13 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist92%
Composer92%
Producer85%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

13
Tracks
14
Lyricists
8
Producers
1998
Released

Awards & Recognition 2

Nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999, an album category at the time. Patti LaBelle won for Live! One Night Only.
The title track was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999. Stevie Wonder, who plays harmonica on the Vandross track, won the category for "St. Louis Blues".
Data Insight

Vandross has a writing credit on twelve of the thirteen tracks and never writes alone on any of them. The one song he did not write is the one song he did not produce: "When I Need You" belongs to Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager, and Nat Adderley Jr. produced it. Reed Vertelney is the closest thing to a regular partner here, co-writing three songs including the title track. One credit trips people up. "Dream Lover" was co-written by bassist Byron Miller, not Marcus Miller, who instead co-wrote "Get It Right" and "I'm Only Human"; Wikipedia's track listing shortens both men to "Miller", and Genius confirms Byron on "Dream Lover". Marcella Precise, the featured vocalist on two tracks, is credited as a co-writer of "Nights in Harlem" by Wikipedia and Genius, though the CD booklet transcription on Discogs leaves her off.

I Know was Vandross's first album after his Epic contract ran out, and the only one he made for Virgin. It was cut between January and May 1998 at Clinton Recording, the Hit Factory and Sound Barriers in New York, the Record Plant in Los Angeles and the Sony Scoring Stage in Culver City, with Vandross producing most of it himself and handing single tracks to Marcus Miller, Nat Adderley Jr., Terence Abney, Tony Moran and the Masters at Work team of Louie Vega and Kenny Gonzalez. Guests include Stevie Wonder on harmonica, Cassandra Wilson, Bob James, rapper Guru and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.

Track Listing & Credits 13 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
Keeping My Faith in You
Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Reed Vertelney (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, String Programming)Skip Anderson (Additional Keyboards)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)Nick Moroch (Reggae Guitar)Ivan Hampden (Additional Percussion Programming)The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (Choir)Benny Diggs (Choir Conductor)Fonzi Thornton (Choir Contractor, Backing Vocals)Cissy Houston (Backing Vocals)Lisa Fischer (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)Vaneese Thomas (Backing Vocals)Vivian Cherry (Backing Vocals)Diva Gray (Backing Vocals)Katreese Barnes (Backing Vocals)Curtis King (Backing Vocals)Phillip Ballou (Backing Vocals)Angela J. Williams (Backing Vocals)B.J. Nelson (Backing Vocals)Clyde "Tibba" Gamble (Backing Vocals)Jenny Douglas-McRae (Backing Vocals)Kevin Owens (Backing Vocals)Le'roy Williams (Backing Vocals)Michelle Cobbs (Backing Vocals)Renay Joubert (Backing Vocals)Robin Clark (Backing Vocals)Sharon Ferguson (Backing Vocals)Tamira Sanders (Backing Vocals)
2
Isn't There Someone
Luther VandrossRichard Marx Luther VandrossRichard Marx Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Richard Marx (Music Arrangement)Skip Anderson (Electric Piano, Bass, Drum Programming)Dean Parks (Acoustic Guitar)Michael Thompson (Electric Guitar)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)Jeremy Lubbock (Orchestra Arrangement, Conductor)Assa Drori (Concertmaster)
3
Religion
Luther VandrossTony Moran Luther VandrossTony Moran Luther VandrossTony Moran Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Tony Moran (Vocal Arrangement)Tony Coluccio (Keyboards, Programming)Ira Siegel (Guitar)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
4
Get It Right
Luther VandrossMarcus Miller Luther VandrossMarcus Miller Luther VandrossTerence "Tramp Baby" Abney Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement, Arrangement)Marcella Precise (Featured Vocals)Terence "Tramp Baby" Abney (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, Arrangement)Michael Oakman (Additional Guitar)Karen Bernod (Backing Vocals)Ronnie Robinson Jr. (Backing Vocals)Sheniqua Fontaine (Backing Vocals)Cissy Houston (Bridge Vocals)Darlene Love (Bridge Vocals)Fonzi Thornton (Bridge Vocals)Joshie Armstead (Bridge Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Bridge Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Bridge Vocals)Brenda White King (Bridge Vocals)
5
I Know #61
Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Stevie Wonder (Harmonica)Reed Vertelney (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, String Programming)Skip Anderson (Additional Keyboards)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)
6
I'm Only Human
Luther VandrossMarcus Miller Luther VandrossMarcus Miller Luther VandrossMarcus Miller Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Cassandra Wilson (Featured Vocals)Bob James (Fender Rhodes Electric Piano)Marcus Miller (Keyboards, Bass Guitar, Drum Programming, Arrangement)David Isaac (Additional Drum Programming)
7
Nights in Harlem #4
Luther VandrossMarcella PreciseRex RideoutFonzi Thornton Luther VandrossMarcella BrailsfordRex RideoutFonzi Thornton Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement, Arrangement)Marcella Precise (Featured Vocals)Rex Rideout (Keyboards, Arrangement)Skip Anderson (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Turntable Cuts)Fonzi Thornton (Arrangement)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
8
Dream Lover
Luther VandrossByron Miller Luther VandrossByron Miller Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Byron Miller (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, Arrangement)Skip Anderson (Additional Keyboards)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)Cissy Houston (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
9
When I Need You
Albert HammondCarole Bayer Sager Albert HammondCarole Bayer Sager Nat Adderley Jr. Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Nat Adderley Jr. (Piano, Keyboards, Bass, Arrangement, Horn Arrangement, Background Vocal Conductor)Kirk Whalum (Tenor Saxophone Solo)Jesse Levy (Cello Solo, Orchestra Contractor)Ivan Hampden (Drums, Percussion)Phil Hamilton (Guitar)Peter Schwartz (Programming)Earl McIntyre (Horn Arrangement, Horn Conductor)Charles Libove (Concertmaster)Fonzi Thornton (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Diva Gray (Backing Vocals)Katreese Barnes (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Robin Clark (Backing Vocals)Tamira Sanders (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Vaneese Thomas (Backing Vocals)Vivian Cherry (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
10
Are You Using Me?
Luther VandrossFonzi ThorntonKenny "Dope" GonzalezLouie Vega Luther VandrossFonzi ThorntonCarl GonzalezLuis Vega "Little" Louie VegaKenny "Dope" Gonzalez Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Gene Perez (Bass)Mike Ciro (Guitar)Albert "Sterling" Menendez (Keyboards)John Scarpulla (Tenor Saxophone)John Wheeler (Trombone)Tony Kadleck (Trumpet)Fonzi Thornton (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
11
Are You Mad at Me?
Luther VandrossSkip Anderson Luther VandrossJohn Anderson Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Skip Anderson (Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, Music Arrangement)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)Kirk Whalum (Soprano Saxophone Solo)Lisa Fischer (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
12
Now That I Have You
Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther VandrossReed Vertelney Luther Vandross Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals, Vocal Arrangement)Reed Vertelney (Electric Piano, Bass, Drum Programming)Skip Anderson (Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Orchestra Arrangement)Jeremy Lubbock (Orchestra Arrangement, Conductor)Assa Drori (Concertmaster)Paul Jackson Jr. (Electric Guitar)The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (Choir)Benny Diggs (Choir Conductor)Fonzi Thornton (Choir Contractor)Lisa Fischer (Backing Vocals)Cindy Mizelle (Backing Vocals)Paulette McWilliams (Backing Vocals)Tawatha Agee (Backing Vocals)Brenda White King (Backing Vocals)
13
Nights in Harlem (Darkchild Extended Remix)
Luther VandrossMarcella PreciseRex RideoutFonzi Thornton Luther VandrossMarcella BrailsfordRex RideoutFonzi Thornton Luther VandrossRodney Jerkins Luther Vandross (Lead Vocals)Guru (Featured Rap Vocals)Rodney Jerkins (Remix)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 80 contributors

LV
Luther Vandross
Writer · Producer · Vocals
On this album12 written
FT
Fonzi Thornton
Writer · Vocals
On this album3 written
RV
Reed Vertelney
Writer · Keyboards
On this album3 written
MM
Marcus Miller
Writer · Producer · Keyboards
On this album2 written
MB
Marcella Brailsford
Writer
On this album2 written
MP
Marcella Precise
Writer · Vocals
On this album2 written
RR
Rex Rideout
Writer · Keyboards
On this album2 written
K"
Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez
Writer · Producer
On this album1 written
TM
Tony Moran
Writer · Producer · Vocals
On this album1 written
AH
Albert Hammond
Writer
On this album1 written
BM
Byron Miller
Writer · Keyboards
On this album1 written
CG
Carl Gonzalez
Writer
On this album1 written

More from Luther Vandross

1981 86%
Never Too Much
Epic
7 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1982 88%
Forever, for Always, for Love
Epic
8 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1983 71%
Busy Body
Epic
7 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1985 75%
The Night I Fell in Love
Epic
8 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1986 89%
Give Me the Reason
Epic
9 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1988 89%
Any Love
Epic
9 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1991 90%
Power of Love
Epic
10 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1993 82%
Never Let Me Go
Epic
11 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1994 0%
Songs
Epic
13 tracksProd. Walter Afanasieff
1995 70%
This Is Christmas
LV/Epic
10 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
1996 67%
Your Secret Love
Epic
12 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
2001 47%
Luther Vandross
J
15 tracksProd. Luther Vandross
2003 71%
Dance with My Father
J
14 tracksProd. Luther Vandross

Frequently Asked Questions I Know

Did Luther Vandross write the songs on I Know?
He co-wrote twelve of the thirteen tracks and wrote none of them by himself. His partners across the record are Reed Vertelney, Richard Marx, Tony Moran, Marcus Miller, Fonzi Thornton, Rex Rideout, Byron Miller, Marcella Brailsford, Skip Anderson, Carl Gonzalez and Luis Vega. The thirteenth track is a remix of "Nights in Harlem", so the album holds twelve distinct songs.
Is "When I Need You" a Luther Vandross original?
No. It was written by Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager, and Vandross has no writing credit on it. It is also the only track on I Know that he did not produce or co-produce, since Nat Adderley Jr. produced it, arranged it and played piano, keyboards and bass. Kirk Whalum takes the tenor saxophone solo and Jesse Levy the cello solo.
Who plays harmonica on the title track?
Stevie Wonder. The two men ended up in the same Grammy category for 1999: Vandross was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "I Know", and Wonder won it for "St. Louis Blues".
Did I Know win any Grammys?
No. It picked up two nominations at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999, one for the album in Best Traditional R&B Performance and one for the title track in Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, and lost both.
How did I Know perform on the charts?
It debuted and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard 200, his first album since Give Me the Reason in 1986 to miss the top ten, and reached number 9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In Britain it got to number 42 on the albums chart and number 9 on the R&B chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA later in 1998.
Who is Marcella Precise?
A singer and rapper who appears on two tracks, "Get It Right" and "Nights in Harlem". She is credited as a writer under her legal name, Marcella Brailsford, and her verse also carries over into the Darkchild remix that closes the album.

Sources

Wikipedia: I Know (Luther Vandross album) Wikipedia: I Know (Luther Vandross song) Wikipedia: Nights in Harlem Wikipedia: Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance Wikipedia: Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Discogs release 1719755: Luther Vandross - I Know (CD, EMI/Virgin, 1998) Discogs API release 1719755 (full credit data) Genius API: "Nights in Harlem" song credits Genius API: "Get It Right" song credits Genius API: "Dream Lover" song credits MusicBrainz release group: I Know Cover Art Archive: I Know release group front cover Cover Art Archive: I Know by Luther Vandross