Singer Luther Vandross recovering from stroke in New York hospital

NEW YORK (AP) _ Grammy-winner Luther Vandross is recovering from a stroke, but it wasn't clear whether the R&B singer's motor skills have been impaired, his spokeswoman said. <br><br>Vandross,

Friday, April 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Grammy-winner Luther Vandross is recovering from a stroke, but it wasn't clear whether the R&B singer's motor skills have been impaired, his spokeswoman said.

Vandross, who turns 52 on Sunday, suffered the stroke Wednesday, according to a statement from his business manager, Carmen Romano.

``Family and friends are hopeful for a speedy recovery,'' the statement said. No further details about his condition were included.

Lois Najarian, a spokeswoman at Vandross' label, J Records, confirmed that the singer was hospitalized in New York, but said she had received no further information.

``We're all very optimistic at this point,'' Najarian said in a telephone interview.

Vandross, whose deep silky voice has anchored romantic hits such as ``Here and Now, ``A House is Not a Home'' and ``Any Love,'' has sold about 20 million albums in the United States alone.

Najarian said he was in good health and had recently completed work on a new album.

Vandross has long battled weight problems. At one point, he weighed more than 330 pounds, and his weight fluctuated dramatically over the years.

Vandross told The Associated Press in a 2001 interview that his excess weight had led to diabetes and hypertension, but he had been able to keep his weight down for three years through diet and exercise.

However, the singer recently had gained weight again.

Vandross won four Grammy awards in the 1990s. His new album was scheduled for a June release.