Legendary singer-songwriter Babyface originally penned the heartfelt ballad "Every Time I Close My Eyes" with Luther Vandross in mind. However, Vandross ultimately decided to turn down the song, believing it wasn’t the right fit for him.
A Missed Opportunity for Luther Vandross
Despite being known for his signature smooth vocals and emotional delivery, Luther Vandross felt that "Every Time I Close My Eyes" didn’t align with his style at the time. However, he would later express regret over passing on the song, realizing that it had the potential to be another timeless classic under his belt.
Babyface’s Success With the Song
Instead of shelving the track, Babyface recorded it himself, releasing it as a single from his self-titled 1996 album. The song went on to become a major hit, earning platinum certification and solidifying Babyface’s status not only as a gifted songwriter but also as a successful recording artist in his own right.
A Classic That Almost Had a Different Voice
While fans can only imagine what Vandross’ version of the song would have sounded like, Babyface’s rendition remains iconic, proving that some opportunities, once passed up, may never come again.
Would Luther Vandross have taken the song to even greater heights? We'll never know—but "Every Time I Close My Eyes" remains a classic in R&B history.
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