Sundance Institute x Chicago presented the Luther Vandross documentary, ‘Luther: Never Too Much’. Notably, Chicago is the first U.S. city to host an independent film fest with the Sundance Institute outside of its home in Park City, Utah.
Thank you Sundance Institute x Chicago for having me as press for the viewing of the Luther Vandross documentary, ‘Luther: Never Too Much’.
Luther: Never Too Much
The documentary Luther: Never Too Much tells the cradle-to-grave story of the American singer-songwriter and record producer Luther Vandross. “John Lewis: Good Trouble” director Dawn Porter is helming this first-ever full-length authorized documentary film on one of the most decorated and influential pop artists of all time.”. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance,” says Porter. The film covers Luther’s career, which included sales of 40 million records worldwide and eight Grammy Awards, as well as his health struggles, and personal life. Along with his fight to earn the respect for his music. The documentary tells the 33-time Grammy-nominated musician’s story through interviews with his friends and musical collaborators, such as Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson, and Roberta Flack. In full support and participation of the late singer’s close friends and family, the filmmakers were given access to his never-before-seen personal archives. “The film captures the intensely private Luther Vandross as he tells his own story through that footage.
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The Music
Luther Vandross started singing as a young child. He can be seen as early as 1969 on an at the time new children’s television program: ‘Sesame Street. Ahead of becoming the solo star we all know and love sang some of our favorite jiggles. Luther would then go on to be a backing vocalist and appeared on albums by David Bowie and Bette Midler to Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, and more.
Even with all his success, he would need to be pushed to step out on his own. Vandross launched his celebrated solo career in 1981 with the album Never Too Much, whose title track became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard R&B chart. Luther’s biggest hits include “Here and Now,” “Power of Love/Love Power,” his “Endless Love” duet with Mariah, the Janet Jackson duet “The Best Things In Life Are Free” and my personal favorite “Dance with My Father,” co-written by Richard Marx. Which earned him the 2003 Song of the Year at the Grammys. His discography easily secured him a place among the greatest vocalists of all time.
Struggles and Personal Life
Luther Vandross spoke openly about this issue with his weight. He would do this even though it was the very thing he didn’t want to talk about. The media’s desire to focus on his weight wherever Vandross would be out promoting any upcoming project. The focus on his weight would cause stress to vocalist and would lead to an oppression with food. This oppression would send him on a series of up and down weight cycles.
Vandross also had issues in his personal life when it came to true love. It seemed finding love was not in the cards for the man known for setting the mood for many. There were many rumors about Luther Vandross and his sexuality. With the acceptance of the intimacy spectrum not as it is today the crooner fended off gay rumors but choosing not to talk about it.
Vandross died in 2005 too soon at the age of 54. Even in death his love life would be a topic for discussion. He would recently be “outed” by his close friend Patti Labelle on “Watch What Happens Live.” This would cause a huge issue between the family of the late star and Ms Labelle.
Documentary Release Date
One of the current music conventions centers around the lack of heart and soul in love songs. After seeing this documentary I must agree. I didn’t know I needed Never Too Much in my life but I did. I recommend this film to anyone who loves Luther Vandross and his music. And anyone who is an R&B, pop or just a lover of great music. You’ll find yourself entering a musical time machine.
Luther: Never Too Much has a RUN TIME OF 101 MIN. The documentary about the late singer/songwriter Luther Vandross is set to premiere on January 21, 2025 on CNN, OWN, and Max.
FILM CREDITS
DIRECTOR(S) Dawn Porter. Producers Trish D. Chetty, Ged Doherty, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner and Leah Smith. The executive producers are listed as Dawn Porter, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Tom Mackay, Richard Story, Jon Platt, Brian Monaco, and Phil Thornton.
The film was edited by Mark Fason. Jessica Congdon is listed as the additional editor. Music by Robert Glasper. Amanda Goscinski services as the supervising producer. The line producer was Adam Goldberg. The director of photography was Bryan Gentry. Along with Julia Palermo serving as the archival producer. Lastly, Gabrielle Barielle Barlatier is credited as the associate producer.
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