'Luther: Never Too Much' Makes its Tearful Debut at Sundance Film Festival
Luther Vandross was a man of many talents. A name that needs no introduction, who has forever changed the music game. Luther: Never Too Much recently premiered at the 40th Sundance Film Festival.
Produced by Jamie Foxx and directed by Dawn Porter, the film exposes some uneasy truths about the music industry, the media, and how Vandross was systemically placed in categories that may have hindered his success as an amazing artist.
Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by:Matthew Rolston
Today, Vandross’ music continues to shine bright and set the tone across multiple genres however that wasn't always the case. His early career started with a solid foundation garnishing a love from classics like The Supremes. Vandross worked on many career-developing touchpoints such as backup singer on Sesame Street and even collaborating with major household names such as: Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack. The success of the powerhouse goes on and on and much like its title true fans can't ever get enough.
Like many other notable names in the industry, Vandross left the world too soon and left behind his legacy and ability to light up a room through his undoubtable talent and charisma vocals.
Courtesy of Sundance Institue. Photo Credit: Victor Curtis
Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, the film shows Luther as he tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators throughout the years. The highs and throws are displayed and even touch upon his unrequited love life, health struggles, and lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserves. In an interview clip in the film, Vandross was asked about his thoughts on his success and feeling limited to R&B music.
"There is nothing wrong with adding new fans," Vandross shared in an interview clip, per People. "When you pigeonhole an artist and make them an R&B singer, you are in a certain way doing them a disservice. The point is that I want to add new listeners and reach as many and as varied a group of people — that's been something we've been working on forever."
During his career, Vandross achieved record heights and many accolades. For starters, he received 8 Grammy Awards, four in 2004 (including Best R&B Album and the coveted “Song of the Year Award”), along with 33 Grammy nominations. Vandross won the American Music Award for favorite Soul/R&B album twice (1992,2003) and favorite soul/R&B male artist 7 times (1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2002, and 2003). He also achieved a Billboard No. 1 pop song (for “Dance With My Father”). Needless to say, Vandross had a successful career in music, but not without facing some cultural hurdles and battling inner demons which this film places on display.
Vandross passed away in 2005, two years after he faced a massive stroke due to resurfaced health issues (some left untreated). Often called the “King of R&B,” Vandross was more than a voice that changed the music industry, he was a lover of life and a beacon for positive energy towards those in his presence. Luther: Never Too Much is a film that shines light on the vocal virtuoso while reigniting the flame for his intoxicating vocals paired with charismatic energy that some even called Dr. Love.
