Luther: Never Too Much

It's been nearly two decades since Luther Vandross' early death at 54, but this overdue 2025 documentary from Dawn Porter is most welcome at this moment because it places clear focus on both the successes and struggles of the great crooner and songwriter. Porter covers the full spectrum of his career from his appearances on the first season of "Sesame Street" as part of the vocal group, Listen My Brother, all the way to his last and most personal chart hit, "Dance With My Father". In the three-plus decades in between, his mellifluous tenor was heard consistently on a series of hit recordings at the same time he worked as producer, songwriter, and collaborator with the most legendary divas. Drastic weight fluctuations, diabetes, and his closeted private life also get attention but not excessively so. Incorporating interviews with colleagues and confidants, this is a well-paced and researched chronology of a genuine talent frequently underrated but not forgotten.

My background is in production, plus as a University Archival Reference Librarian, I have high standards for documentaries. The research team on this film did a fantastic job showcasing Luther Vandross in Luther: Never Too Much (2024). The director did a linear timeline of Luther Vandross and Sony assisted in providing outstanding sound quality of the music videos and live concert performances. I felt everyone in the audience had a favorite Luther Vandross song, and at the time in the 1980's and 1990's a lot of interviews just cared about "Who are you dating?" and questions regarding his weight. When Luther was so much more. He was a vessel who helped others find love through his music. Love the interviews with Jamie Foxx on how much Luther Vandross's music helped him to win over the ladies, how Mariah Carey felt singing with Luther Vandross. And even how Dionne Warwick was blown away at a remake of one of her songs sung by Luther. I even learned about some songs I never knew about before. I can not wait for the world to see this movie. Luther truly had a gift of singing and struggled so much to not just be labeled on black radio stations, but on popular radio stations as well. It's a film where you will learn, laugh, and tear up with emotion if you listen to the words of this perfectionist's lyrics. I hope it's distributed soon!

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Luther Vandross is a musician that isn't talked much amongst people and Vandross has an interesting history with music, identity and his career. While this documentary does have it's faults on some pacing and structure, the documentary has a good heart that explores Luther's music career, personal life, sexual orientation, and experiences with strong direction, good sense of emotions, and a good heart to the core.

There are many interesting aspects about Luther's life and career that were well-explored throughout the movie and it was interesting to learn about aspects I wasn't familiar with. Revolving around his music, sexual identity and some of the issues he has faced, it was a good documentary about a talented musician who wasn't as well-known to the public, yet has an interesting background.

Good thing I glanced at films now playing section of my phone to see what was playing. I wanted to see this documentary ever since its buzz from Sundance. Then I notice it only had only one showtime today. After further research I noticed it had opened on November 1rst 😩 so any time now it would be out of the cinemas. I dropped everything I had schedule today to watch LUTHER: Never too Much and it was FANTASTIC!!!! Took me back to the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's. Absolutely LOVED it!!! If it's playing in your area it's a MUST SEE!! RIP Luther! Such a great artist! It was a beautiful journey through his life, his music. So many things I did not realize about his earlier days and struggles at the time. But you made it Luther! And almost 20 years after your passing we still remember you, your music and we love you! For any fans of Luther, this documentary will fill your heart with joy!

I only knew Luther Vandross from his many old great hit songs on the radio back in the days, so I am not a diehard fan, but this documentary gave me so many goosebumps and such a good feeling! Really touched by it (and surprised by it as well...)

What's most surprising to me was the fact that before he got known as a singer he wrote so many songs for other famous singers who all cherished his songwriting skills AND his background singing performances, like Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie.

Famous actor Jamie Fox describes several witty memories of him stealing girls' hearts with playing Luther Vandross songs while courting them, making all the girls melt in his arms!

Singers all have their peak and then they mostly fade away from the spotlights, but I never knew what happened to Luther Vandross and this movies story about his downfall is so touching, yet still so sad that I dont wanna tell about it here in this review.

I can highly recommend watching this doumentary if you have doubts about being it worth the watch ESPECIALLY if you are not a big fan of his work!

What a voice! What a sweet soul! What a tragedy!