By: Stephanie Woods McKinney
Kick off 2025 with a must-watch film! Dive into "Luther Never Too Much," a captivating portrayal that explores the remarkable life of soulful singer Luther Vandross. The film will air on CNN on New Year’s Day at 8 p.m. EST.
Award-winning film director Dawn Porter delivers an explosive biopic that offers an inclusive view of the beloved crooner, who was not only a singer and songwriter but also a producer and fashion designer. The talented love song vocalist was much more than many realized. During a screening moderated by writer and actor Jared Alexander, Porter discussed the late artist's extraordinary talent: “Luther was such a gifted artist. I think when we talk about Black artists, we often overlook their skill—Luther was a brilliant artist and a talented performer. We tend to think that just happens, but he planned everything. He had a vision and lived his creative and artistic life as he envisioned it.”
The film is special due to its use of Vandross's music and never-before-seen private video clips showcasing his magic. Porter stated, “I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Sony Music. You can hear a story, but you can also hear his music, and with that, you can really appreciate it.” Many of his classics are included, such as “Never Too Much,” the title of both his debut album, which went double platinum in 1981, and the documentary.
The film features many of Vandross celebrity friends and others who knew him well, including Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Patti LaBelle, and a host of other music industry. As well as little-known facts that may surprise fans with his early career writing commercial jingles for brands like Burger King and Mountain Dew. He was known for producing records and wrote many songs for music greats such as David Bowie and Aretha Franklin. Surprisingly, he also wrote the featured song “A Brand New Day” for the Broadway musical The Wiz.
The eight-time Grammy Award winner passed away on July 1, 2005, from complications of a heart attack at the age of 54. Luther was born in New York on April 20, 1951, but raised in the Bronx, spending most of his childhood in Harlem.
Porter, who owns the production company Trilogy Films, has a lengthy and successful history of bringing factual life stories to cinema. Her storytelling delves deep into heartfelt tales that educate and entertain, shedding light on important subjects in a charming fashion. Some of her notable works include “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” The Sing Sing Chronicles mini-series, and Vernon Jordan: Make It Plain, among others.
This film is the perfect treat to start the New Year, inspiring and evoking memorable moments with a wide collection of Vandross's original music while showcasing many of his award-winning catalog. If you want to see the film sooner, it’s available in select theaters now.
Comments