“Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary on legendary R&B singer Luther Vandross, is playing at theaters near you. The Philadelphia Film Society is showing a special first-run feature film by Dawn Porter called, “Luther: Never Too Much,” The 101-minute film will be playing all week at the Bourse Building, 111 S. Independence Mall E.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and also visited the Tribeca Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival, and Nantucket Film Festival. In 2025, Luther: Never Too Much will premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and Max. The documentary arrives nearly 20 years after the eight-time Grammy winner died in 2005 at age 54. He suffered a stroke in 2003.
“It was a joy to work on this film. Luther was a spectacularly talented performer, composer, and producer. His influence was found in multiple genres, and it was a delight to discover each one,” award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, who directed the film. “It has been so much fun to see longtime fans remember why they love him, and new fans come to understand his brilliance.”
Vandross began his career as a backup singer for Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, and David Bowie. His career soared with his double-platinum debut album, “Never Too Much,” selling over 40 million albums worldwide and achieving platinum or double platinum status. He topped the charts with top hits like “Here and Now,” “Endless Love,” and “Power of Love/Love Power.” He earned 27 Top 10 hits on the R&B chart, including seven at No.1, and earned 33 Grammy nominations. He was an exceptional creative artist who was loved by many.
But that love was not enough for Luther. We will see his struggle with love and his overeating. Viewers will hear from band members and those he collaborated with, including his musical partner Marcus Miller, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Valerie Simpson, Richard Marx, and Jamie Foxx, who also produced the documentary.
The Luther Vandross Estate adds: “As we approach 20 years since Luther Vandross’ passing, The Luther Vandross Estate is thrilled for the upcoming releases of Luther: Never Too Much theatrically and on CNN. It has been a mission of ours for the last 15 years to bring the story of Luther’s journey, creating amazing and inspiring music to the world. Dawn Porter and her team created a film that honors the man and his talents.”
The cast in the film includes Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle.
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