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.

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!

Two hours in Lutherville!

I'm a huge fan and went in expecting to get a surface story but I left impressed by the textures laid out by the director. It was story told by his dearest friend that gave a window into Luther's creative process.

Our audience was lucky enough to have Kevin Owens there to do a Q&A after the show. I got a chance to ask questions and got insightful answers.

It was a pleasure to sit immersed in such an incredible voice and hear his friends and peers articulate his career nuances. Appreciated the credit given to his writing and arranging skills. Loved this movie! I look forward to seeing it many times again.

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.

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!