Chronicles the life of an iconic musical performer, from childhood musical talent to worldwide fame. Explores his collaborations, influences, character and relationships with family, friends... Read allChronicles the life of an iconic musical performer, from childhood musical talent to worldwide fame. Explores his collaborations, influences, character and relationships with family, friends and fans.Chronicles the life of an iconic musical performer, from childhood musical talent to worldwide fame. Explores his collaborations, influences, character and relationships with family, friends and fans.
- Awards
- 9 wins & 5 nominations total
Luther Vandross
- Self
- (archive footage)
Nick Ashford
- Self
- (archive sound)
Alfonzo Thornton
- Self
- (as Fonzi Thorton)
Featured reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have been a fan of Luther Vandross for over 30 years. Own all his 13 albums including his Christmas album making a total of 14. When I learned that a new documentary will be made on his life, I could not wait to see it. Now that the opportunity has arrived, I would like to say that I have now received my chance to see it. I must say that I came out of it enlightened.
For a while, I have been wanting to see a full documentary on Luther Vandross. Aside from the Journeys in Black mini-documentary hosted by BET, there have been no documentaries on the life of Luther until this day. I would like to send my kudos to the director Dawn Porter for providing us a documentary long overdue.
For a while, I have been wanting to see a full documentary on Luther Vandross. Aside from the Journeys in Black mini-documentary hosted by BET, there have been no documentaries on the life of Luther until this day. I would like to send my kudos to the director Dawn Porter for providing us a documentary long overdue.
I am a filmmaker and a student of film, aside from the story being crafted well, it was what any Luther fan could ask for. I have been a fan of his work for as long as I can remember and to see him being honored this way was beautiful. It was a rollercoaster of emotions from glee to sorrow, beginning to end. There were so many great takeaways from the film; one of the biggest was hearing so much of the story told by him. You could feel the love he had for others and the joy he brought radiating through the screen. I cannot wait for the chance to purchase this film, I hope it's available to view again soon.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaLuther's middle name was Ronzoni because his mom loved pasta when she was pregnant with him
- GoofsThe movie begins with concert rehearsal footage where Luther announces "I want to do my favorite ballad and beautiful love song on the new album" from the stage; however, the song he actually starts singing is the uptempo disco tune "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" instead.
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $390,000
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $123,053
- Nov 3, 2024
- Gross worldwide
- $637,370
- Runtime
- 1h 41m(101 min)
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content