"Luther: Never Too Much" documentary to premiere at Sundance Film Festival
Director Dawn Porter promises fans and viewers of her new documentary about Luther Vandross, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, will get a good sense of "who he was as a person."
For more than four decades, Luther Vandross has been recognized for his silky tenor and doo-wop-inspired runs with tender lyrics about romantic love and joy. He sold more than 40 million records worldwide, 13 of his albums went platinum, and he became a solid favorite among Black listeners.
Still, the R&B superstar — known to fans simply as “Luther” or “Luffa” — wanted to grow his fanbase and achieve crossover success. Vandross’ commitment to music is celebrated in “Luther: Never Too Much,” the first full-length documentary to chronicle the life and career of the multitalented performer, who died in 2005 at age 54 following complications from a stroke two years prior.
The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter and is premiering as an official selection at this year’s Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 21.
“Luther: Never Too Much” is the first full-length documentary to chronicle the life and career of Vandross, who died at age 54 in 2005 from complications of a stroke.Guzman / Sony Music Archives“Having the opportunity to tell the story about one of our greatest vocalists ever and give him the recognition that he should’ve had in life is surreal,” said Porter, a two-time Sundance alumna. “It’s so much more than a music doc, and that means everything to me.”
In a departure from her more politically themed documentaries, Porter weaves together the eight-time Grammy winner’s memorable songbook with fond memories from his immediate family, close friends, musicians, collaborators, staff, background vocalists and executives.
Rating: 5