- Documentary on Luther Vandross, titled Luther: Never Too Much, will be released in theaters this fall
- Film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and will also be released on CNN, OWN, and Max in 2025
- Directed by Dawn Porter, the documentary explores Vandross’ career, personal life struggles, and legacy
- Features interviews with Vandross’ former bandmates and collaborators
- The film is produced by Raindog Films, Foxxhole Productions, Trilogy Films, and Sony Music Vision
- Giant Pictures is the theatrical distributor for the film
- The Luther Vandross Estate is excited for the release of the documentary
- The deal was negotiated by Giant Pictures with Sony Music Vision
- Executive producers include Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Jon Platt, Brian Monaco, Colin Firth, and more.
Luther Vandross, the legendary R&B singer, will be the subject of a new documentary titled “Luther: Never Too Much” set to hit theaters this fall. The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and made appearances at the Tribeca Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival, and Nantucket Film Festival, will be distributed theatrically by Giant Pictures. Additionally, in 2025, the documentary is set to premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and Max. This documentary arrives almost two decades after the passing of the eight-time Grammy winner in 2005 at the age of 54, following a stroke in 2003.
Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, who directed the film, expressed her joy in working on the project, praising Luther Vandross as a talented performer, composer, and producer whose influence spanned across multiple genres. Porter stated, “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.” She also mentioned the excitement of seeing both longtime fans rediscover their love for Vandross and new fans appreciate his brilliance.
Luther Vandross kicked off his career as a backup singer for notable artists such as Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, and David Bowie. He gained recognition with the release of his double-platinum debut album, “Never Too Much,” in 1981, eventually selling over 40 million albums worldwide. Vandross achieved platinum or double-platinum status with most of his albums and secured five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including tracks like “Here and Now,” “Endless Love,” and “Power of Love/Love Power.” His success extended to the R&B chart, where he earned an impressive 27 Top 10 hits, seven of which reached No.1, and received 33 Grammy nominations throughout his career.
The documentary delves into Vandross’ illustrious career as well as his personal struggles with his sexuality and weight. Collaborators and former bandmates of Vandross, such as musical partner Marcus Miller, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Valerie Simpson, Richard Marx, and Jamie Foxx, who also served as a producer on the project, share insights into his life and lasting legacy.
Nick Savva, the general manager of Giant Pictures, expressed admiration for the film following its successful festival run, calling it a “huge crowd-pleaser” that appeals to both longtime fans of Luther Vandross and new audiences discovering his talents. The nationwide theatrical release of “Luther: Never Too Much” is a collaborative effort involving Sony Music, Raindog Films, and CNN Films.
The Luther Vandross Estate, marking nearly two decades since his passing, eagerly anticipates the release of the documentary, emphasizing their commitment to sharing Vandross’ musical journey with the world. The film is a tribute to the man and his extraordinary talents, as acknowledged by The Luther Vandross Estate.
The distribution deal for “Luther: Never Too Much” was brokered by Nick Savva on behalf of Giant Pictures with Sony Music Vision. Directed and executive produced by Dawn Porter, the documentary is produced by Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty for Raindog Films, Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for Foxxhole Productions, and Leah Smith for Trilogy Films. The film’s executive producers include notable names such as Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Tom Mackay, Richard Story, Jon Platt, Brian Monaco, Colin Firth, Phil Thornton, Carmen Romano, Brenda Shields, Fonzi Thornton, Seveda Williams, David Gottlieb, Lawrence Mestel, Natalia Nastaskin, among others. Sony Music Vision serves as the distributor, while CNN Films and OWN hold television and SVOD rights for the U.S. and Canada.
/Digital Sauce