In her latest documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, Dawn Porter crafts a striking profile of a singular musician. That Luther Vandross, who died in 2005, hasn’t gotten the documentary treatment until now is surprising considering his imprint on the music industry. Vandross — a true multi-hyphenate — sang, arranged and produced records for himself and other iconic artists. He worked with David Bowie, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick, for example. He wasn’t just popular with fans for his velvety voice and romantic numbers; he was beloved by industry stalwarts, some of whom appear in Porter’s documentary. Even for those familiar with the “Never Too Much” crooner, Porter’s project is essential viewing.
Premiering at Sundance, Luther: Never Too Much is a trove of archival material. Porter uses rehearsal footage, concert videos, old interviews with Vandross and newer ones with his friends and family to tell the musician’s story. The...
Premiering at Sundance, Luther: Never Too Much is a trove of archival material. Porter uses rehearsal footage, concert videos, old interviews with Vandross and newer ones with his friends and family to tell the musician’s story. The...
- 1/22/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since his days as a 2003 “American Idol” contestant – and subsequent victor – Ruben Studdard has received one request: cover the music of singer-composer Luther Vandross. Studdard even heard as much from his mother Emily after his “Idol” win. The resemblance of two big men with dynamic tenor voices and winding interpolative skills is certainly striking. Studdard all but sealed his fate in regard to the late Luther when a licensing snafu caused the then-contestant to cover “Superstar,” the 1969 Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell tune for which Vandross lent his grand interpretative skills in 1983.
From the stage of the Keswick Theatre in the Philadelphia suburb of Glenside, Penn. on Saturday, Studdard confessed to all-of-the-above while elegantly channeling Vandross for his “Ruben Sings Luther” showcase. Based on the recently-released Seg Music album of the same name, the “Velvet Teddy Bear” appropriated much of the late tenor’s nuances without mimicking too much of Vandross’ athleticism.
From the stage of the Keswick Theatre in the Philadelphia suburb of Glenside, Penn. on Saturday, Studdard confessed to all-of-the-above while elegantly channeling Vandross for his “Ruben Sings Luther” showcase. Based on the recently-released Seg Music album of the same name, the “Velvet Teddy Bear” appropriated much of the late tenor’s nuances without mimicking too much of Vandross’ athleticism.
- 4/29/2018
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
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