Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Advertisement
    • Contact Us
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Advertise With Us
    • Home
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
        • Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PSA Radio
      • Featured
    • News
      • State
      • Local
      • National/International News
      • Global
      • Business
        • Commentary
        • Finance
        • Local Business
      • Investigative Stories
        • Affordable Housing
        • DCS Investigation
        • Gentrification
    • Editorial
      • National Politics
      • Local News
      • Local Editorial
      • Political Editorial
      • Editorial Cartoons
      • Cycle of Shame
    • Community
      • History
      • Tennessee
        • Chattanooga
        • Clarksville
        • Knoxville
        • Memphis
      • Public Notices
      • Women
        • Let’s Talk with Ms. June
    • Education
      • College
        • American Baptist College
        • Belmont University
        • Fisk
        • HBCU
        • Meharry
        • MTSU
        • University of Tennessee
        • TSU
        • Vanderbilt
      • Elementary
      • High School
    • Lifestyle
      • Art
      • Auto
      • Tribune Travel
      • Entertainment
        • 5 Questions With
        • Books
        • Events
        • Film Review
        • Local Entertainment
      • Family
      • Food
        • Drinks
      • Health & Wellness
      • Home & Garden
      • Featured Books
    • Religion
      • National Religion
      • Local Religion
      • Obituaries
        • National Obituaries
        • Local Obituaries
      • Faith Commentary
    • Sports
      • MLB
        • Sounds
      • NBA
      • NCAA
      • NFL
        • Predators
        • Titans
      • NHL
      • Other Sports
      • Golf
      • Professional Sports
      • Sports Commentary
      • Metro Sports
    • Media
      • Video
      • Photo Galleries
      • Take 10
      • Trending With The Tribune
    • Classified
    • Obituaries
      • Local Obituaries
      • National Obituaries
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Entertainment

    Documentary examines the life of Luther Vandross 

    Ron WynnBy Ron WynnJanuary 25, 2024No Comments2 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Tumblr Reddit Email
    Luther Vandross
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    By Ron Wynn

    NASHVILLE, TN — The late Luther Vandross was a supreme balladeer, one of the finest at doing both contemporary pop and classic soul/R&B numbers. Despite his immense popularity throughout his lifetime, no one has done either a biopic or documentary on Vandross since his death in 2005. That is no longer the case, as Dawn Porter’s production “Luther: Never Too Much” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival over last weekend. Porter got some big name backing for this project, as two of its producers include Jamie Foxx and Colin Firth. It’s an official selection of the Festival’s Premieres Program, and documents not only his career but some of his  personal struggles.

    Before attaining solo stardom, Vandross was a background vocalist of the highest caliber, backing among others David Bowie, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick, while also being featured in the group Change. Once he began making records on his own, Vandross would often arrange and produce the tracks as well. He did that for other artists in addition, some of whom are spotlighted in the film. Porter blends everything from  rehearsal footage to concert videos, mixing old interviews with Vandross with newer ones with his friends and family. The film begins with rehearsal clips of Vandross and company doing a cover of McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” 

    It shows his careful study of other musicians, and covers his early life while also focusing on his background career and rise to fame. Some of the musicians interviewed are vocalist Valerie Simpson, Chic founder Nile Rodgers, jazz composer Nat Adderley Jr., and songwriter/bassist Marcus Miller. Another musician he backed, Roberta Flack, was the person who encouraged Vandross to go solo. The recording that ensued “Never Too Much” elevated him to the upper echelon in the pop music world.

    For those interested, there’s also plenty of focus given to personal issues as well, though probably not as much as some would like regarding questions about sexuality. But ultimately “Never Too Much” will be viewed as a heavily musical portrait, with some but not overly extensive, treatment of his life off the bandstand. 

    Copyright TNTRIBUNE 2024. All rights reserved.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Ron Wynn

    Related Posts

    Sly Stone, Maestro of a Multifaceted Hitmaking Band, Dies at 82

    June 12, 2025

    From Classroom to Spotlight: How TPAC is Empowering Students Through the Magic of Musical Theatre

    June 5, 2025

    Book Review: “The Battle for the Black Mind” by Karida L. Brown

    May 28, 2025

    R&B star comes to Nashville

    May 22, 2025

    ‘I AM QUEEN’ Premieres at TPAC, Celebrating the Power and Presence of Black Women in Nashville

    April 18, 2025

    BADWest Explores Love, Resistance and Power, May 16

    April 12, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Business

    Charlotte Knight Griffin Takes Office as TBA President-Elect

    June 30, 2025

    EXCLUSIVE OP-ED: President Joe Biden Commemorating Juneteenth

    June 19, 2025

    FUNdraising Good Times Report from Neighborhoods USA Conference in Jacksonville

    June 4, 2025
    1 2 3 … 384 Next
    Education
    Education

    Austin Peay’s MPH program receives $27K for childhood literacy initiative. Community LIFT Project to be implemented at Head Start centers this fall

    By Ethan SteinquestJune 30, 2025

    CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s Master of Public Health program is on a…

    TSU, State, reach agreement to reallocate $96M to school

    June 26, 2025

    TSU student lands prestigious internship at Harvard Medical School

    June 25, 2025

    FAMU stakeholders file lawsuit to prevent Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the university’s 13th President

    June 21, 2025
    The Tennessee Tribune
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Store
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    © 2025 The Tennessee Tribune - Site Designed by No Regret Media.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Our Spring Sale Has Started

    You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/