All you have to say is his first name, “Luther,” and people in the know will immediately connect to Luther Vandross. Once again, giving her unique perspective, filmmaker Dawn Porter has produced and directed her documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which was recently shown at the DC/Dox Film Festival.
Dawn Porter is the producer/director of the documentary documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” which was screened during the second annual DC/Dox Film Festival. (Courtesy of Kevin Scanlon)
In a post-screening panel discussion, Porter said she was surprised there had not been a documentary treatment about Luther. Extensive archival treasures were uncovered from the Luther Vandross estate and Sony. The Sony connection allowed access to the music and conversations of Luther telling his story when a new record was released.
“We had rehearsal footage and access to Luther and his singers’ beaded costumes from his estate,” said Porter. “The biggest asset was Sony. Music films can be expensive because of the rights to the music.”
“Luther: Never Too Much” gives audiences more than they could have asked for. The film combines biographical content and almost full versions of Vandross’ performances, allowing audiences to rock and swoon to the voice that gives a signature interpretation to lyrics. We hear Clive Davis explain what Vandross should have when a record label change was required. One of the film’s producers, Jamie Foxx, breaks down the singer’s appeal in a wonderful comic relief way.
The Road to His First Hit
The documentary goes through all of the gigs Vandross labored before his first hit, “Never Too Much.”
He co-founded a group that sang on “Sesame Street.” Then there were commercial jingles, plus he was a background singer on several major artists’ records. With every opportunity, he would “Lutherize” an arrangement and the artists he worked with loved it. David Bowie and Bette Midler were two of the earliest big-name talents he worked with and who respected his touch.
Vandross’ vision was always clear. In creating his career, he was a songwriter, arranger, clothes designer, and set designer. He paid for everything. As confirmed in this documentary by his singers, Ava Cherry, Lisa Fisher, Kevin Owens, and Fonzi Thornton, Vandross’ childhood friend, he approached preparation like an athletic coach.
His idols were female singers, and he had a chance to work with them. Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin had hits with the songs he wrote and arranged. Bassist Marcus Miller, pianist Nat Adderley Jr. and Richard Marx were Vandross’ collaborators as co-composers of his singles and those he wrote for his idols.
Luther’s Truth
Films about music artists can be presented in a couple of ways.
Biographical documentaries about musical artists can show the featured talent overcoming a troubled upbringing and rising to success with snippets of hit songs sprinkled throughout.
Then there are concert films, which are just that, a concert on film.
This documentary shows Vandross’ life and what he gave to audiences: his love. Though his father died when Vandross was very young, his mother gave him and his brother everything. He was surrounded by lifelong friends who traveled with him on his journeys.
Yes, there were some career disappointments that were covered in the film, but Vandross kept things upbeat. Adderley provided a perfect explanation of how Vandross’ crew felt.
“There is an authenticity we’re all talking about here that is evident to us.”
“Luther: Never Too Much” has been acquired jointly by CNN Films and OWN. It is not scheduled to air until 2025 due to CNN restarting its film division after it was dismantled two years ago. In the meantime, the documenatry is still making the film festival rounds.
Porter and Trilogy Films are to be thanked for giving audiences the gift of “Luther: Never Too Much,” helping to continue the artist’s in fans’ hearts forever.
What’s Next in Porter’s Trunk of Projects?
The documentary “Power of the Dream” premieres June 18 on Prime Video Sports.
In this film, Porter takes a deep dive into the WNBA, taking on a team owner, and how the women rally behind now-Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to fuel his senatorial campaign victory.
A new collaboration is also in the works for Porter with MSNBC to produce a series of documentaries.
