Luther: Never Too Much

One can never get too much Luther Vandross, as Dawn Porter’s wonderfully comprehensive and jubilant film demonstrates. Known as the “Velvet Voice,” Vandross sold over 40 million records, recording 11 platinum albums. The documentary begins as his career starts as an 18-year-old performing with his first group on Sesame Street. From there, he segues into gigs as a behind-the-scenes vocalist, singing and arranging with David Bowie and several notable R&B acts, and writing and performing numerous lucrative ad jingles. Porter’s film also dives into more sensitive territory, including unwanted journalistic focus on his weight and personal life, and his feelings of being relegated to a certain “type” of music. Featuring classic performances of Vandross hits like “Any Love,” “A House Is Not a Home,” and the titular foot-tapper, the documentary is filled with reminiscences and insights by Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, and archival interviews with the man himself.