How Luther Vandross documentary director Dawn Porter let the late singer speak for himself

Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 54, remains an enduring icon in the world of R&B music. A new documentary, titled Luther: Never Too Much, explores the life and career of this legendary artist, who many consider one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Co-distributed by CNN Films, the documentary is named after Vandross’ groundbreaking 1981 debut album, which has since become a classic.

The film delves into Vandross’ multifaceted career, highlighting not only his immense talent as a solo artist but also his contributions as a producer for musical legends like Aretha Franklin. Additionally, it showcases his work as a jingle singer for major brands, including Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Director Dawn Porter aimed to craft a narrative that transcended mere admiration for Vandross, intending to reach both his devoted fans and those unfamiliar with his legacy.

“I did not want to stuff it with people saying how great he was,” Porter explained to CNN. “I always envisioned that this would not only reach Luther’s fans, but people who had never heard of him as well.” While the film features glowing testimonials from superstars such as Mariah Carey and Jamie Foxx, Porter’s vision was to allow Vandross to be the primary voice of the documentary.

A significant aspect of the film was the extensive archive of materials available to Porter, which she described as “grand.” “Working with Sony meant we had this rehearsal footage and electronic press kits, which are usually just seen by publicists,” she noted. For Porter, these resources were invaluable. They provided a unique opportunity to let Vandross narrate his own story, while the insights from friends and fellow artists enriched the narrative without overshadowing his voice.

The documentary does not shy away from addressing sensitive topics, including speculation surrounding Vandross’ sexuality. Porter noted that while many people were curious, the overarching sentiment was that fans cared more about his artistry than his personal life. “Everybody’s like, ‘Is he or isn’t he?’ kind of conversation,” she remarked. “The thing about Luther was you always had the sense that people didn’t really care; they just wanted to know.”

Porter is known for her ability to handle complex narratives with sensitivity, having directed several acclaimed non-fiction films, including John Lewis: Good Trouble and The Lady Bird Diaries. Although she could not interview Vandross directly, she expressed a deep appreciation for his artistry through the process of making the documentary. “For Luther, I just gained such a much deeper appreciation of the work that he put into making his art look effortless,” she said.

Luther: Never Too Much opens in select theaters this Friday and is set to premiere next year on CNN, OWN, and Max. The film promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Vandross, blending archival footage with testimonials from those who knew and loved him.

Porter’s dedication to presenting a balanced view of Vandross’ life and career allows the documentary to resonate with a broad audience, reminding viewers of the timelessness of Vandross’ music. By allowing the artist to speak for himself through archival footage, the film honors his legacy while making it accessible to new generations.

As audiences prepare to revisit the magic of Luther Vandross, Luther: Never Too Much serves as both a celebration of his contributions to music and a poignant reminder of the artistry and dedication that defined his remarkable career. Through Porter’s sensitive storytelling, the documentary aims to capture the essence of Vandross, ensuring that his voice continues to be heard long after his passing.