LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH Documentary Review

[@twrendy9142]

What I appreciated about this documentary is that they talked about Luther’s rise to fame and legendary status. They dove into his beginnings, his work ethic, his creativity, the friendships and collaborations with other artists and some of his struggles until his untimely demise. As a music lover, that is what I really enjoyed. We were given gave insight into who he was in a respectful manner. His sexuality was not at the forefront of this doc because Luther himself wanted his artistry and music to be the focal point of his life. Additionally, there’s only so much that can be discussed in one film. Perhaps someone else will make one the shines a light on other aspects of Luther’s life. I think the director did a fine job. I’d watch it again.

[@production58]

I worked with Luther for 10 years.. Being in the studio for long periods of time you’re really saw into the character of the person.. I write about it in my book and I really get into a serious depth in my next book.. I talk about making give me the reason in Montserrat and the whole vibe of the power of love album and get into great detail about working with him and what it was like being in the studio with him for months at a time.. he was very complex individual but very generous of those around him and he definitely was with me, but we definitely put the work in to help him Crossover into pop which is something that he definitely strived to do when I first started working with him.. I don’t know if I need to see this because I’m pretty sure I know what’s in it and of course know all the people who were interviewed as I worked with all of them.. He does deserve the attention and the props because there is no way there will ever be a vocalist on the level of Luther again… and any love is my favorite song and when we were working on that, I knew it was incredibly special..

[@b-lodeedee]

Because they're respecting the man's wishes!!! He didn't discuss it while he was alive. He even said he doesn't owe you that! It's not about his sexuality, but his talent and impact!

[@marvinrichards8633]

Fair. But if you're going to do a documentary, part of the point is to introduce viewers to a new angle or aspect of the subject's life that wasn't really publicly talked about or addressed. Much of what's shown is already widely known. And as a further point of reflection, did Luther not want to talk about his sexual orientation because he genuinely had nothing to say about it? Or was his silence on the matter due to societal pressures, community pressures, industry pressures, expectations regarding masculinity and being a crooner of love songs? That angle within itself, could have been great and beneficial in grounding this documentary. Why couldn't one of the world's most famous singers of love songs be open about his love(s)?

[@Lilianamarie999]

I will definitely watch because I love his music. Disappointed they don't delve any deeper but it seems like he didn't want that. He will always be legendary

[@LynneJordan11]

One of my dear friends said whenever Luther was in a love relationship he’d be thin but when he was heartbroken he’d get heavy. He was a sound man and traveled on the road with Luther. I never forgot that and I could certainly relate to it.

[@rjs1602]

​@rellenoz Weight loss surgery 🤔 Nah...I don't think that's true.

[@rjs1602]

This was a great documentary...I don't believe you guys are true fans. Back in that day, folks sexuality was no one's business and still should not be anyone's business. LUTHER'S WEIGHT WAS MADE A BIG DEAL BACK IN THE DAY. You guys are not fans.

[@vincentwalker3280]

You should watch the documentary, he explains the reason for his weight fluctuations.

[@mieldor76]

He was such a private individual; I couldn’t imagine how they could weave together a documentary.

[@BrianSmithNow]

Just saw it at Tribeca. Focuses on his music accomplishments of which there are many.

[@clementine7582]

@@rellenoz It was an open secret in the entertainment industry that he was gay. Tons of people probably know who his lovers were. I just don't think they wanted to go there. Sadly, almost 20 years after his death and wide acceptance of homosexuality, Luther still has to stay in the closet.

[@nellyuhoh1986]

I don't think anyone should take Luther out of the closet, if he didn't take himself out.

[@eddiethorne6461]

@@nellyuhoh1986 ,exactly and after all most 20 since his death why has not any one of them that is credible come forward and tell there story yet?Why has none of them ever been offered any money to tell there story /

[@eddiethorne6461]

?

[@ginaa.5624]

I just saw a screening of this film last night. It was EVERYTHING and I loved it! We all laughed, cried, and sang along. I learned things about his life and career I never knew before.

[@judiko142]

It was fantastic!

[@RonaldLBruce]

Where did you see Luther's documentary at?.

[@RonaldLBruce]

I saw it in Chicago in Hyde Park..

[@ginaa.5624]

@@RonaldLBruce at a small film festival in Huntsville AL.

[@rjs1602]

It was GREAT!!!

[@DuShaun-54]

I’m a black 55 y.o. woman & my mom was more of a huge fan than myself in the 80’s. She SURROUNDED herself with the lgbtq+ community BACK THEN. She use to always say how frustrated she was that he couldn’t be himself. He probably didn’t want to convey his gayness b/c HE COULDNT. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Miss Luther. 😢

[@macebluemoon369]

Luther Vandross is one of my all time favs! I wish that I could have seen him live in concert. Nick and Joseph you guys have been dropping videos like no other today. I cannot keep up! LOL!

[@khalifparker7040]

Joseph that shirt is so crisp 🤍

[@BlakButtaFlyy]

I’m 50 and the way I loved me some Lutha growing up…chile 😩. My daughter’s wedding song was A House Is Not A Home and it was at that moment that I knew I hadn’t failed her as a parent 😅. She has fantastic taste in music.

[@dsg3053]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@klock582]

I appreciate the two of you on how you spoke on Luther and his legacy from a gay man’s perspective.

[@beverleyreid563]

Whatever Luther was is his business and God's. He gave us entertainment. A great voice. Great songs to listen to. Memories to live the rest of our lives and I am totally satisfied with it. He will forever be loved and missed.

[@Bochanable]

One of the most magical moments in my life is having dinner with Luther at an after party for Ashford & Simpson at Radio City. I was friends with the VP of Marketing at Radio City. He knew what a fan of Diana Ross and so many of the great Divas. It’s something we had in common. So surprisingly, I was invited to this special even. Even more exciting was my being sifted next to Luther, Ashford & Simpson and Luther’s close friend and back up singer, Fonzi Thornton. Luther and I spent the entire evening marveling at the talents of Ms. Ross….even celebrating how fabulous she sounded under the headphones. Luther and I had an instant rapport, two gay men of color riffing on our love of Diana and many of the Dark Divas like Aretha and Dionne. Nick also cited in quite often. Valerie was sweet but didn’t talk much. Our gaydar was working overtime…..though we never discussed it. Luther was simply delightful. I was/am a huge fan. Songs like “You Stopped Loving Mme”, made me melancholy and sensitive to the possibility that Luther never found true love. Though I love Streisand and Midler, I often said that for a little gay boy of color, we had Diana Ross and The Supremes. I’m not sure if it was appropriate for Patti to disclose his personal life. However, I know she said it with compassion especially since Luther began her first fan club. The man was a phenomenal talent and possessed a beautiful. Empathetic soul. Not knowing him personally, I still identify with so much of his music and aspects of his life. I agree that there’s really no need to discuss something so personal. However, it also impacted his music so his magnificent cover of “House is Not a Home” remains a soul stirring unmatchable performance with a little glimpse into his. Love and pain. He attended the opening night and the closing night of Diana Ross and The Supremes “Return to Love” Tour. In fact, for a long time the photo of he and Diana together on stage on his Wikipedia page. He revived Aretha’s career with the superb “Jump to It” album. His dedication to Dionne at the Image Awards of “House is Not a Home” simply breathtaking. I miss him. We miss him. Many great talents have difficult personal lives. It is often said their pain produced indisputable artistic achievements.

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

What a great story. Thanks for sharing.

[@CraftyActressMama]

"This man was known for writing Love songs, who did you love?" ~Joseph

[@zukini8763]

Speaking of, I watch classic movies here on KZbin, and just recently found out that the song "A House Is Not A Home" wasn't an original Luther song! It was originally sung by Brook Benton from a movie of the same name. That song always felt like signature Luther so needless to say, I was shocked lol.

[@clintcoleman6300]

Actually. This was written by Burt Bacharach and first made famous by Dionne Warwick. Mavis Staples made a version in 1970. It was Dionne tho

[@clintcoleman6300]

Actually. This was written by Burt Bacharach and first made famous by Dionne Warwick. Mavis Staples made a version in 1970. It was Dionne tho

[@clintcoleman6300]

Actually. This was written by Burt Bacharach and first made famous by Dionne Warwick. Mavis Staples made a version in 1970. It was Dionne tho

[@clintcoleman6300]

Actually. This was written by Burt Bacharach and first made famous by Dionne Warwick. Mavis Staples made a version in 1970. It was Dionne tho

[@Ann-ub4mf]

I absolutely LOVE his voice and I always knew he was gay YEARS ago but I didn't care.❤

[@loism8645]

Same energy here.

[@wanya_telborn]

How do you know he was gay?

[@tmat90-o8t]

Same. How could someone not know? True fans don’t care. We love him.

[@ronaldfrancis6745]

I try to avoid Luther being gay

[@Karen-x2m]

Luther's sexuality was not even an issue. Who cares?❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@roycerowland2699]

I am 33 years old and I grew up listening to Luther Vandross and loving his music and another song that had clues to the fact that Luther Vandross was gay was the song your secret love.

[@deewhatitdo]

Now wait a minute!!! You all are dropping gems that make me want to watch it twice. I also think the producers of the documentary didn't want to speak on Luther's behalf.

[@jajcontractfurnitureinc.3867]

I love me some Luther Vandross! I am really glad you covered this one, I cannot wait to see it.

[@damemarthafalker6738]

Luther always maintained proper social decorum as one with unflappable integrity and class. I have never known him to be crass, but, it’s been said when he was pressed in an interview about people wanting to know his sexuality, he responded, “It’s none of their f**king business.” Fair enough. He was dead set on not discussing that in life, therefore no one needs to weigh in on his behalf in death. That, in and of itself, would be disrespectful to him and his memory. It’s not anyone else’s story to tell. That’s Luther’s story. If you want to know - o, well. Get over it. Let it be.

[@rjs1602]

AMEN

[@Chefcorky]

Did they address his tour feuds with En Vogue and Anita Baker? Or when Aretha stormed out of the studio because she was the queen of the one-take recordings and he wanted her to rerun the song?

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

No, they didn't.

[@tmat90-o8t]

This makes me wonder if this was the reason why Lisa Fischer has said she was afraid of Aretha? 😂😂😂🤔

[@larenabillingsley7250]

@@tmat90-o8tshe wasn’t speaking musically was she ??

[@tmat90-o8t]

@@larenabillingsley7250 😂😂 Idk. I remember her saying it in an interview and at one of her own shows. She said nobody could mess with any of Aretha’s songs when someone asked her to sing an Aretha song. At her show, she said that she was afraid of Aretha even until this day, and that everyone knows she’s the queen. 😂😂

[@janicehummel8447]

I worked with the sister of Larry, who was killed in the car accident. Her younger brother was also in the car and was injured.

[@clarklarewjones]

I love that they didn’t expose what he wouldn’t want exposed. I learned a lot, saw it TWICE

[@TheDundeal]

All of our parents and grandparents knew...he didn't want it out there,I didn't expect it to be talked about

[@RonaldMorgan-n7o]

Luther was very modest too, I am soooo impressed that he wrote Everybody Rejoice for the movie The Wiz, it was one of the highlights of the film! If I had written it I'd be telling people about it everyday!

[@Kwintessential2]

Luther never discussed his personal life, so the documentary never mentioned that part of his life. However, I understand that almost everyone interviewed in the documentary seemingly tip-toed around the glaring issue but again it was out of respect.

[@Roharv]

Such a brilliant review. The way you both took every thought out of my head. They definitely used weight as a red herring… it just made for an incomplete narrative to introduce topics they were going to just graze over so superficially. He is still my favorite male vocalist…. But totally agree he didn’t get the due he deserved not a full celebration …and not a true exploration of his life.

[@LynneJordan11]

Love hearing someone who loved Luther speak on this movie.

[@lodger9]

Bravo. I love your thoughtful analysis here. ❤

[@LynneJordan11]

The Clive Davis comment had me rollin!

[@AliyahHoodoo]

If we’re going to go there then we need to GO THERE! Especially the rumors about Eddie Murphy

[@jessicahall9442]

Eddie Murphy?

[@Salutations26]

Why?

[@witchingbrew3]

​@@jessicahall9442Eddie Murphy loved the dolls...

[@tananario23]

So all you want to do is Kiki. 🙄

[@zukini8763]

Growing up, I was staunchly resistant to Luther. It was grown folks' music to my ears. As an adult, I discovered a love and appreciation for his vocal talent and his music. He made SO MANT great songs, but my favorite is Wait For Love.

[@Salutations26]

I relate to this so much. His music used to be on the Quiet Storm which I hated. But then I got older and fell in love and we all knew he was gay. I wish he could have been comfortably out.

[@kingdombeauty9174]

I wasn’t ready yet had me 😂😂😂😂

[@jgirlinluv55]

It was always luther and Freddie jackson, who was gay but we didn't care

[@jpdaboss626]

I used to think they were boyfriends when I was a child in the 80s

[@drtroyturner7464]

​@@jpdaboss626 They were friendly competitors and similar. Not twincest 😂😆

[@Kwintessential2]

For someone to speak out on a very private issue on a national platform was out of order. It was not that person's story to tell so let it be.

[@tigerstorm]

Honestly this is the first time I heard about this 🙀 Luther’s Killing me softly with his song was such an amazing version! Better than the Fugees! Now it makes so much more sense!!!

[@shanekajohnson1320]

I actually really enjoyed the doc ❤

[@rodricomanning165]

We all grew up whit Luther and his sexuality never came up until I was an adult.

[@rjs1602]

Nope...never a thought.

[@jasondavis1427]

Favorite male, vocalist, hands-down…

[@handsomeX]

I had no idea about the car accident. Wow.

[@jelkahh]

Joseph is so ruthless I love it 😂❤

[@RichardHannay]

Did they talk about the time Luther called the cops on En Vogue because they kept walking by his dressing room? 😅

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

That's clearly diva behavior so probably not. 😂

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

No!

[@loism8645]

His tour with Anita Baker was drama on top of drama too. They rehearsed a duet but she performed the song during her set. They didn't speak to one another for the duration of the tour.

[@tmat90-o8t]

😂😂😂😂 You know they weren’t going to talk about that.

[@yasinradee]

It's really sad that even in death his life is hidden in the shadows.

[@js7dragon]

@@SE-gs6gdhe openly showed a couple of his lovers in magazines (especially Ebony). He had no problem being open at times. The documentary should have included it.

[@yasinradee]

@@SE-gs6gd stfu. I said what I said.

[@robertmistry8520]

Luther is/was FINE! Some of us like a Teddy Bear!

[@emmajenkins7111]

I thought he was sexy both heavy and thin.

[@rpk0925-s5j]

As somebody who knew almost nothing about Luther Vandross before seeing this movie, I thought it was an excellent documentary. I agree with these reviewers in that I thought they overdid talking about his eating habits/diet. (And as a straight guy, it was never obvious to me before seeing the movie that Luther was gay. So for me personally, the documentary did a good enough job with that part of his story.)

[@kimking8740]

so agree with your comments, I feel so bad that he was not able to live his authentic self.

[@mooney6889]

So he wasn’t “ authentic “ because according to some he should have came out and said I’m gay.. I’m sorry for those who feel that way you don’t own the patent on authenticity just because someone doesn’t say or act in the way you want them life is choices, if he chose to keep certain aspects of his life private that’s not being unauthentic it’s being private period.. and those ms patti labelle included who felt they had the right to advertise on this part of his private personal life after he’s now passed away and can’t respond that’s wrong sorry it was his life his choice to say whatever he wanted about it though his life he told us what HE wanted us to know and you know what? That’s ok and certain doesn’t mean he was any less authentic, sounds like the documentary focused on the music the man the person why is that not interesting in of its self? Tv movies people are always wanting to be salacious and sensationalize.. why? Eight Grammys 33 nominations legendary performances the way his music touched how it’s still so beautiful besides in him CHOOSING not to address it publicly he was saying it none of anyones business no one’s.. sorry my bad

[@KimKing-zg2nh]

@@mooney6889 thank you and I totally agree.

[@puspavelai8353]

This singer, and George Michael, are the ones that had at least 3 songs that had the most classiest/catchy song hooks I never got bored with all these years😊

[@clementine7582]

I think there were several reasons he didn't want to come out. It was the 80s, his mother was very religious, it was financially better to pretend he sang songs about girls and he loved being rich and fabulous, he preferred white males. I always loved his music and the sophisticated approach he had creating his songs. But I always thought he was an unhappy and emotionally conflicted person who was trapped in this life that he had created for himself.

[@Alex-vd6ve]

I always loved LV❤❤❤❤

[@True-Believer616]

I only hope that Luther had true love in his life. It's sadly possible that the reason that was not in the documentary at all, is because he didn't have it. Or he was just that deep in the closet about it. Those are the choices this terrible society made a lot of gay men have in the 70s and 80s.

[@TechnicJunglist]

Beautiful man, beautiful voice.

[@marquistebrown9409]

Can someone please tell me where to find it to watch it? Ive been searching for a while now. Thx in advance.

[@RonaldLBruce]

Mid to late January 2025 on HBO Max..

[@raregroove2400]

Can we see this in the UK?

[@melodysanger103]

​@@raregroove2400It airs tonight at 8 pm EST on ESPN.

[@SoniT]

I love Luther's music so I'll watch the documentary. I watched a documentary on Luther that aired on BET years ago so I probably won't learn anything new.

[@abundantlyblessednocap472]

I liked it!

[@davincibarnette]

You notice they did not speak to Patti or Bette.

[@aggie7978]

It's probably just focused on that his music, family, and friends, not him being gay.

[@SoCalDan530]

love Luther Vandross

[@GoldenGraham25]

Luther wasn’t putting his sex and politics out there because it wasn’t necessary.

[@larenabillingsley7250]

Prince was also a very private person! Since his death , his estate have been giving tours of his home ! Morris Day was saying it’s all about money & Prince wouldn’t have wanted this ! Luther was the same way ! Maybe they should’ve have said very little about his private life! Luther obviously didn’t like people in his business!

[@vanitysmirror]

Paisley Park is a recording studio and soundstage. Morris day did a New Year's Eve show there this New year. Prince himself had events and parties there that anyone could attend. His estate isn't doing anything there that he didn't do. There is no tour in the "living quarters". The main function of the building is a studio and soundstage. There are videos right here on KZbin where they promote it for rent.

[@larenabillingsley7250]

@ yes, I am fully aware that Prince invited fans to Paisley Park ! I believe they are going to extreme versus what Prince did ! Morris said at that time he wouldn’t perform at Paisley Park ! I am aware that he has gone back since Prince ‘s death to Perform!

[@BoybDee]

The number of children that have been conceived from this mans incredible voice is unmeasurable! LoL 😂

[@devanmoran]

never too much never too much love that song

[@loism8645]

I'll see the doc regardless of its short comings. Y'all are messy don't ever change. 😂

[@anniem.670]

I love Luther so much.

[@corriemayo2715]

Seems to me from what you guys said, that this docu about Luther Vandross is incomplete because they only skim the surface of who he is; they never delve into the the why. I believe that someone else, a better writer should delve deeper into his live and tell his WHOLE story. We (gays, straights, everyone) need to be reminded of how great people were handicapped by fear from the repercussions of being their authentic selves

[@msjerseygwarl]

I think the reason the documentary was not the deep because respect for his mother.

[@clementine7582]

@@msjerseygwarl Luther was a grown man. You can’t forever try to please your mother, esp not when it comes to what defines you personally and being gay is what defines you personally. I remember seeing the funeral and his mother's favourite preacher did a speech as well and she was just toxic, conservative, controlling black church stuff. I remember thinking, OK I know why Luther had a hard time coming out. I don't think it was the main reason he stayed in the closet, at that time coming out, esp for a Black artist it was just impossible because his career would have been over. But his mother was a big churchie, and definitely not in a good way.

[@richardkoeknyc]

well put!

[@evitagiron]

I was going to ask if there was any new information in the documentary

[@RonaldLBruce]

Mid to late January in 2025 on HBO Max..

[@V_-4-_VENDETTA71]

The best R and B singer to ever touch the mic 🎤 ❤️ Rip 😢

[@RL_Williams]

Jealous yall saw it! It wasn't availble in the virtual Sundance package😢

[@MrBlackretreat]

Love you two

[@ChrisCarsonn]

Where can we watch this doc?

[@RonaldLBruce]

Mid to late January in 2025 on HBO Max..

[@georgeschilli1269]

Where can we watch this docu?

[@RonaldLBruce]

Mid to late January and 2025 on HBO Max.

[@melodysanger103]

Tonight it premieres at 8 pm on CNN.

[@davincibarnette]

I've been a life long fan of Luther's. I spotted him & his voice when he was with David Bowie. This was done from the few point of the black woman who says, "I know but if he don't want to talk about, it's none of my business." Isn't it interesting how it seems ok for the black community to bring up ANY & EVERY THING about Whitney's sexuality, which was also very much in the closet, but Luther as a Black Man, has the narrative of FIGHTING TO THE END OF TIME to keep it, "None of my business." I think it's BS. I want to see this but I already know it's going to make me mad.

[@tmat90-o8t]

People bring up Whitney’s sexuality so much, but they don’t want to talk about Luther’s. It really shouldn’t matter especially if you’re a true fan, but people are something else. It’s the artist’s story to tell but only if they want to. They shouldn’t have to if they don’t want to.

[@tedkay3750]

where do you get to watch this doc??

[@jeffmjv2]

They also stayed away from the Anita Baker and Envogue feuds.

[@Dirty_Hamble]

I got into Luther via Bowie. Such a beautiful voice. A shame he didn't get the material he deserved.

[@montalvojr]

You look just like Luther in that image behind you. Best.

[@edwardgately5931]

OK, I always thought he was hot so there were people thinking about him in that way. I remember an Entertainment Tonight interview where the “reporter” asked what’s it like being so popular looking the way you do. I thought it was very rude and helped lead to his drastic and dangerous weight loss. He was very sexy the way he was. Just sayin’

[@galaxylucia1898]

Wow. That’s so rude!😡

[@LadySunflower1224]

I love me some Luther seen him in concert's twice he was a sanger ❤❤❤❤❤

[@tabbsbrand75]

When will the general public be able to see this documentary?? Thank you.

[@RonaldLBruce]

Mid to late January 2025 on HBO Max..

[@casting4camera806]

I watched it on CNN on Jan 1st. They also had it on Jan 4th, as well. However, I don't know if they will air it again.

[@smoothwill]

Oh come on everybody should have known he was gay but it didn’t matter . We loved Luther , gay or not . I believe nobody gave a damn it was Luther vandtoss.

[@Lifeofchance]

Luther outed himself on Arsenio Hall’s show when he said if he wasn’t a singer he’d would be an interior decorator…The next day some record Exec said “he’s lost the females and now he’s the in the Johnny Mathis record sales category!”

[@SephirahPlasma]

So an interior decorator = gay? I'm not saying he necessarily wasn't gay, given all of the coded language his close confidants, associates and the like were saying, with the added circumstantial events or situations that may lean that way understandably. But saying he "outed himself" with that comment sounds deliberately obtuse. He very well could have been closeted, especially given the era, and though its natural to make assumptions about people, making declarative statements like that? Come on now.

[@LadyMaeloraBeesbury]

​@adisacohen4930 this wasn't today, that was like 30+yrs ago. Yes, the public would've absolutely called that "gay." It was a less enlightened time, but let's not act like it didn't exist. I can totally see people back then saying he's gay from that comment

[@shonmosley4215]

You sound ignorant as heck! Every Lither album has sold million or over million records! Every album since 1981. So you are a lie!

[@MarkHindry]

Absolutely loved Luther his sexuality never came into it for me just loved him unconditionally and his voice was unbelievable

[@georgemcdowell8302]

Luther had the voice, but the total package (his body) wasn't what would be called marketable by American standards. There've been other male performers his size who were successful but their sexuality wasn't questioned. Americans are uptight when it comes to body image & sexuality. If a performer is extremely talented but different, he/she is placed in the "other" box & that's sad.

[@user-inyourheartsway]

Incredible small vision to assume that no one could be sexually attracted to Luther. You're stuck in a white gay selection box.

[@clarklarewjones]

They left out some of his diva times tho

[@bjornjohansen9688]

Shame man. Never knew his story.

[@lovelife2186]

He was big gay

[@cwdforgood]

But,the way he lost weight led to the strokes, those drugs ruined his life.

[@clementine7582]

He had 3 siblings, Luther was the youngest, they all died before him. Diabetes was a deadly curse in the Vandross family.

[@cwdforgood]

Diabetes runs in my family but that doesn't have to lead to strokes. But everyone who used those pills sped up their metabolism to their detriment. That is all I meant.