Luther documentary lands at CNN
CNN Films and OWN have purchased Luther Vandross' outstanding documentary Luther: Never Too Much.
Dawn Porter, filmmaker and executive producer, documents the iconic singer's ascent to prominence as well as his personal troubles.Porter previously collaborated with CNN on the 2020 documentary, John Lewis: Good Trouble.
“I’m thrilled to partner again with CNN Films and OWN to bring this film to audiences,” Porter said in a statement on Wednesday, May 15. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance.”
Vandross was recognized for his silky vocals and hit songs including "Never Too Much," "A House Is Not a Home," "Here and Now," and "Dance with My Father."
He struggled with weight and health difficulties before dying at 54 in 2005, two years after suffering a devastating stroke.
Luther: Never Too Much opened in January 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation and favorable reviews.
Vandross was recognized for his silky vocals and hit songs including "Never Too Much," "A House Is Not a Home," "Here and Now," and "Dance with My Father."
He struggled with weight and health difficulties before dying at 54 in 2005, two years after suffering a devastating stroke.
Luther: Never Too Much opened in January 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation and favorable reviews.
According to the documentary's official description, "Vandross tells his own story with the help of his closest friends and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack." The film recreates several breathtaking moments from Vandross' Grammy-winning musical career, while also delving into his unrequited love life, health issues, and a lifetime struggle to earn the attention his music deserved."
Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions produced the film for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in collaboration with Trilogy Films.
Raindog Films' producers include Trish D Chetty, Ged Doherty, and Colin Firth; Foxxhole Productions' Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner; and Trilogy Films' Leah Smith.
Dawn Porter, Eli Holzman, and Aaron Saidman serve as executive producers for Sony Non-Fiction Television; Tom Mackay and Richard Story for Sony Music Entertainment; and Jon Platt and Brian Monaco for Sony Music Publishing. Phil Thornton also acts as the executive producer.