Luther Vandross, the late godfather of R&B whose voice defined love, longing and celebration, continues to cement his place in music history with the release of Never Too Much: Greatest Hits. The compilation, available now on vinyl, CD and streaming platforms, serves as a companion to the highly anticipated CNN documentary Luther: Never Too Much, set to premiere on January 1, 2025. This collection not only celebrates Vandross’ iconic catalog but also introduces four previously unreleased tracks, including the standout single “Michelle,” a reinterpretation of The Beatles’ classic, which marks his return to the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart after 18 years.
Never Too Much: Greatest Hits features enduring favorites like “So Amazing,” “Any Love,” and “A House Is Not A Home,” as well as his unforgettable duet with Beyoncé Knowles, “The Closer I Get To You.” Fans can also savor new remixes by Louie Vega and Lost Frequencies, which refresh Vandross’ sound for contemporary audiences. This collection is not just a testament to his vocal brilliance but also a reminder of the intimate storytelling that made him a transformational force in music.
In keeping with Vandross’ spirit of grandeur and community, his legacy was celebrated at Xanadu, an immersive roller-skating event presented by It’s All Black Music. This lively gathering featured a mesmerizing skating performance by Roller Wave, complemented by Sophia Urista’s soulful renditions of Vandross classics. Urista, alongside DJ Spinna, infused the evening with a seamless blend of Vandross’s hits and tracks spanning multiple decades, creating a bridge between generations. Events like this do more than honor Vandross’ artistry; they reintroduce his music to younger audiences, ensuring his impact remains felt long beyond his earthly presence.
The reissue arrives amid a year-long resurgence of appreciation for Vandross, marked by the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance and his inclusion in the Brooklyn Museum’s Solid Gold exhibit. The documentary, praised by Variety as “a biography and a musical anthology,” promises to delve deep into Vandross’ unparalleled career, featuring rare archival footage and heartfelt interviews.
With Never Too Much: Greatest Hits and the upcoming documentary, the world is reminded of Vandross’ enduring influence. His music not only soundtracked countless love stories but also shaped the R&B genre, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire artists like Kendrick Lamar, whose recent track “Luther” prominently samples Vandross’ duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Were Mine.”
