CNN will debut Luther: Never Too Much, Dawn Porter’s documentary about the life of Luther Vandross, on New Year’s Day.
The film will debut at 8 p.m. ET. Per CNN, the project “chronicles the story of Vandross from his formative years in Harlem, appearing in the Apollo Theater house band and the first episodes of Sesame Street, through his ascendance to become the indisputable master of the love song.” Vandross’ own voice is featured to tell the story via archival clips, along with interviews with Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack. Vandross died in 2005.
In a statement, Porter said, “We combed through hundreds of hours of interviews, concert footage, and images to develop this one-of-a-kind portrait.” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent, CNN Originals and creative development, CNN Worldwide, noted that the network has had a tradition of showcasing music documentaries on New Year’s Day, with previous projects on Dionne Warwick, Carole King, and James Taylor, and Linda Ronstadt.
The film premiered at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, and Giant Pictures released the movie theatrically this fall. Max and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will air the movie later in 2025. Vandross’ version of The Beatles’ Michelle is available now and will be included in a compilation Never Too Much: Greatest Hits on Dec. 13.
The project is produced by Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty for Raindog Films; Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for Foxxhole Productions; and Leah Smith for Trilogy Films. Executive producers are Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for Sony Pictures Television Nonfiction; Tom Mackay and Richard Story for Sony Music Entertainment; Jon Platt and Brian Monaco for Sony Music Publishing; Colin Firth for Raindog Films; and Phil Thornton on behalf of Foxxhole Productions, with Sony Music Vision as the distributor. Porter also serves as executive producer.
Source: Deadline
