Luther Vandross, the R&B music icon, was a complex and multifaceted artist whose life and career were marked by both immense success and profound personal struggles. Despite his undeniable talent and vocal prowess, Vandross faced numerous obstacles and prejudices that stalled his breakthrough and ultimately took a toll on his well-being. The new documentary "Luther: Never Too Much" sheds light on this remarkable and poignant story, offering a stark reminder of the challenges that talented artists, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, often face in the music industry.

Uncovering the Untold Story of a Legendary Performer

Vandross's Humble Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments

Born and raised in New York City, Vandross possessed an innate musical gift from a young age. Despite facing constant rejection from record labels, he refused to give up on his dreams, dropping out of college to pursue his passion for music. His big break came when he landed a role as a backup singer for David Bowie's "Young Americans" project, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities and arranging skills. However, this success also typecast Vandross as a premier background singer, leading to lucrative work in the advertising industry, where he developed his signature ghostly vibrato that captivated audiences.

Overcoming Prejudice and Stereotypes

Vandross's journey to solo stardom was not an easy one. Record executives were not only hung up on his physical appearance, but they also struggled to reconcile his unique sound with the dominant R&B trends of the time. The industry's racial biases and preconceptions about what "Black music" should sound like posed significant barriers to Vandross's mainstream success. It took the support and belief of artists like Roberta Flack, who fired Vandross from her tour to push him towards his destiny as a solo performer, for him to finally break out on his own.

The Triumph of "Never Too Much"

Vandross's determination and perseverance paid off when he released his debut solo album, "Never Too Much." The album's buttery groove and Vandross's soulful vocals effectively changed the tone of R&B music, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. However, even as the hits kept coming, Vandross was pigeonholed as an "R&B" or "African-American" artist, with his label marketing him exclusively to Black audiences, despite his widespread appeal among suburban white women.

Navigating the Challenges of Fame and Perception

Vandross's public struggles with his weight and the speculation surrounding his personal life added to the challenges he faced as a performer. The industry and the public often reduced him to caricatures, with his weight becoming a source of comedy and his sexuality a subject of constant speculation. The documentary explores these issues with sensitivity, highlighting Vandross's desire for privacy and the impact these public perceptions had on his emotional well-being.

The Bittersweet Legacy of a Trailblazer

Despite the obstacles he faced, Vandross's impact on the music industry is undeniable. He is credited with breaking down color barriers and paving the way for a new generation of male R&B vocalists. His vulnerability and sincerity set the standard for the genre, and his music continues to resonate with audiences decades after his passing. The documentary's exploration of Vandross's late-career success and the tragic circumstances of his death serve as a poignant reminder of the personal toll that the music industry can take on even the most talented artists.