As excitement continues to build for the theatrical premiere of the documentary feature Luther: Never Too Much beginning November 1, today Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music, announce the release of Luther’s never-before-heard soulful rendition of The Beatles’ “Michelle.” The song will be one of many included on Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, a new compilation of music by the incomparable Luther Vandross, out December 13.
Details surrounding Luther’s recording of “Michelle” remain a mystery. Amidst a vast collection of Vandross’ music recordings and videos, Luther’s longtime friend and background vocalist, Fonzi Thornton, discovered the cassette simply labeled “Luther Vandross Michelle 6/1/89.” No additional information regarding the recording, including location or session players, has been uncovered to date.
Yet, Luther’s distinctive and instantly recognizable voice is far from a mystery. Since the release of his 1981 debut solo studio album Never Too Much, Luther Vandross has won eight Grammy Awards (nominated 31 times), eight American Music Awards and five Soul Train Music Awards, including the Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement in 1999. With eleven consecutive platinum/double platinum albums (13 overall) he achieved crossover status with eight Billboard Top 10 albums and several #1 chart-topping singles, resulting in a legacy that has influenced generations of singers and impacted a legion of loyal fans worldwide.
Never Too Much: Greatest Hits is indeed a celebration of his illustrious career and serves as a companion record to the first full-length documentary of Luther Vandross, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. From his penned and produced classics “Never Too Much” and “So Amazing,” to his signature style on covers of “A House Is Not A Home” and “The Closer I Get To You” duet with Beyoncé Knowles, this compilation will also include previously unreleased track “Speak Your Love,” written and produced by Vandross and Fonzi Thornton. Rounding out the set are remixes of “Never Too Much” by Lost Frequencies and “Get Myself Together” by Louie Vega.
Stay tuned for more information and be prepared to rediscover the musical greatness that can be defined by one name – Luther!
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