Luther Vandross | Never Too Much: Greatest Hits

"Never Too Much: Greatest Hits," set for release on December 13, features 20 tracks across two CDs that showcase the highlights of Luther Vandross' solo career. This collection includes timeless hits from his extensive catalog, such as "Never Too Much," "Here and Now," "Power of Love/Love Power," "I'd Rather," and "Dance with My Father." Fans will also be treated to four rare and unreleased tracks. Notably, a cover of The Beatles' "Michelle". This track was unearthed by longtime friend and collaborator Fonzi Thornton from Vandross' archives, labeled simply with the title and a date of June 1, 1989. The 2CD set will feature an exclusive radio edit, while both the full version and the radio edit will appear on the CD and double vinyl editions.

In addition to these gems, the compilation includes the unreleased outtake "Speak Your Love," a new remix of "Never Too Much" by Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies, and a rare radio mix of "Get Myself Together," recorded during the 1979 sessions for "Never Too Much" and later released in 2016 on a project by Bronx producer Louie Vega, one half of the Masters At Work duo.

Renowned for his smooth, velvety voice, Vandross seamlessly traversed disco hits and heartfelt ballads. His music significantly shaped the sound of the '80s and '90s, yet his influence often feels underappreciated, especially following his passing in 2005 due to complications from a stroke two years earlier. Vandross was a dedicated figure in soul and pop music. Before signing with Epic Records, he made a name for himself performing at venues like The Apollo in Harlem and with the theater group Listen My Brother, which participated in the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival documented in Questlove's Oscar-winning film, Summer of Soul. During the '70s, he became a sought-after backing vocalist, contributing to albums by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, David Bowie, and CHIC, among others.

Vandross also sang commercial jingles, wrote "Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day" for the Broadway musical The Wiz, and led a vocal group that struggled commercially, prompting him to purchase the masters to prevent their release (though these recordings were later made available on CD by Legacy). He was also the voice behind the European disco project Change, whose hit "The Glow of Love" topped dance charts.

Nearly all of Vandross' studio albums achieved platinum or multiplatinum status in the U.S., alongside three compilations and three singles. His accolades include eight Grammy Awards and eight American Music Awards, as well as a posthumous induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021. Known for his privacy regarding personal matters, "Luther: Never Too Much" aims to provide a fuller portrait of the man behind the music, while "Never Too Much: Greatest Hits" invites fans to explore the rich musical legacy he left behind.

"Never Too Much: Greatest Hits" will be available in stores on December 13. A streaming version of the documentary "Luther: Never Too Much" is anticipated to premiere on Max in 2025. Pre-orders for the album are available below.

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