Luther Vandross's velvety vocals are back in the spotlight with the release of the late singer-songwriter's cover of the Beatles classic 'Michelle' on Friday (October 25). The never-before-heard performance is among the 21 tracks that will appear on the upcoming album Never Too Much: The Greatest Hits. The December 13th compilation and previously unreleased single are part of the celebration highlighting the documentary's November 1st theatrical release Luther: Never too much.
“Michelle” doesn't just showcase Vandross' subtle, soulful vocal riffs; It also showcases the eight-time Grammy winner's innate talent for adding rhythmic nuances and other colorful arrangements to songs he's covered throughout his career. These include Stevie Wonder's 'Creepin'. “A House Is Not a Home”, was originally covered by Dionne Warwick. and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's duet “The Closer I Get to You” with Vandross and Beyoncé. The latter two songs are included on the upcoming compilation, as is another previously unreleased track: “Speak Your Love,” written and produced by Vandross and longtime friend and singer Fonzi Thornton.
Announcing the release of 'Michelle' and Never Too Much: The Greatest HitsEpic Records and Sony Music catalog division Legacy Recordings note that additional details about the recording “remain a mystery”. What is known is that Thornton discovered a tape marked “Luther Vandross Michelle 6/1/89”. However, no further information about the recording, such as location or session players, has yet come to light.
Borrowing its title from Vandross' 1981 debut solo album never too much the documentary Luther: Never too much chronicles the ups and downs of his career and personal life. Among Vandross' close friends and musical collaborators who share their views are Warwick, Mariah Carey, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack. Directed and executive produced by Dawn Porter, the documentary will premiere in select cities on November 1st with previews on October 30th. The film will then premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Max in 2025.
The album tracklist is as follows:
1. “Never Too Much”
2. “Power of Love / Love Power”
3. “Give me the floor”
4. “Stop in Love”
5. “Take You Out”
6. Any love
7. “Michelle”*
8. “Here and now”
9. “I'd rather”
10. “So Amazing”
11. “Heaven Knows (Classic Radio Mix)”
12. “Dance With My Father”
13. “Speak Your Love”*
14. “The Closer I Get to You”
15. “Endless Love”
16. “Always and Forever”
17. “A house is not a house”
18. “Superstar / Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'll Do)”
19. “Never Too Much (Lost Frequency Edit)”*
20. “Get Myself Together (Louie Vega Radio Remix)”*
21. “Michelle (Radio Edit)”*
*Previously unreleased
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/luther-vandross-covers-beatles-michelle-1235811349/