Grammy Museum Slates New Exhibit: 'Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance'

The life and legacy of esteemed artist Luther Vandross is the focus of a new exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance will open on November 20 with an exclusive preview of the upcoming documentary Luther: Never too much and a sneak peak of the exhibition. Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance presented in association with Primary Wave Music and The Luther Vandross Estate.

The screening of the documentary directed by Dawn Porter will be followed by a discussion with the directors. Produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, Luther: Never too much will premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Max in 2025.

The exhibition and screening also coincides with the launch of the new collection on December 13 Never Too Much: The Greatest Hits, featuring Vandross' new single: the unreleased cover of The Beatles' “Michelle.” Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance will be on display until June 15, 2025.

“The Luther Vandross Estate is thrilled to share Luther's musical legacy with the Grammy Museum and its visitors through this upcoming exhibit,” the estate said in the press release. “It's a unique window into all of Luther Vandross' talents – singer, of course, but also music producer, live performer, stagehand, wardrobe designer and songwriter. Presenting all these amazing elements of Luther the artist through the precious assets of his personal archives is a treat for die-hard fans and youngsters alike.”

“Luther Vandross is a beloved icon who defined the smooth, jazz-inspired era of R&B, and whose timeless love songs have graced countless weddings, graduations and family gatherings over the past few decades,” said Grammy Museum Curator Kelsey Goelz . “The Grammy Museum is thrilled to provide fans with a close-up look at his incredible achievements in the studio and on stage.”

Highlights of the exhibition include beaded suits and jumpsuits worn by Vandross and his singers during the Power of Love tour in 1991. original fashion sketches of his wardrobe. handwritten lyrics and studio liner notes for the 1996 song 'I Can Make It Better' plus an exclusive recording of Vandross creating the song. original scores for “Never Too Much,” the No. 1 R&B hit and title track from his 1981 debut studio album. and six of the artist's eight Grammy Awards.

Vandross died in 2005 at the age of 54 due to complications from a stroke.

Bassist/Songwriter/Producer Marcus Miller was a longtime friend and creative collaborator who worked on Never too much and other recordings during Vandross's career. “It's incredible that with all the talented singers out there, Luther was able to carve out his own completely unique space,” noted Miller. “No one could copy Luther's sound, his compositional genius, or even his arrangements of other people's songs. Luther was a complete and utter perfectionist with a very specific vision of how he wanted things to be.

“His performances were theatrical masterpieces and Luther was involved in every detail of their production: his vocals, the backing singers' harmonies, their choreography and even his singers' dresses! The beaded dress had to be exquisite and authentic. The furs had to be real. I would say, “Luther, no one will know if the furs are real!!” To which he would reply: “I will know!” That was part of Luther's magic, his unyielding commitment to excellence. It was truly an honor to work with my friend and big brother, Luther Vandross.”

For tickets and more information about Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegancevisit it Grammy Museum website.