Forty years since the release of Luther Vandross’ debut solo album, ‘Never Too Much’,

Forty years since the release of Luther Vandross’ debut solo album, ‘Never Too Much’, he remains the gold standard for vocals, revered by musicians and fans alike. The album arrived in an era when disco was fading and hip-hop had not yet fully emerged. Luther, with his innate musicality and devotion to classic sixties voices, was the bridge between the shifting sonic landscapes of the 1980s, equally adept at laying his soul bare on a sensitive love song or showcasing his voice over a pulsating rhythm.

Grammy-winning producer Marcus Miller recalls, ‘…I would hear Never Too Much on the radio all day long…It was like Luther was an overnight sensation, although he had been doing his thing for at least ten years before.’

Whilst ‘Never Too Much’ and his iconic rendering of ‘A House Is Not A Home’ signalled a seemingly fresh talent, unbeknownst to most, Luther was an industry veteran.