![]() Bass virtuoso Marcus Miller came aboard and developed an undeniable chemistry with Vandross that would last for decades. Motown alumnus and orchestral arranger Paul Riser brought his classically trained soul arrangements, which melded exceptionally well with Vandross’ vocals. He would go on to work with Vandross on every album and tour until the singer’s passing in 2003. Nat Adderly Jr., a descendent of the Adderley jazz dynasty, served as the primary keyboardist and musical arranger. In hindsight, it’s hardly a surprise, as Vandross used his relationships within the industry to assemble an all-star lineup of musicians and singers to help him execute a vision that was years in the making. Released by Epic Records on August 12th, 1981, Never Too Much proved a watershed moment for the modern R&B genre. And it’s that same grind and experience that made Vandross ready for the moment when his debut album, Never Too Much, changed both his life and the R&B world forever. But all these credits - highlights for most any other performer - were mere footnotes to what Vandross would accomplish when he finally got the chance to deliver on the enormous potential that had long made him one of the “best-kept secrets” in the music industry. If all those dues weren’t payment enough for some limelight, Vandross also released two strong, under-the-radar albums under the group name Luther in 19, respectively, and stepped in as a featured vocalist on post-disco ensemble Change’s signature hit, “The Glow of Love”, in 1980. ![]() As a jingle writer, he could even be heard on several popular commercials for companies like Burger King, Juicy Fruit, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. A much sought-after session singer, he performed on several of Chic’s hits, including “Dance, Dance, Dance”, and he penned “Everybody Rejoice/ Brand New Day” for hit 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz. A virtuoso in the studio, he fine-tuned his arranging skills on David Bowie’s Young Americans album, co-writing “Fascination”. Vandross made his first television appearance on the inaugural season of Sesame Street with New York-based theater ensemble Listen My Brother. Nobody aware of his backstory would ever characterize the emerging stardom of Luther Vandross as an overnight success. And in the meantime, enjoy Rashad Grove’s classic review of Vandross’ game-changing debut, Never Too Much, which will turn 40 later this summer. Visit here for more information and a chance to win. To celebrate his memory and musical legacy, we’re holding a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind prize pack, featuring Never Too Much and This Is Christmas on vinyl, plus a special plaque commemorating the icon’s gold and platinum singles. April 20th marked what would’ve been the 70th birthday of the late, great Luther Vandross.
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