Synopsis

Soul of Luther Vandross (2024) tells the story of Luther Vandross using rarely seen archival footage, along with testimonies from musical peers such as Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack. The film highlights not only the glory of winning Grammys but also the personal struggles behind the scenes—his health battles and a lifelong fight to receive the recognition he truly deserved for his music.

Program Note

Deep, rich, smooth, and elegant—anyone hearing his voice for the first time would likely say the same. Soul of Luther Vandross chronicles the life of the ultimate vocalist, whose artistry combined power, emotion, and perfect pitch. From a fateful encounter with David Bowie to the explosive debut of his solo single “Never Too Much,” his soulful rendition of the Carpenters’ “Superstar,” and the unforgettable duet “Endless Love” with Mariah Carey, the film weaves together these milestones with reflections from those who knew him. The thought that 54 was far too young for him to leave this world becomes ever more poignant through their words. (Kim Yoon-ha)

Director

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  • Dawn Porter
  • Dawn Porter is the founder of Trilogy Films and an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her notable works include Gideon’s Army (2013), Trapped (2016), Bobby Kennedy for President (2018), and The Lady Bird Diaries (2023), which premiered on Hulu and won the Lone Star Prize at SXSW. Her most recent film, Deadlocked (2024), was nominated for a Spirit Award. Porter's films have been featured on HBO, Netflix, CNN, and PBS. Additional works include The Me You Can’t See (2021), Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (2021), The Way I See It (2020), and John Lewis: Good Trouble (2020).