Here at TGJ we feel it imperative to honor the originators who paved the way for our favorite artists and yours. As such, From The Vault is travelling back to the year 1981 when a certain Luther Vandross unleashed what would become a genre-defining classic. This week’s pickk is ‘Never Too Much’
The disco track was the first release from Vandross’ solo-debut of the same name. It was written and produced by the artist – as was the vast majority of its parent album. At a time where “Urban” wasn’t as accepted as it is nowadays, the single charted at a respectable #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was a major success on the self-explanatory and now-defunct Hot Black Singles chart where it earned the top spot. Also, the release was a Top 50 hit in the United Kingdom.
Set in a groovy New York, the cut’s accompanying music video showcases pedestrians jamming to the rhythm of the city that never sleeps while Luther can be seen in a recording studio booth wearing what can only be described as an… interesting jacket. Gotta love that 80’s fashion!
With eight Grammys, over 30 million records sold and a myriad of classics to his name, Luther Vandross through his 25+ years career has been a consistant ambassador for R&B music. Like many other deceased artists of his caliber, he is the proof that if you commit to making the most genuine and authentic art, you can live forever.
