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 Nov. 20 with an exclusive preview of the forthcoming documentary Luther: Never Too Much and a sneak peak of the exhibit. Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance is being presented in partnership with Primary Wave Music and The Luther Vandross Estate. 

The screening of the Dawn Porter-directed documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers. 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 exhibit and screening are also in tandem with the Dec. 13 release of the new compilation Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, which features Vandross’ new single: the previously unreleased cover of the Beatles’ “Michelle.”  Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance will be on display through June 15, 2025. 

“The Luther Vandross Estate is excited to be sharing Luther’s musical legacy with the Grammy Museum and its visitors through this upcoming exhibit,” the estate said in the press release. “It is a special window into all of Luther Vandross’ talents — singer, of course, but also music producer, live performer, stage craft master, wardrobe designer and songwriter. Showcasing all of these amazing elements of Luther the artist via the long-cherished possessions of his personal archives is a treat for die-hard fans and new ones.”

“Luther Vandross is a cherished icon who defined the smooth, jazz-inspired era of R&B and whose timeless love songs have graced countless weddings, graduations, and family reunions for the past several decades,” said Grammy Museum curator Kelsey Goelz. “The Grammy Museum is thrilled to provide fans a close look into his incredible achievements in the studio and onstage.”

Exhibit highlights include hand-beaded suits and jumpsuits that Vandross and his background singers wore during his 1991 Power of Love tour; original fashion sketches of his tour wardrobe; handwritten lyrics and studio notes for the 1996 song  “I Can Make It Better” plus an exclusive recording of Vandross crafting the song; original sheet music for “Never Too Much,” the No. 1 R&B hit and title track of his 1981 debut studio album; and six of the artist’s eight Grammy Awards.

Vandross died in 2005 at age 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’ career. “It’s incredible that with all the gifted singers out there, Luther was able to carve out his own totally unique space,” noted Miller. “No one could replicate Luther’s sound, his songwriting genius or even his covers 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 shows were theatrical masterpieces, and Luther was involved in every detail of their production: his vocals, his background singers’ harmonies, their choreography and even his background singers’ gowns! The gown beading had to be exquisite and authentic. The furs had to be real. I would say, ‘Luther, no one’s gonna know if the furs are real!!’ To which he would reply: ‘I will know!’ That was part of the magic of Luther, his unyielding commitment to excellence. It was truly an honor to have worked with my friend and big brother, Luther Vandross.”

For tickets and more information about Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, please visit the Grammy Museum website.