Image credits - THR
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Luther Vandross, the legendary R&B icon, left an indelible mark on the music world before his untimely passing in 2005. Now, fans can celebrate his artistry with the release of an unreleased cover of The Beatles’ classic “Michelle.” This enchanting rendition showcases Vandross’ signature vocal style and emotional depth, promising to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
The discovery of “Michelle”
The story behind this track is as touching as the music itself. Fonzi Thornton, Vandross’ close friend and collaborator, stumbled upon the recording while exploring the late singer’s archives after his death. Among the personal effects, Thornton found two cassettes labeled “Michelle,” sparking curiosity. Upon playing them, he was greeted with the rich, soulful interpretation that only Vandross could deliver.
Thornton recounted the moment he realized the significance of the find: “I played it! I realized it was a beautiful rendition of the Beatles classic that had been vocally and musically Lutherized.” Together with Jeff James from Sony and Dave Gottlieb, manager of the Vandross estate, they decided to unveil this treasure at the perfect moment—and that moment is now.
A tribute to the iconic singer
The release of “Michelle” coincides with the highly anticipated documentary Luther: Never Too Much, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to open in select theaters on November 1. This documentary promises to explore the multifaceted life of Vandross, highlighting not only his remarkable career but also his struggles with his sexuality and battles with overeating.
The upcoming album Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, set to release on December 13, will feature 21 tracks, including other unreleased songs and remixes. This album serves as a heartfelt homage to Vandross’ illustrious career, featuring beloved hits like “Here and Now” and “Endless Love.”
The essence of “Michelle”
Originally written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “Michelle” won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1967. Vandross’ version extends the classic to nearly seven minutes, a testament to his ability to infuse the song with his own stylistic flair. As Marcus Miller, a close friend and collaborator, remarked, “The magnificence of Luther’s voice shines through. He uses every part of his voice so effortlessly and expertly.”
Vandross had expressed admiration for Sarah Vaughan’s interpretation of the song, and this cover seems to have been part of his quest to add classic love songs to his repertoire. Though none of his musicians or engineers recalled recording the track, the essence of Vandross’ artistry is unmistakable.
A lasting legacy
Vandross began his illustrious career as a backup singer for renowned artists such as Roberta Flack and David Bowie before releasing his double-platinum debut album Never Too Much in 1981. With over 40 million albums sold worldwide, his influence on R&B and soul music remains profound.
The documentary Luther: Never Too Much, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter, promises to delve deeper into Vandross’ life, offering an intimate portrait of the man behind the music. As fans await the documentary’s release, “Michelle” serves as a poignant reminder of Vandross’ unparalleled talent and enduring legacy.Luther Vandross’ Unreleased Cover of “Michelle” Now Available: A Tribute to the R&B Legend