Epic Records and Legacy Recordings have released Luther Vandross‘ never-before-heard cover of The Beatles‘ 1965 track “Michelle.”
While there aren’t many details about the recording, it was recorded in 1989.
According to press materials, Vandross’ longtime friend and background vocalist, Fonzi Thornton, later discovered a cassette labeled “Luther Vandross Michelle 6/1/89.” There isn’t any information about where it was recorded or session players involved.
Vandross’s cover of “Michelle” will appear on Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, a new compilation album that will be release Dec. 13.
The album will feature a mix of Vandross’ biggest hits, such as “Power of Love / Love Power,” “Endless Love,” and “Here and Now.”
Additionally, it will include previously unreleased tracks, including “Speak Your Love,” “Never Too Much (Lost Frequencies Edit),” and “Get Myself Together (Louie Vega Radio Remix).” Vandross and Thornton wrote and produced “Speak Your Love.”
Never Too Much: Greatest Hits will be available digitally as well as on vinyl and CD.
Vandross’ rendition of “Michelle” arrives ahead of his documentary Luther: Never Too Much, which hits theaters in select cities on Nov. 1. It will premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and Max in 2025.
The doc, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, includes rare footage and images of Vandross, plus commentary from some of his closest friends and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
“I’m thrilled to partner again with CNN Films and OWN to bring this film to audiences,” said Porter. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance.”
Earlier this year, Primary Wave and Legacy Recordings joined forces to reissue Luther’s, the R&B group led by Vandross before he went solo, two sole albums. Their self-titled debut album was released April 19 and their sophomore effort, This Close to You, was released June 7.
“Bringing back Luther Vandross’ inaugural albums after forty years is not just a celebration of music; it’s a homage to a legend whose voice and artistry have shaped the soundscape of an era,” David Gottlieb, manager for The Luther Vandross Estate, exclusively told Rated R&B.
Gottlieb added, “These albums, resurfacing like timeless anthems, not only remind us of Luther’s unparalleled influence in music but also assure his legacy continues to resonate and inspire, echoing through the hearts of old fans and new listeners alike.”
Stream Luther Vandross’ Michelle” cover below and pre-order Never Too Much: Greatest Hits.
Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much: Greatest Hits Tracklist
1. Never Too Much
2. Power of Love / Love Power
3. Give Me the Reason
4. Stop to Love
5. Take You Out
6. Any Love
7. Michelle*
8. Here and Now
9. I’d Rather
10. So Amazing
11. Heaven Knows (Classic Radio Mix)
12. Dance With My Father
13. Speak Your Love*
14. The Closer I Get to You
15. Endless Love
16. Always and Forever
17. A House Is Not a Home
18. Superstar / Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
19. Never Too Much (Lost Frequencies Edit)*
20. Get Myself Together (Louie Vega Radio Remix)*
21. Michelle (Radio Edit)*
