Luther Vandross has earned a posthumous entry on Billboard‘s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week.
The legendary vocalist’s cover of The Beatles’ “Michelle” debuts at No. 27 on the airplay chart, led by Eric Benét and Tamar Braxton‘s “Something We Can Make Love To.”
“Michelle” gives Vandross his 26th appearance on this chart, first launched in September 1993.
Vandross resurfaces on this chart for the first time since “Shine” from The Ultimate Luther Vandross compilation in 2006. The posthumous track, co-written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, reached No. 6 that August, marking his 18th top 10 hit.
Before the track just mentioned, Vandross topped the charts with “Think About You” from his Grammy-winning album, Dance With My Father (2003).
The self-produced love song he co-wrote held the No. 1 spot for three weeks. It became his sixth leader on this chart.
Notably, “Think About You” remained in the top 10 for 63 weeks, the longest streak for any artist in this region.
Epic Records and Legacy Recordings released Vandross’ never-before-heard version of “Michelle” on Oct. 25, a week before the debut of his documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, on Nov. 1.
Originally recorded in 1989, the remake was found by Vandross’ friend and background vocalist, Fonzi Thornton, on a cassette labeled “Luther Vandross Michelle 6/1/89.”
Thornton said to The Hollywood Reporter, “I found two cassettes labeled ‘Michelle’ in his handwriting — [I had] no idea what it was [and then I] played it! I realized it was a beautiful rendition of the Beatles classic that had been vocally and musically Lutherized.”
Thornton continued, “I played Luther’s version for Jeff James, A&R at Sony and Dave Gottlieb, manager of the Vandross Estate, and we agreed it was such a find. We decided to save it until the right time — which is now.”
Vandross’ cover of “Michelle” will be on the compilation Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, releasing on Dec. 13.
The compilation will be available digitally, on vinyl, and on CD. It will feature Vandross’ beloved songs like “Power of Love/Love Power” and “Here and Now.”
More rarities on Never Too Much: Greatest Hits include “Never Too Much (Lost Frequencies Edit)” and “Speak Your Love,” co-written and produced by Vandross and Thornton.
Vandross’ illustrious life and career are captured in the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter. It premiered in select cities on Nov. 1 and will air on CNN, OWN, and Max in 2025.
The documentary includes rare footage and images of Vandross, plus commentary from him, his closest friends, and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Nile Rodgers (of Chic), Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
Of the doc, Porter said, “It was a joy to work on this film. Luther was a spectacularly talented performer, composer and producer. His influence was found in multiple genres, and it was a delight to discover each one. It has been so much fun to see longtime fans remember why they love him, and new fans come to understand his brilliance.”
This past spring, Primary Wave and Legacy Recordings teamed up to reissue the two albums by Luther, the R&B group fronted by Vandross before his solo career. Their self-titled debut album was released on April 19, followed by their sophomore album, This Close to You, on 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 continued, “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.”
Listen to “Michelle” by Luther Vandross below.
