I recently watched the documentary, Never Too Much about Luther Vandross. He was one of the greatest voices in music history. I loved learning about his roots in New York, his early career, and more about how David Bowie discovered him. He sang back up on one of my favorite David Bowie songs, “Young Americans.”
But what really surprised me as the story unfolded, was the focus on Luther’s struggle with his weight and diabetes. I remember watching interviewers asking him about these things—as if they were his defining traits, not his breathtaking vocal talent. There was an unspoken undertone, as though living with diabetes or struggling with weight was a shortcoming.
The Documentary’s Limitations: Complexity of Chronic Illness
The documentary also featured several artists who were close to Luther Vandross. Even though they mentioned his struggles with weight and diabetes, these discussions did not go deep enough to truly capture the complexities of living with either topic. It’s possible that the more nuanced realities were left out in the editing process. While Luther Vandross had health complications due to diabetes, I doubt that anyone involved in the making of this documentary—no matter how well-intentioned—could fully convey what it was really like to manage these challenges for someone who was such a private person.
The Media’s Role in Shaping Health Narratives
Luther’s father had diabetes and died when Luther was only eight years old. I read that his siblings also struggled with diabetes. I would not be surprised if his family history influenced his own health journey and his perspective on living with diabetes. The constant media questions and highlights in this documentary were a reminder of how much the media can shame and blame someone about weight and diabetes. Luther Vandross’s extraordinary talent and legacy as an artist stand above all else, but yet, sometimes the media felt that wasn’t enough. And even though he passed away just over 20 years ago, I felt like this documentary still carried residue of this.
It was a reminder that there is still a lot of work to do around the discussion of weight loss and diabetes. As I watched that documentary, I didn’t exactly feel it celebrated Luther Vandross’s talents in the best way possible. It also left me feeling sad that the world can sometimes miss seeing the extraordinary creativity and soul someone has because of assumptions or the hyperfocus about health or appearance.
Our Stories: Beyond Labels and Health Diagnoses
Our stories should never be limited by labels. It’s one of the reasons I started Diapoint. I did not want my son or anyone else living with diabetes to be limited by a label. Of course, we all need to care for our health, but time and time again kindness, courage, and the voice and talent that each of us brings to our own world should not be overlooked.
If you ever feel like your accomplishments are overshadowed by your health challenges or different journeys, please remember that no matter what, your gifts matter, and you deserve to be seen for them. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. They are wrong.
Discovering Luther Vandross: Music and Documentary Resources
If you aren’t familiar with the music of Luther Vandross, start here. You can find more information about Never Too Much here.
You can also watch the 1974 version of “Young Americans” with David Bowie and Luther Vandross here.
Wishing you inspiration and self-acceptance, always.
