Norfolk State University alum Phil Thornton is making major moves in the entertainment
industry, and his latest project is one for the history books. As an executive producer of Luther:
Never Too Much, Thornton helped bring the story of R&B legend Luther Vandross to life. The
documentary, directed by, gives fans an intimate look into Vandross’s rise to fame, struggles, and impact on music. With interviews from icons like Mariah Carey, Dionne
Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack, the film celebrates the legacy of one of the
greatest vocalist of all time.
For Thornton, being part of this project was more than just another career milestone—it was a
passion project. He expressed how honored he was to help share Vandross’s story with the
world. His work on the documentary, alongside an incredible team, even earned an NAACP Image
Award for Best Documentary, further solidifying its impact.
Before he became a powerhouse in the music and television industries, Thornton was a student
at Norfolk State University, where he graduated in 2003 with a degree in marketing and
business. His time at NSU laid the foundation for his success, and he has never forgotten where
he came from. He actively gives back to the university through the Jessie & James Lilly
Jr. Endowment, a scholarship he created in honor of his grandparents.
The scholarship supports Virginia natives with a 2.5 GPA or higher who are majoring in business
or mass communications, ensuring that future generations of Spartans have the opportunity to
chase their dreams just as he did.
As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, he
continues to uplift and mentor young Black professionals, reinforcing the importance of service
and excellence.
With a career that continues to soar, Phil Thornton remains a testament to the power of hard
work, passion, and purpose that HBCU alumni possess.
