For Nat Adderley Jr., serving as Luther Vandross’ musical director and longtime pianist was one chapter in a remarkable musical life—and a partnership that helped shape the sound of modern R&B. In conversation with Questlove, Nat looks back on making “Never Too Much,” flying in from Houston to play “A House Is Not a Home,” and trying to talk Luther out of recording the Carpenters’ version of “Superstar.” As Vandross is inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Nat recalls the grandeur of Luther’s stage shows and the loss of drummer Yogi Horton. He also reflects on how his arrangement of “If This World Were Mine” found new life in Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther.”

The funny, unpredictable conversation also touches on Nat’s new album, Took So Long—his first as a leader and a return to the Jazz roots that run through his family and his work. In a personal full-circle moment, Questlove tells Nat how a protest song Nat recorded at 15 with his uncle Cannonball Adderley changed his life.

For Nat Adderley Jr., serving as Luther Vandross&rsquo; musical director and longtime pianist was one chapter in a remarkable musical life&mdash;and a partnership that helped shape the sound of modern R&amp;B. In conversation with Questlove, Nat looks back on making &ldquo;Never Too Much,&rdquo; flying in from Houston to play &ldquo;A House Is Not a Home,&rdquo; and trying to talk Luther out of recording the Carpenters&rsquo; version of &ldquo;Superstar.&rdquo; As Vandross is inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame, Nat recalls the grandeur of Luther&rsquo;s stage shows and the loss of drummer Yogi Horton. He also reflects on how his arrangement of &ldquo;If This World Were Mine&rdquo; found new life in Kendrick Lamar&rsquo;s &ldquo;Luther.&rdquo;
The funny, unpredictable conversation also touches on Nat&rsquo;s new album, Took So Long&mdash;his first as a leader and a return to the Jazz roots that run through his family and his work. In a personal full-circle moment, Questlove tells Nat how a protest song Nat recorded at 15 with his uncle Cannonball Adderley changed his life.

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir &ldquo;Questlove&rdquo; Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected &mdash; from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest&rsquo;s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It&rsquo;s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source &mdash; a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

The Questlove Show

Nat Adderley Jr.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9e26bce4-77f8-4e06-b16b-b4f6003fbf43/transcript