By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The estate of Luther Vandross has appointed Epic Rights as its exclusive licensing and merchandise management agency.
Luther Vandross was an American singer, songwriter and record producer who got his start in 1981, when he released his debut solo album, Never Too Much. Throughout his 30-year career, he sold over 40 million albums worldwide and produced records for Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Dionne Warwick.
“Luther Vandross is an icon and legend, we are thrilled to be representing such an incredible artist,” said Epic Rights’ SVP, Lisa Streff.
“In conjunction with the Luther Vandross Estate we are confident we will be developing authentic merchandise for the Luther Vandross fans around the globe.”
As the estate’s exclusive licensing and merchandising agency, Epic Rights’ will develop a global multi-category retail and ecommerce program alongside several new licensing partners.
Epic Rights has already signed agreements with licensing partners such as Recycled Karma, American Classics and Goodie Two Sleeves to develop apparel and accessories collections for multiple channels of distribution.
“The Estate of Luther Vandross is excited to reconnect Luther’s iconic voice and image with his worldwide fanbase through the style and moments that complimented his 30-year career,” said Luther Vandross Estate’s David Gottlieb.
“Luther Vandross songs were always on one topic—love. With new merchandise across the spectrum, Epic Rights can empower the Luther Vandross fan to return that love in what they wear and share.”
Epic Rights is an artist’s services company that specializes in representing clients from the music industry. The agency’s services include retail licensing, brand management, merchandise, ecommerce and fan engagement. Epic Rights is part of Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, Bravado.
Alongside its shareholder Primary Wave Music, the Luther Vandross estate is celebrating multiple milestone anniversaries in 2023. These milestones include the 20th Anniversary of Vandross’ Dance With My Father album and his final live performances at Live at Radio City Music Hall.
Primary Wave Music is an independent music publishing company that acquired a forty million dollar stake in the Luther Vandross estate in 2021.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with both Lisa Streff and the Epic Rights team to continue to expand and find new avenues to keep Luther’s brand, music and legacy relevant and top-of-mind in today’s pop culture”, said Primary Wave Music’s Rob Dippold. “We anticipate building a diverse and comprehensive collection of apparel, collectibles, wall art and accessories including using never-before-seen assets from the estate’s archives to celebrate his career, music, and talent in new and creative ways”
The Vandross estate also recently launched other notable activations including the Luther Vandross Foundation, remix collaborations, and the re-release of two albums from his debut group Luther.
Photo credit: Ebet Roberts, Redferns