By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The estate of Luther Vandross has signed Epic Rights as its global merchandise management agency for a new retail and e-commerce program.
Epic Rights offers a broad range of services such as retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, and merch bundles. Epic Rights is part of Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, Bravado.
The new retail program for Luther Vandross will include several new licensing partners that will create branded merchandise and other elements inspired by Vandross’ musical legacy.
“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 Rob Dippold, Partner & Chief Digital Strategy Officer for Primary Wave Music.
“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.”
With increasing demand from fans to engage with the singer’s legacy, Epic Rights has signed agreements with new licensing partners across apparel and accessories for multiple channels of distribution. The upcoming merchandise collections are expected to launch in Spring 2023.
Luther Vandross was an American singer, songwriter and record producer who was active in the music industry from 1969 to 2004. In 1981, Luther released his solo debut album, Never Too Much, which led to 11 consecutive platinum albums. Over the course of his career, Vandross sold over forty 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 Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing. “In conjunction with the Luther Vandross Estate we are confident we will be developing authentic merchandise for the Luther Vandross fans around the globe.”
The Luther Vandross estate will continue celebrating his legacy with multiple milestones in 2023, including the 20th Anniversary of both his Dance With My Father album and Luther’s final performance, Live at Radio City Music Hall.
“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 David Gottlieb, Artist Manager of Luther Vandross estate.
“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.”
The Luther Vandross estate also recently launched the Luther Vandross Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Additional activations from the Luther Vandross Estate include a remix collaboration for Black History Month and a re-release of the albums Luther and This Close To You which he created with his debut musical group, Luther.