The estate of Luther Vandross has struck a wide-ranging partnership with Epic Rights, part of Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, Bravado.
Epic has been named as the global merchandise management agency to develop what is described in a press release as “an all-new multi-category worldwide retail and e-commerce program” for the legendary singer.
Today’s news comes around a year and a half after Primary Wave bought a stake in Luther Vandross’ publishing and master recording income stream as part of a reported $40 million deal.
As part of that deal, Primary Wave acquired a stake in Vandross’s publishing, master recording income stream, and name and likeness rights.
The publisher also said at the time that it will continue a long-term partnership with the estate to manage all assets.
Commenting on the new partnership with Epic Rights, Rob Dippold, Partner & Chief Digital Strategy Officer for Primary Wave Music, said: “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 new arrangement will see a roster of new licensing partners signed to create branded merchandise and other elements.
Epic Rights says that it has signed agreements with new licensing partners including Recycled Karma, American Classics and Goodie Two Sleeves to develop apparel and accessories across multiple channels of distribution.
Beginning his career with performances on Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York City, Luther Vandross went on to sing background for a number of famous artists including David Bowie, Bette Midler, and Stevie Wonder.
In 1981, Vandross released his solo debut album, Never Too Much, which led to 11 consecutive platinum albums, winning 8 Grammy Awards, 9 American Music Awards, 4 Soul Train Awards and 3 NAACP Awards.
Over his three-plus decade career, he has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and produced records for Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Dionne Warwick.
“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.”
Rob Dippold, Primary Wave Music
“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”, states 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.”
“Luther Vandross is an icon and legend, we are thrilled to be representing such an incredible artist.”
Lisa Streff, Epic Rights
Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing, said: “Luther Vandross is an icon and legend, we are thrilled to be representing such an incredible artist.
Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing, said: “Luther Vandross is an icon and legend, we are thrilled to be representing such an incredible artist.
“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 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.”
David Gottlieb, Luther Vandross estate
David Gottlieb, artist manager of Luther Vandross estate, said: “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.
“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.
This announcement follows the news from last May that Universal‘s merch and brand management company, Bravado had announced what it called the “centralization” of both the Bravado and Epic Rights licensing rosters.
The new structure has seen Epic Rights’ SVP Global Licensing, Lisa Streff, oversee global licensing strategies across both companies.Music Business Worldwide
