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Primary Wave acquires Luther Vandross rights
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 27 October 2021
Primary Wave Music has signed a new deal with the Luther Vandross estate, which sees it acquire a stake in various rights in the late musician’s music and likeness.
The music company already worked with the estate, and following this deal now owns a portion of Vandross’s publishing catalogue, recording revenues, and name and likeness rights. It has reportedly paid the estate $40 million, although it is not known how large a stake it has taken.
“We are delighted to join forces with Larry and Primary Wave”, says Carmen J Romano of FBBM Entertainment Business Management, speaking for the estate. “The LV estate’s goal is to see Luther’s legacy continue to flourish and [we] believe the partnership with Primary Wave is a clear step in that direction”.
The there mentioned Larry Mestel, CEO of Primary Wave Music, adds: “Luther Vandross was a soulful American icon who was the voice of a generation. We look forward to working with Carmen and the estate to help expand Luther’s influence”.
Vandross became a global star in the 1980s and 1990s of course, selling more than 40 million records worldwide. He got his break working with David Bowie on his ‘Young Americans’ album, providing backing vocals and co-writing the song ‘Fascination’.
As well as his success as performer in his own right, he also produced numerous other artists, including Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick. He died in 2005, following a heart attack.
