Hi, I’m Luther’s niece, Seveda, the CEO and Founder of FANDROSS, Vice President of Development and Marketing for Vandross LLC, and Corporate Liaison with Sony Music Entertainment/Legacy Recordings. Phew that was the long way to say, I love my uncle, and all things Luther.

Back when I was a child, haha, through my teenage years I spent practically every weekend with my Uncle Ronnie (his middle name and what our family calls him). During this time we connected on so many levels. He taught me to be tactful, to look people in the eye when shaking hands, to always keep my word at all cost and how to be fear-filled but move forward anyway. He took me to many plays and concerts because he wanted me to experience the excitement, sights, sounds and smells of being in the theatre, and the thrills of his favorite singers. He was also a huge wrestling fan so we made many trips to MSG whenever Andre the Giant, Chief Jay Strongbow, Bruno Sammartino, or Ivan Putski were on the line up. On Saturday mornings we would head over to Tower Records to read the credits on the back of album covers then stop at the news stand to thumb through a copy of Cashbox magazine this was a big favorite of his. But mine was anytime I got to go to the recording studio to watch him in the booth lay down tracks, Wow!  I also got to eavesdrop on what the main artist, producers, lawyers, managers and engineers had to say and of course I told him what I heard. Hey I was a kid and they would forget or not care that I was in the room, oh well. But truth be told it was quite a learning experience to hear their philosophies, witness the power struggles, hear the insults and get to understand technical terms.

As a young lady into my adulthood after spending time with my uncle I always walked away feeling stronger, more confident and smarter knowing I learned something of importance and value. Watching how he moved and handled people I absorbed that discretion, wisdom, discipline, dependability, fairness, kindness, forgiveness and balance in my personal life as well as in my business dealings were key to being successful. This set me up well for life. He always mentioned I was a good listener and learner which is why he respected and asked for my opinion as we discussed deep issues and topics.

He was fatherly and schooled me on what men thought and wanted, and how to spot game. He helped me set high standards of what qualifications and traits defined a good man, how to carry and take care of myself, and also to be bold and unapologetic regarding my expectations of how I was to be treated. Because of him I know what the warmth and security of trust feels like. One of the hundreds of reasons I love and adore that man to this day.

My uncle had an incredibly great sense of humor and loved playing jokes so there was always nonstop laughter and fun. Now as much as he was gentle, kind and loving, Uncle Ronnie would reign a sister right back in if I got out of pocket or was headed the wrong way. There was a no nonsense, not about to encourage your foolishness, let me set you straight side to him that I miss as well. I love that he always had my back. It feels like he’s still looking out for me now.

After 2005, for many years on April 20th, I brought my family, the LV singers and band members, his close friends, cast and crew together to celebrate on his birthday. These were fun times filled with hugs and plenty of laughter as everyone reconnected and reminisced about their shared experiences, kinda like a private club.

As time moved along and everyone began to get their bearings and hearts healed, (especially mine) I clearly heard the call from his fans asking for a similar chance. They too, missed him.

Much was being done with his catalog and music, but it was all happening behind the scenes where his fans could not see. Rightly something needed to happen where they could see and feel the movement.

When the time was right, I felt grateful for how he influenced and prepared me so I knew I was ready to represent his ideas and act as a reminder of what he wanted to be known for ‘the premier singer of his time’.

Et voila, and Boom FANDROSS was born!!  Events inspired by and including fan participation in order to extend the music loving family to his fans. All credit goes to Max Szadek for pinning us with this perfect name of FANDROSS!

So we reached out to his music colleagues explained the outcry from his fans, and because of their respect and love for my uncle these mega-talents have agreed to work with us and you through FANDROSS to celebrate and continue his musical legacy. We will share with those who have supported him, bought his records, and showed up at his concerts for many years. Together we may even be able to introduce him to new audiences. Today he is still hailed for his vocal originality and excellence, stage elegance, professionalism, fashion and set design talents and stellar songwriting skills.

I believe the love, warmth and messages my uncle shared with all his fans through his music is needed now more than ever and deserves to live on. Together we can make that happen.

FANDROSS aims to present shows and events that hug the essence of who he was. Just like he used to say, ‘we won’t play with your ticket money’ either.

With the encouragement and support of my friends, family, industry greats, Sony Music/Legacy Recordings, you (loyal Luther fans) and my never-ending love for my uncle; the man, his works and his musical legacy we will move forward to create incredible fan experiences. Share in the journey with us.

And to God be the glory!