By Ngozi Nwanji

The influence of the late Luther Vandross will always be seen throughout the music industry. Today, his estate is making sure of that as they keep the R&B legend’s legacy and music alive through a new partnership.

Variety reports that Vandross’ estate closed in on a $40 million deal with Primary Wave Music — an independent publisher known as “the home of legends.” In the long-term partnership, the company will manage all assets and acquire a stake in his publishing, master recording income stream and name and likeness rights.

“We are delighted to join forces with Larry and Primary Wave. The LV Estate’s goal is to see Luther’s legacy continue to flourish and believe the partnership with Primary Wave is a clear step in that direction,” Carmen J. Romano, of FBBM Entertainment Business Management, told Variety.

Over his influential career spanning over three decades, Vandross sold over 40 million records worldwide. According to Variety, the deal will include several of his biggest hits and fan favorites “Never Too Much,” “Here and Now,” his cover of “Endless Love” featuring Mariah Carey and “Dance With My Father.”

“Luther Vandross was a soulful American icon who was the voice of a generation,” says Larry Mestel, CEO & Founder, Primary Wave Music. “We look forward to working with Carmen and the estate to help expand Luther’s influence.”

Earlier this year, Google Doodle honored Vandross by recognizing his influence in music with a heartwarming tribute on what would have been his 70th birthday, as previously reported by AfroTech.

“It is a true reflection of Luther Vandross’ musical legacy around the world to be honored by Google with an animated Doodle that fittingly captures the joy Luther has brought the world,” the Luther Vandross Estate told Billboard. “Luther made each of his songs about one simple, universal subject — love; an emotion and feeling common to the human experience no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you look like. No one else has expressed this emotion in song to the level Luther did for over 35 years, and to have Google broadcast that around the world is a wonderful showcase of his immeasurable talent.”