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Click here to listen to Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s track, “1,000 Kisses”.

3rd Annual Luther Vandross Birthday Event features Nat Adderley, Jr., Alfa Anderson, Fonzi Thornton, Brenda White-King, Cindy Mizelle, Patricia Lacy, Keith Anthony Fluit, Michelle Cobbs-Hardy, Tinkr Barfield, Ivan Hampden, Jr., and Robin Macatangay

Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, will join friends, family and fans of legendary singer Luther Vandross at FANDROSS: The Night I Fell In Love With Luther, an electrifying evening of music, memories and magic at Joe’s Pub (The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street at Astor Place, Manhattan) on April 19 (two shows only: 6pm and 8:30pm).  Tickets available at https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2020/f/fandross-the-night-i-fell-in-love-with-luther/

The third annual FANDROSS event, FANDROSS: The Night I Fell In Love With Luther takes place on the eve of Vandross’ birthday (he would have turned 69 on April 20, 2020), inviting the audience to share in soulful explorations of Luther’s life and music–from classic hits to deep catalog to personal reminiscences and surprises–brought to the stage of Joe’s Pub by talented friends and musical colleagues who worked directly with Luther, an artist who changed their lives.

The evening’s roster includes pianist/composer/producer/jazz guru Nat Adderley, Jr. and singer/songwriter/producer Alfa Anderson. As Luther’s friend, cowriter, arranger and musical director, Adderley played a part in the creation of some of Vandross’ most popular songs and recordings including”Superstar,” “Dance with My Father,” “A House Is Not A Home,” “Here and Now,” and “Make Me A Believer,” among others. Alfa Anderson sang background on Luther’s studio albums and toured with the artist throughout his career; as a member of the archetypal soul/dance music ensemble Chic, she thrilled audiences with hits like “Good Times,” “Le Freak,” and “Everybody Dance.” For her 2017 solo debut, Alfa wrote and performed the loving tribute, “When Luther Sings.”

Joining Nat and Alfa at Joe’s Pub for FANDROSS: The Night I Fell In Love With Luther is an all-star lineup of extraordinary musicians including Fonzi Thornton, Brenda White-King, Cindy Mizelle, Patricia Lacy, Keith Anthony Fluit, Michelle Cobbs-Hardy, Tinkr Barfield, Ivan Hampden, Jr., and Robin Macatangay.

FANDROSS is the brainchild of Luther’s niece, Seveda Williams, who serves as its CEO and Founder. “We are celebrating and continuing my uncle’s musical legacy through FANDROSS because it’s authentic and beautiful. Fans will be immersed by the actual singers and musicians who played and worked with him. You won’t get better than that.”

FANDROSS launched successfully in 2018 with its first official event: a two day FANDROSS Festival featuring classic and revised music, a performance, interview and awards film, stage and career memorabilia, a panel discussion and more.

For many years following Luther’s tragic passing on July 1, 2005, Seveda would gather “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. 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…. 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’. 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.”