Whitney Houston estate has revealed plans for a new album from the late singer, as well as a tour featuring her hologram.
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Estate executor (and sister-in-law to the performer) Pat Houston told said that there are potential plans for a touring hologram, a Broadway musical, branding deals and an album of unreleased tracks.
Since the singer’s death in 2012, the estate has held off on any activity, but Houston said now is the time.
“Everything is about timing for me,” Houston confirmed. “It’s been quite emotional for the past seven years. But now it’s about being strategic.”
Part of that action is a deal with Primary Wave Music Publishing, which the estate signed last week.
Primary Wave will acquire 50 per cent of the estate’s assets, including Houston’s royalties from music and film, and merchandising, as well as the right to use her name and likeness.
Larry Mestel, the founder of Primary Wave, said that he is already in discussions with Broadway producers about a potential musical and a Vegas-style spectacle. A new album could be comprised of unused tracks from Houston’s 1985 self-titled debut album, which are currently owned by Sony.
“Whitney was America’s sweetheart,” Mestel said. “And the idea now is to remind people that that is what her legacy is.”
Mestel also confirmed that Primary Wave will be considerate about which branding deals they pursue. The company plans to be careful about how they present the singer, who appeared in commercials for Diet Coke and AT&T during her career.