Luther Vandross’s Niece Reveals Inspiration Behind His Love Songs — and Why He Never Spoke of Personal Life

The late R&B icon’s niece Seveda Williams opens up about his life and timeless music, including two re-released albums ahead of documentary ‘Never Too Much’

Luther Vandross’s niece knew the man, the myth and the legend. “He was really a consummate professional, a man about his business and about making sure his audiences were satisfied and delighted,” Seveda Williams tells PEOPLE, opening up about her Grammy-winning late uncle in celebration of Black Music Month.

Williams, who leads Fandross, Luther Vandross’s fan club, is also celebrating the new re-release of the r&b icon’s second album This Close To You on vinyl, cd and digital. This follows the star’s first album Luther which was re-released in April.

“I know that he wanted to be known as a premier singer of his time and he accomplished that no question,” says Williams of the “Dance With My Father” crooner who died from health complications at 54. “They don’t make them like him anymore. He was the last, in my opinion, true king of romance. He had a magnificent voice, but he also wrote the lyrics, these heartfelt lyrics.”