My Very special Guest on this Episode is Multi Grammy Nominee, Grammy Winner, Multi-talented Musician, Songwriter, Music Producer, Father, Grandfather and friend, Ivan Hampden Jr.

In this episode Ivan and I discuss his wonderful musical journey from his earlier days playing with Hip Hop Pioneer Kurtis BLOW, Multi Award winning Musician, Singer, Songwriter, and Music Icon "Roberta Flack", Eartha Kitt, Ashford and Simpson, and the Late Great Luther Vandross.  

Percussionist, Drummer, Musician Ivan can be heard on Mega Dance hits "Somebody Elses Guy, Jocylyn Brown, Bad Habits, and my all-time favorite Robin S "Show Me Love." 

Producer and Songwriter credits includes his musical works on several Luther Vandross Projects including "A Kiss for Christmas, Jingle Bell Jam, They Say You Needed Me, 

Ivan recently released his very first Project featuring some of his long time Luther Vandross Band Family " Lisa Fisher, Paulette Mcwilliams, Valarie Simpson, and Luther Vandross, and others.  

In addition, Ivan along with Max (LV's Personal Assistant) and Paulette collaborated on two wonderful songs, " Mamas Kitchen Table" and "Pink Champaign." 

We discuss so many wonderful and experiences about Music and the wonderful world of A List Living. Ivan is a Music Teacher and Teaches students of all ages Globally thanks to modern technology. He teaches, Drums, Piano, Songwriting, Music Production DAW Pro-Tools. 

Bio
Ivan Hampden, Jr. is an American jazz and R&B drummer, composer, and record producer.

He was Luther Vandross’ tour and session drummer from 1987 to 2003.

Ivan Hampden grew up in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem.

He started drumming at age 8 and established himself as a working musician by age 14, playing local bars and events.

While attending college at Bronx Community College and Rutgers University, he joined the percussion ensemble at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and began working with singer Eartha Kitt.

He went on to write and produce rap albums and toured with Kurtis Blow on Rick James' Cold Blooded album tour in 1983.

In the mid-1980s he was introduced to songwriting/recording team Ashford & Simpson, and later joined Luther Vandross’ band as drummer and songwriter until Vandross’ death in 2003.

Throughout his career, Hampden toured and performed with a number of celebrated artists, including Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Lopez, Bonnie Raitt, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, Vanessa Williams, among many others.

Hampden was recognized for his participation as Arranger/Musician/Programmer on two Grammy Award-winning recordings at the 2004 Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album "Dance with My Father" performed by Luther Vandross, and Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals "The Closer I Get to You" performed by Beyoncé and Luther Vandross.

Today, he lives with his wife in Clayton, NC which is a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina, still playing, writing, and producing.

He also taught recording production at North Carolina Central University, offers private drum lessons at a local music academy, and founded a school of percussion in Clayton, North Carolina.