#93 Grammy Award-winning music producer, songwriter, percussionist and drummer Ivan Hampden

"Not only an accomplished drummer and percussionist, Hampden is also a producer and songwriter who collaborates with such artists as Luther Vandross, Nick Ashford, Chaka Khan, and many others. He is a proficient studio musician as well as a charismatic tour musician with a worldwide travel itinerary. Along with being Luther Vandross' drummer and co-writing partner for the 17 years leading up to the consummate musician’s death, Hampden currently records and tours with other notable artists such as Stephanie Mills, Ashford & Simpson, Roberta Flack, Phil Perry, Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Lopez. Ivan has also performed behind such Artist as Bonnie Raitt, Al Jareau, Dione Warwick, Maceo Parker, El Debarge, Kenny Latimore, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Michael MacDonald, India.Arie and Joe—the list goes on and on. New and accomplished talent alike seems to gravitate toward Hampden. Hampden’s recording resume includes such artists as Diana Ross, Akiko Yano, Ann Nesby, Doc Powell, Jocelyn Brown, Mavis Staples, The Temptations, Nestor Torres, Marcus Miller, Cathy Dennis, Howard Hewett, Luther Vandross, Beyonce Knowles, Ashford & Simpson, Sy Coleman, Tramaine Hawkins and Roberta Flack, just to name a few. In 2001, Hampden relocated to the south, where he continues to write and produce in between touring around the country and world. His latest venture perhaps best shows the dedication Hampden has for sharing music and teaching the new generation the skills that made him famous. He has started a school of percussion in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is also working with new local talent from colleges in the Raleigh-Durham area. In fall 2007, Hampden signed on as an adjunct professor at North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, teaching recording production I and II. Rest assured, those pupils are receiving the best gift in a teacher that the last three decades of music history can provide. I suspect they’re laughing all the while as well."

Ivan is now offering classes virtually if you're not lucky enough to live near his Hamptown Music School, located in Clayton, NC.