Background
Ivan Hampden grew up in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem.
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Ivan Hampden
Edit ProfileCareer
He was Luther Vandross’ tour and session drummer from 1987 to 2003. 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
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.
Hampden plays Yamaha drums with Vic Firth sticks and records with Samson Technologies gear.
Achievements
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Hampden was recognized for his participation as Arranger/Musician/Programmer on two Grammy Award-winning recordings at the 2004 Grammy Awards: Best Rhythm & Blues Album "Dance With My Father" performed by Luther Vandross, and Best Rhythm & Blues Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals "The Closer I Get to You" performed by Beyoncé and Luther Vandross.
