Category: D-Stories

Mama’s Kitchen Table written by Luther Vandross band alumni Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, and Luther’s longtime assistant, Max Szadek was added to the UK Soul internet-based radio station, Chocolate Radio‘s playlist.

Chocolate Radio London was first formed in 1992 by Roger Brooks who was inspired to do so after London’s Pioneers of Soul Music Radio, Invicta (1979 to 1984), JFM (1981 until 1985) and the legendary Horizon Radio (1981 – 1985) on 102.5fm and 94.5fm ceased broadcasting in a quest to obtain licenses. During the early 80’s these radio stations took soul music broadcasting on FM in the UK to a whole new level that saw Horizon Radio on par with London’s top music station for listeners. Read more about Chocolate Radio London & Soul Music in London in those early days.

Today, the Worldwide Soul Radio Station Chocolate Radio broadcasts 24hrs a day, delivering the best in Soul, R&B, Jazz-Funk, Soulful House, Hip Hop, House, Northern Soul & Reggae music, coast to coast around the world. The music played on the station covers over 6 decades, from the pioneering sound of Detroit.

After successfully establishing Hampton Music Institute in Clayton, North Carolina, Grammy Winner Ivan Hampden Jr. returns to his first love of making music with the release of Hamptown’s Mama’s Kitchen Table featuring Paulette McWilliams, available on streaming apps.

“I love teaching,” says Ivan Hampden Jr. “But making music is in my blood. I spent half of my life touring, recording, composing, and producing music.”

Ivan has previously collaborated with many prominent artists such as Luther Vandross, Nick Ashford, Chaka Khan, Eartha Kitt, and others. He has been recognized on four Grammy Awards for his work as a musician, arranger, and programmer on Luther Vandross’ multiple platinum recordings.

Mama’s Kitchen Table was a chance to rekindle making soulful music that Luther fans love for Ivan, Paulette, and Max.

“Max came up with the hook, and Paulette and I just took it from there,” says Ivan. “It feels great to still be making music after Luther’s passing.” Still, he adds, “Luther and Nat (Nat Adderley Jr.) taught me so much about the aspects of recording when we were working in the studio for Luther’s albums.”

He’s also applying his knowledge to help younger up-and-coming musicians.
Hampton Music Institute’s mission is to help the next generation of music creators succeed on their journeys.

“My students have taught me a lot, too,” says Ivan. “I’m applying what they’re listening to on their playlists to my music.”

Mama’s Kitchen Table is available on streaming apps, including Spotify and Apple Music. Additionally, Max Szadek’s national diabetes nonprofit, Divabetic.Org,  features Mama’s Kitchen Table in the organization’s Mother’s Day outreach programming.