Luther Vandross

Drinking Champagne with Diana Ross at the famed Clift Hotel in San Francisco.

I was invited to an exclusive private party at The Clift Hotel in San Francisco for Diana Ross who was embarking on a new venture “Ross Records”. a joint label deal with RCA Records. She was interested in meeting music executives in a few key markets to discuss the launch of her New Record Label and subsequent album “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues”. Here I was with my wife Nancy sitting on a couch drinking champagne and talking business with the most famous lead singer from the most successful female vocal group in Pop Music history, Diana Ross. This World Famous performer was discussing intimate details about her new project with me; and discussing how I could help her launch her record in the San Francisco Bay Area market. She told me that the Bay Area was always very supportive of her, from her early days in The Supremes to her solo career. We talked strategy, sales history, radio support and retail plans. She told me about working with Luther Vandross her producer and backing vocals on the record. By the way, The song “Dirty Looks from the album cracked the Top 10 R&B singles charts and went Gold. .So many players from the Wrecking Crew are all over the record. She discussed a TV special she was planning around the release date with special guests Etta James, Little Richard, her friend Billy Dee Williams, LL Cool J and others. She was a dream come true, sweet, honest, open and intriguing to talk to. I was also stunned when a letter arrived recapping our visit and Thanking Me for my input. Memorable to say the least.