Musicians United for ALS: A Star-Studded Night of Hope, Love, and Legendary Talent

Hey guys, Debbie Nigro here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re holding on to hope, love, and music to lift your spirits… in spite of it all.

That phrase — “in spite of it all” — felt like the perfect segue into one of the most meaningful and emotional conversations I’ve had in a long time on The Debbie Nigro Show. I had the honor of welcoming the incredible Wayne Warnicke, a legendary music producer who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and his powerhouse of a wife, the talented and soulful Vaneese Thomas.

Together, they are the heartbeat behind Musicians United for ALS, a one-night-only benefit concert packed with iconic talent — all coming together to raise funds for ALS research and patient support.

 

Meet Wayne & Vaneese: They Brought Such Great Energy to the Show. Theirs Is a Love Story in Music and Resilience

Wayne’s story is one of deep passion and remarkable perseverance. From starting as a drummer at age 9 to producing legends like Bob James, Luther Vandross, and David Sanborn, Wayne’s music journey has been nothing short of epic. He fell in love with the studio life as a teenager walking into Minot Sound in White Plains — and never looked back.

And then there's Vaneese. A force of nature. A blues powerhouse. A woman who met Wayne in the studio and never left his side. Now, she’s not only singing the blues, but she’s also living with love and lifting Wayne every step of the way. “She does everything,” Wayne said, with humor in his voice and gratitude in his heart. “I'm a lot of work,” he chuckled.

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