Fundraiser Planned for Rosie Gaines

An Oakland, Calif., fundraiser is planned for Rosie Gaines, a keyboardist who was Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls” co-vocalist.

Brenda Vaughn, an Oakland-based singer, is organizing the “I Am My Sister’s Keeper” benie for Gaines.Vaughn said that Gaines, who has diabetes and other health problems, is living in a dire situation. “She has been really sick and not able to work. We are trying to raise money to get her a home,” said Vaughn. “Prince has stepped up, which is great.”

That’s much better info than I received from my original tipster.

“From what I understand, he was trying to find out what was going on,” Vaughn said. “We have some musicians from Minneapolis who are concerned and trying to find out how they can help. ”

The Jan. 31 benie is scheduled at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, a downtown Oakland nightclub.

“We have [among scheduled performers] D’Wayne Wiggins from Tony! Toni! Toné!; Maxine Jones formerly from En Vogue, musicians from Graham Central Station; and musicians from Touch of Class, Rosie’s former band,” said Vaughn. Asked if Prince also might perform, she added, “No, no I don’t think so.”

But with Larry Graham and Prince still being tight, last I heard, maybe he’ll surprise Vaughn.

“I don’t think so, but I appreciate anything that he’s doing, done, just like Sheila E, who has been helping me, calling me to find out about Rosie’s health.

“I am in tears,” Vaughn said. “DJs from Europe have called me. They are going to remix Rosie’s ‘Closer Than Close’ CD so that it generates royalties that can be income for Rosie.”