Multi-Grammy winning producer Rodney Jerkins' 'We Are Family' tribute for Hurricane Katrina victims is finally done. Jerkins had been pushing back completion of the fundraising tune so a couple of his favorite divas -- Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige -- could join the song but they didn't make it to the final tune. That's okay, Jerkins certainly isn't wanting for star power in the remake of the classic Sister Sledge hit featuring the original members of Sister Sledge performing together for the first time in 20 years.

Ciara, Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, Mary Mary, Ray J, Chris Brown and Christina Milian are among the stars who ended up on the song. Jerkins is in the studio putting the final mixes on 'We Are Family,' which will hit radio stations in late June. It will also be included on an as-yet-untitled Hurricane Katrina tribute CD from Universal Music Group that will be released on August 29, the one-year anniversary of the tragic natural disaster.

Jerkins has a home in Florida, but says it sustained minor damage. 'But I know people in New Orleans and it's devastating to see people go through that. Life is filled with trials and tribulations and at the end of the day it's about who can endure. We have to help people be strong and feel good.'

He says he chose 'We Are Family' particularly because 'It's a feel good record. It makes you get up and smile and feel good about yourself.' Proceeds from the single and full-length CD will benefit victims of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, through project partners including 'Points Of Light Foundation' (www.polf.org), 'Communities In Schools' (www.cisnet.org) and the 'U.S. Dream Academy.'

Stephanie DuBois