Don’t miss one of our favorite ‘Divabetics’, actress, singer Soara-Joye Ross, who is living with type 1 diabetes, starring as R & B singer, LaVern Baker in the new musical drama, ‘Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story’.

This high energy musical uncovers the true story of Alan Freed — the Father of Rock and Roll. It’s the 1950s and a cocky young DJ discovers the music that all America wants to hear — except no radio station will play it. Pursued by the notorious J. Edgar Hoover for promoting this unwholesome genre, Alan perseveres — unearthing the sound of a new generation through pure guts, grit, and determination. Featuring original songs and classic tunes by legends like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, this world premiere will have you rocking around the clock! BUY TICKETS 

Recently Soara-Joye Ross started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther” after a stint performing in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of ‘Sister Act’. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her diabetes especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she says.

Soara-Joye Ross has performed abroad and all over the country. Named, “A True Musical Theatre Diva!” by BroadwayBox.com, this native New Yorker has performed in NY from Broadway (Les Misérables & The Dance of the Vampires) & Carnegie Hall (Jerry Springer the Opera) to the Winspear Opera House in Dallas (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess) all the way to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, Germany (Smokey Joe’s Cafe)! She has performed at highly acclaimed regional theaters, Off-Broadway, in Film, (Garden State) and just guest starred on HBO’s new comedy, Crashing, directed by Judd Apatow.  (Photo credit: Stephen B. Thornton)

Do you know that Delores ‘LaVern’ Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American rhythm-and-blues singer who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s?  Her most successful records were “Tweedle Dee” (1955), “Jim Dandy” (1956), and “I Cried a Tear” (1958). She was among the first eight recipients of the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and became the second female solo artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, following Aretha Franklin in 1987.

Learn more about why African Americans are at higher risk for two diseases – diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – that together threaten to cause them more preventable amputations than other populations. READ MORE

Enjoy this episode of Diabetes Late Nite featuring our exclusive interview with Soara-Joye Ross and find out how she manages her diabetes like a diva! LISTEN NOW