Author: Mr. Divabetic

Max Szadek, aka Mr. Divabetic, is the executive director of Divabetic, LLC.
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Divabetic Salutes Jean Knight

“Mr. Big Stuff is better to me now than 31 years ago,” said singer Jean Knight about her biggest hit. “All I have to do is sit at home and wait for the mailman.”

The New Orleans singer reached #2 on the Billboard charts in 1971 with”Mr. Big Stuff.” and received a Grammy nomination. But a decade before her success, Jean Knight cut her first demo recording in 1965, a cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.”

One of her biggest musical influences was Etta James. “The first time she heard “All I Could Do Was Cry,” she said in an interview on YouTube, “The first time I heard that song, I wanted to be like her.”

Jean Knight recorded a series of singles with lukewarm success. When her career stalled, she left the music industry and worked at a bakery.

Songwriter Ralph Williams connected Jean Knight to record producer Wardell Quezergue a short time later. Her recording sessions with Wardell Quezergue yielded “Mr Big Stuff,” which turned around her fortunes. Reflecting on the recording session, Jean Knight said she liked “Mr. Big Stuff” lyrics but not the melody. She felt the melody didn’t match the tone and emotion of the song’s subject. At some point, the producers let Jean sing it her way. She recorded her infamous version of the song in one take. Stax Records bought the rights and released the record, which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Mr. Big Stuff” topped the US R&B chart and crossed over into the main pop chart, reaching No. 2. The Bee Gees’ hit “ How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” kept her from the top spot. Her popularity soared, and she performed her hit on TV Shows like Soul Train and received Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nominations at the 1972 Grammy Awards.

After “Mr. Big Stuff,” Jean Knight recorded a few modest hits, including “You Think You’re Hot Stuff” and “Carry On,” but disagreements with her producers at Stax led to her being dropped from the label the following year,

Jean Knight said, “I’m the type of person that I never get too big for the people that I have been knowing,” explaining why she didn’t get caught in the trappings of fame. “My friends from when I was much younger are still my friends today.”

In the 80s, she joined the local oldies circuits, where producer Isaac Bolden spotted her. He signed her to his label, Soulin. The two produced the song “You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man.” It was a novelty answer song to Richard Dimples Fields’s hit, “She’s Got Papers On Me.”

“You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man” has one of the best sassy monologues ever recorded! Jean Knight’s defiant mistress tells off her lover’s wife, “What you need, girl, is a complete overhaul, your house, your body, your face and all!” It could be straight out of a season finale of The Real Housewives franchise and requires you to fasten your seatbelt before listening.

After reading the wife from A to Z, she sweetly expresses her undying love for her man. It reminds me of Shirley Brown’s “Woman To Woman” song that my friend, DJ Downtown Donna, used to spin at the classic dive bar Pendulum on Castro Street in San Francisco.

Jean Knight also remade the novelty hit “My Toot Toot,” which became her first international hit. It reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and # 3 in South Africa.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Famer’s legacy extends beyond her music. She passionately shared her time and talents with many New Orleans community causes. She represented the heart and soul of her hometown, earning respect and admiration far beyond her musical talents.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Paulette McWilliams

“I started singing before I could really talk, “Paulette McWilliams told Pop Matters.  “I would watch all the musicals and wish I was in them.”

Over the last decades, my friend Paulette McWilliams turned her childhood fantasies into reality. She has emerged as the consummate vocalist, equally at home in rock, R&B, jazz, house, Broadway, and hundreds of commercial jingles to her credit.

Paulette McWilliams is an incredible talent with a captivating voice. Her versatility and effortless transitions between genres are remarkable. I’m so impressed by her career journey and the impact she has made in the music industry.

Paulette’s first flirtations with fame were in Chicago, where she was the lead singer in Rufus before enlisting her friend Chaka Khan. After that, she appeared on Quincy Jones’s Mellow Madness (1975) album. A stint singing duets with Marvin Gaye and Johnny Mathis soon followed. But she met Luther Vandross while she was performing as one of Bette Midler’s Harlettes. For many years, Paulette recorded and toured with Luther Vandross, and we met on a Luther tour. 

Paulette’s voice is so distinctive. Her rich, warm tones, especially her low ones, give me chills and worldwide fans. 

Last year, her career went into overdrive with the release of her stunning album, “These Are The Sweet Things.” The album captivated UK listeners’ hearts, and various album cuts appeared on the Sweet Rhythm and UK Soul charts for months.  

Lucky for me, she agreed to share her exceptional talents, co-write, and perform the song “Mama’s Kitchen Table.” Honestly, I could have chosen to spotlight any of the wonderful songs from “These Are Sweet Things,” her lovely rendition of Luther’s “So Amazing” from her impeccable “A Woman’s Story” album, or even my favorite untraditional Christmas song, “Pink Champagne” but selfishly I chose to spotlight the lyrics to “Mama’s Kitchen Table.”

I love the way her voice sounds in this song. Her low tones are spellbinding to me. She’s in the pocket with the groove, and she just sounds funky. Paulette’s a magician in how she seamlessly made my quirky lyrics seem funky.  Plus, my friend Ivan Hampden Jr. produced the heck out of this track. He’s truly a genius!!

My lyrics are inspired by my experience of accepting myself as a gay man. The dream of feeling comfortable bringing a partner home and welcoming him at our kitchen table was precious to me. The kitchen table symbolizes so many things to me. It reflects trust and honesty in a relationship. As gay men, many of us struggle with acceptance and often choose to keep that part of our lives a secret. Monsters grow in the dark.

A friend’s advice and objectivity are nonexistent in unhealthy, abusive relationships that are secretive. Denying yourself the support, encouragement, and resources of a friend’s shoulder and ear can have devastating consequences. I’ve known too many gay men who stayed in relationships because they felt they had no one to turn to. Thankfully, in my lifetime, my parents always welcomed me and my partners to their home.


I adore this woman! Please check out her music on your favorite streaming apps and her sensational rendition of “A Thousand Years” on YouTube.

You’ll be in for a treat! I hope you listen to more of her music and explore her unique artistry.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2o24 at Thread Lounge in New York City.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Marlena Shaw

“When I sing, I want people to feel something,” Marlena Shaw said. “I don’t care if it’s jazz or pop.”


Celebrated soul and jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw, known for her hits ‘California Soul’ and ‘Woman of the Ghetto’ but it was her unforgettable recording of “Go Away Little Boy,” that caught my ear and captured my heart.  I was hooked on Marlena Shaw after one listen.

Her incredible spoken section: “I figure if I’ve got to get up and go to work every day, then every able-bodied in the household is supposed to get up and go … If for some reason you feel that you can no longer be the man you were at the beginning of our relationship, then I’ve got this one thing to lay on you, my sweet. Go away, little boy …” 

“Go Away Little Boy” became one of her most popular songs in live performance, the prefatory rap acquiring extra twists, turns, and layers of sardonic saltiness.

Sadly, I never could see her perform it live, but the live recording is so good that it doesn’t matter. 


She embodied the type of entertainer I adore. With her commanding presence, humor, and incredible vocals, I assume she, like Luther Vandross, knew who to put on a show. 

Marlena Shaw began her music career in the 1960s by singing in jazz clubs and continued to perform live into the 2000s. According to Variety, she released 17 albums with eight different record labels.

According to the 5th Dimension Forever website, the vivacious singer’s lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was a great racial divide in the country and its politics. 
 

According to CBS News, the musician who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco, and R&B genres “spanned generations and was often featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials, and other songs.


Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.


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Divabetic Salutes Brandy

“I needed to explore my talent and versatility and see if I had another side to me, another song, ” says Brandy Norwood.

Singer, songwriter, and actress Brandy Norwood is from McComb, Mississippi. Brandy received her first recording contract with Atlantic Records while she was still in 9th grade of high school. Soon, she also received a role on an ABC television sitcom, Thea. The song “I Wanna Be Down” from her debut album, “Brandy,” reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, staying there for four weeks in 1994.

Brandy returned to acting in the UPN sitcom “Moesha”. The popular show ran for 6 seasons, and Brandy received an NAACP Image Award.

Brandy released her second album, “Never Say Never,” featuring the duet “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica.  The song reached the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and won the Grammy for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”.

Brandy’s “Never Say Never” became the bestselling R&B album of 1998 in the United States and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.

.“In my life right now, in my music, and just overall I feel like I’m winning. It doesn’t matter what this person is saying or what the charts are saying or what award shows are saying, the public opinion doesn’t matter. I feel like I’m winning in my spirit.”

The song, “Have You Ever?” was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. According to Wikipedia, the recording of the song marked the first time Brandy “had been in the studio with a producer like David Foster”,  she said in a 2005 interview. “My voice wasn’t as developed as it is now and the song required what producers call ‘money notes’ — the kind that get you a No. 1 on the charts! I was nervous but it all worked just fine.”


Her success allowed her to work with Whitney Houston on the TV movie Cinderella. Brandy said, “Whitney Houston is my idol and my mentor and my dream forever, like she will always be my favorite artist, ever, on the planet.”


Over the years, Brandy has also dealt with heartache and tragedy. Sadly, she was involved in a heavily publicized car accident in 2006.

“I went through a struggle, and I really needed to get myself together and connect with my purpose, which is music.”

In April 2015, Norwood made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.” 

Most recently, Brandy announced her major label return after signing with Motown Records, under which she will release new music. 

“It just feels like I’m on the right path musically and I’m in the right mindset to continue out my mission in music because I’m not putting myself in a box.”

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic takes on the hot topic of  ‘Drinking Divas & Diabetes’ with inspiration from Kathie Lee and Hoda. 

According to experts, drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure. Repeated binge drinking can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb always seem to have a drink in hand for the fourth hour of The Today Show.  If you’re around a TV at 10 AM with nothing to do, you should be watching the fourth hour of Today, filled with Hoda and Kathie Lee’s theater reviews, occasional dancing, wine reviews, and women’s issues. It’s eclipsed The View as my new favorite hour of mid-morning television.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YZ122kzm70E%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den-US%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

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Divabetic Salutes Oleta Adams

“I loved being a part of bringing joy and solace to people when I sang,” said  Oleta Adams,  platinum-selling recording artist and four-time Grammy nominee. “It made me feel that I had something significant to contribute to the world, and that became the main reason for making it my career.”

In 1985, while performing at the Peppercorn Duck Club in the Hyatt Hotel in Kansas City, Oleta Adams’s powerful vocals caught the attention of Ian Stanley, the keyboardist for Tears for Fears. The band asked her to record and tour with them – launching her global career.


“Roy Orzibal, Tears For Fears cofounder, had written a song entitled, “Woman In Chains” and he asked me to bring that same emotion to his song,” she said. 

Oleta Adams’s work on their record led to her signing to the band’s same recording company, Polygram-Fontana. “It gave me integrity and a real boost to my own career,” she added.

This jumpstart to her career led to her performing with legends like Phil Collins, Michael Bolton, and Luther Vandross.

I remember when she opened for Luther Vandross. She was down-to-earth, very approachable and kind. Sitting behind a grand piano, she memorized audiences with warm, rich vocals. Her debut album, “Circle of Love,” was like nothing else at the time, and it took the musical world by storm.  Oleta Adams’ deep, clear voice in her breathy rendition of Brenda Russell’s “Get Here” is a torchy masterpiece. It became one of the 90’s great love ballads.  The song became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War.

Celebrating 45 years in the music industry and having released nine albums, including secular, gospel, and Christmas, Oleta’s musical odyssey continues to garner her legions of fans worldwide.

Variety wrote, ” Oleta Adams is a singer of immense talent. She infuses the songs with a drama and sensitivity that leaves you limp, and hungering for more.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Natalie Cole

“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life,” Natalie Cole said.


When she was a girl, Natalie Cole started singing with her father, crooner Nat King Cole. She made her first recording at age 6; by 11, she was performing on TV alongside her dad.

She won two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Performance, for her debut album, “Inseparable” in 1975. 

Her third — and first platinum — album, “Unpredictable,” spawned another No. 1 R&B hit: “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”

Her fourth album, “Thankful,” features one of my favorite songs, the smooth and sultry ballad “Our Love.” It was written by Cole’s regular team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, both former members of the R&B group the Independents.

In 1979, Natalie Cole received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, signifying and solidifying her prowess as a performer.

But her ongoing recreational use of substances turned into a heavy, crippling drug addiction. 

In her autobiography, “Angel on my Shoulder,” she wrote, “I never got to make the transition from little girl to young woman … and that really screws you up.”

Her addiction became so prominent in her life that, on more than one occasion, it nearly killed her. She overcame her addiction after checking into rehab. 

Our friend, Jennifer Jacobs, who worked with Natalie Cole on several of her music tours, shares her memories of working with this extraordinary woman on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele.

After becoming sober, Natalie Cole returned in the 1990s with “Unforgettable… with Love”, featuring renditions of songs previously sung by her father. 

When Natalie Cole began her career, she admitted she was determined not to capitalize on her father’s name and wanted to forge her separate identity. In an interview, she said, “My father led by example. He wasn’t much of a talker—he walked life.” For many years, she also found the prospect of recording her late father’s songs too painful on a personal level. But overcoming her fears certainly paid off. 

The album’s breakout single, “Unforgettable,” features a track dubbed over a previous Nat King Cole recording to create a father-daughter duet. The album sold over 11 million copies and garnered several honors, including seven Grammys, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

One of my other favorite moments from Natalie Cole’s career is when you replaced Whitney Houston at the Oscars and performed “Run To You” and “I Have Nothing” from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 

In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a disease of the liver. She received a kidney transplant after her kidneys began to fail. 

I just wanted to say a big thank you for checking out my Women & Music series for Women’s History Month. I had a blast creating artwork for each of my favorite performers and learning more about their amazing lives. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did creating it!

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Lisa Fischer

“Some people will do anything to be famous. And then there are other people who just – will sing,” Lisa Fischer said in the Academy Award-winning documentary, “20 Feet from Stardom.” “It’s not about anything except being in this special space with people and that is really the higher – calling, to me.”

My friend, the legendary backup singer Lisa Fischer, has supported the world’s biggest stars, including Luther Vandross, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Tina Turner, and Sting.

Lisa captured my heart on my first Luther tour, “Never Let Me Go,” in 1993. She was so friendly, funny, and approachable. During that tour, she enthralled audiences with the performance of her signature song, “How Can I Ease The Pain.”  

Over the years, I have seen her mold, caress, undress, and shape this song on many stages. The melody and lyrics are so beautiful that Lisa finds something new to bring to the song for each listen.  

After the “Never Let Me Go” tour,  she left to tour with the Rolling Stones, but our paths continued to cross in the most unexpected places. 

I met Lisa Fischer while working in the American Conservatory Theater’s costume rentals department in San Francisco, CA. She came into our shop looking for a Halloween costume.

The next time we saw each other was in Europe. I took a brief hiatus from working with Luther Vandross to tour with Lionel Richie, who was opening for Tina Turner. Navigating the backstage area on the rolling hills of some outdoor venue, I spotted Lisa taking a break after a sound check. 

After Luther Vandross’s stroke related to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes, Lisa would visit his rehabilitation center to sing with Luther as part of his occupational therapy. At my urging, she also agreed with Nat Adderley Jr. to perform a Christmas concert for the residents of Whispering Knoll. She dressed to the nines, and Nat accompanied her on a piano, singing traditional Christmas tunes in the main lobby. I remember several residents telling me that it was the best talent that had ever performed there! 

Of course, I, like everyone else, was thrilled that the enormous popularity of “20 Feet From Stardom” sparked Lisa’s solo tour. Her live performances are electric. Last year, she performed the most incredible sonic rendition of ‘Never Too Much” during her show. She’s so captivating on stage that she easily erases my corny 6th-grade chorus memories of a song like “This Land Is Your Land” and turns it into a haunting, spiritual experience. 

She generously shared her talents with me recently on a holiday song collaboration. Our Zoom and phone sessions are a masterclass in songwriting. As a lyricist, I am grateful to her for opening my eyes to how a true artist interprets lyrics. It’s been an incredible experience. 

“This would be scary if I felt like the real focus were on me per se, but in my head, in order to deal with it, it’s the music that’s really being presented; it is about the music flying. Not so much me,” she says.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

Register Now – It’s Free!

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Divabetic Salutes Meli’sa Morga

“I learned a lot about discipline when I was a backup singer,” Meli’sa Morgan recalled in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “You really need discipline and control. You have to know what your voice can do and know how to use it just right.”

Singer-songwriter Meli’sa Morgan is perhaps best known for her #1 hit in the eighties: “Do Me, Baby,” an original recording by Prince. She has sung backup and collaborated with Chaka Khan, Kashif, and Whitney Houston.

“I idolized Chaka Khan; she was the ultimate, so cute, feathery, big hair, leather-wearing singer of all times. I wore my style after how she presented herself, and what she had that was becoming legendary,” she told Chocolate Voice. “Every Black female singer in America sang “Sweet Thing” at a talent show somewhere.”

She studied music theory at the Julliard School of Music.“I do lyrics and melodies,” she told the Los Angeles Times.

Her vocal ability landed her a record deal at Capitol Records in the 1980s. She took the music industry by storm, releasing hit after hit, including “Do You Still Love Me,” “Fools Paradise,” and “Love Changes,” a duet with Award-winning singer-songwriter Kashif.

Music critics mention her knack for saturating a song with passion and sensuality. Whether she sings up-tempo funk or a silky smooth slow jam, she pours her soul into a song.

Years ago, I saw her electrifying performance when she opened for Freddie Jackson in Rochester, New York. Her trademark hair was on full display. She admits she loved Chaka’s Big Hair and gave it her twist.

But let’s go way back to her amazing vocals on the dance hit “Keep In Touch (Body To Body) by Shades of Love. This New York City group of stelllar vocalists included  Meli’sa Morgan, Lisa Fischer, Claudette Polite and Jean Steals.

About a decade later, Junior Vasquez and Johnny Vicious dominated the dancefloors in Gay clubs with her monster remix of this song. I still get up to dance every time I hear it.

Two years ago, the scarlet-red-haired singer released the single “Footprints Of An Angel” on her independent record label, Asilem Productions. The song is a movie theme with the same title. Meli’sa Morgan co-stars as a mother who loses her daughter to cancer. “Footprints of An Angel” was a solid hit on the UK Soul Charts and the Independent Urban Influencer R & B/Soul Charts. 

I had the chance to interview Meli’sa Morgan for Divabetic’s Studio d podcast. If given the chance, she admitted that she would love to cover Luther’s “Bad Boy/Having a Party” song. Meli’sa Morgan maintains her health by following a strict diet and making time for herself.

When asked about the challenges of navigating a five-decade career in the music industry, Meli’sa Morgan said, “The easiest part of the business is, once you’re there, performing for your fans is the fun part. You embrace them, and they embrace you. But getting to the stage is the hardest—the political games, getting the gigs, promotion, the money, and all of that.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Mica Paris

“I wanted to put British soul music on the map,” says Mica Paris, who first tantalized US audiences with her “My One Temptation” in the late 80s.

She discovered her love of music when she was five or six and began singing in church. “I became this prodigy and [my grandmother] took me around all the churches around the UK. Kids are good. They know what people like. Every time I held a really long note, they’d go crazy,” she told the Irish Times.

By her teens, Mica Paris performed with the gospel choir “The Spirit of Watts.” She then began working as a session singer and landed a job as a background singer for the Brit-pop group Hollywood Beyond.
At 17, Mica Paris signed on with 4th & B’way and worked on a debut album titled “So Good.” Her debut single, “My One Temptation,” was released in ’88 and became her biggest hit, reaching #7 on the UK chart. And the album platinum.


Kris Kirk from Melody Maker described “My One Temptation” as “haunting.”

But after her initial success, she seemed to disappear from American audiences.  
“I had everything—the money and the fame—and I was like, ‘ Is this it?'” Mica Paris told the Standard in an interview. 


She admits she was disillusioned by the substance abuse surrounding her, so she married and walked away from her fledging career. Years later, she had to file for bankruptcy.  

“Last year, someone sent me an article in Smash Hits from when I was 18,” she said in the Standard interview. “It was titled The Making of a Pop Star. And I’m still trying to be successful. This is the joke. That was ’88. I’m still exploring.”


Her four-decade career includes Eighties pop superstardom, hosting a radio show, and acting on TV ( in EastEnders) and the West End Stage.  “All I care about is that whatever you have of mine – a book or album or a TV or radio thing – that you’re inspired. That’s my job.” she said. 

Mica Paris became an anti-gun crime advocate, lending her voice to the initiative Operation Trident after her brother, Jason Phillips, was shot dead on the street. “I’m 5ft 10in, I’m a black woman, I’m loud. But because I believe that what I’m doing is going to touch you and inspire you, that’s gonna open doors for me. And so you don’t get focused on all that negative stuff. Let that go.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Randy Crawford


“I always want to associate myself with any piece of music that feels good and sounds good. And a good song can come from anywhere,” says Randy Crawford.

Randy Crawford is an exceptional artist with a remarkable ability to connect with her audience through her soulful and emotional performances. Her pure, warm tone and emotional vibrato can transform any music she selects, creating mesmerizing light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements.

Born in Macon, GA, she started singing in Ohio nightclubs at 15. “Everyone was encouraging me to sing,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. Her collaboration on “Street Life” offered her a chance to join the Crusaders for a tour that gained her international recognition, and she remained more popular overseas than in America. “Street Life was a musical challenge to learn,” Randy Crawford told the BBC. “But it’s still a fun song because people related to it. It gets everybody up and happy.”

Her consequent albums were geared toward a more smooth jazz audience and played well overseas. She wrote the love about two political refugees from Eritrea, entitled “Almaz.” Randy Crawford witnessed an older man’s love and commitment to a younger woman. In the season of love, no song touches the heartstrings quite like Randy Crawford’s ‘Almaz’ wrote Justice B. Hill for Cleveland.com. “The song speaks of love surviving,” she said when discussing the song. 

Since then, Randy Crawford has released over 15 albums and had several international multi-platinum hits. And if she still goes relatively unrecognized in her native land, she has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers.

“I hope I will always sing. I don’t want to do anything else.”

Randy Crawford’s music can transform any music she selects, creating light and breezy jazz and funk arrangements that are mesmerizing. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the ‘Most Outstanding Performer’ at the 1980 Tokyo Music Festival. With over 15 albums and several international multi-platinum hits, Randy Crawford has become one of the world’s most successful popular singers. She is truly a remarkable artist, and her music will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of listeners for years to come.

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