We’re talking about spouses living with diabetes with musical inspiration from Country Music superstars Tim McGraw & Faith Hill on the episode of Divabetic’s podcast.
Managing diabetes can be stressful and may place a strain on relationships. However, any chronic condition can increase the need for emotional support and the potential for frustration and tension, leading to conflict.
The key is to talk openly and clearly about working together so you’re as healthy as possible. Don’t assume your loved one will feel burdened by diabetes-related tasks or expect them to be ready to take on the caretaker role. Ask them how they’d like to help, and be open to their answer. Your healthcare collaborators may be able to connect people with programs that help cover the costs of diabetes care medications and supplies.
“We just made a commitment early on, when we first decided we were getting married and having kids, that we wouldn’t just walk out the door when problems arose,” said Tim McGraw. Tim and Faith Hill met for the first time in 1994 at a gig in Nashville. Two years later, they were married.
Podcast guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Jaye O’Grey, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND, Diabetes Podcast Week founder Stacey Simms, and Mama Rose Marie.
The common physical and emotional sexual complications of diabetes and treatment options for men and women
An overview of diabetes nutrition, physical activity, weight loss, and diabetes medications
Information on how aging impacts diabetes management and intimacy
Guidance on how to talk to your health care provider about intimacy-related issues
Ideas and techniques for building sexual intimacy and communicating effectively with your partner
Tips to help you avoid dangerous or money-wasting fraudulent sexual treatments
Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice use humor, helpful examples, and insightful questions to present key topics about sexual health in an engaging, approachable way. This series is perfect for anyone (regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or health status) looking to rekindle intimacy with their partner or be proactive about their sexual and emotional well-being.
Diabetes podcasts are fast-paced, full-filled hours of diabetes education, wellness advice, poetry, games, and music that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
In “The Golden Bachelor,” 72-year-old Gerry Turner isn’t afraid to be seen wearing hearing aids in both ears. He said he is “happy to display them” and not hide his hearing loss for appearance’s sake.
The World Health Organization reports nearly 50 million people in the US suffer from hearing loss-related issues, and more than 4 million people rely on hearing aids.
Many people suffering from hearing loss claim to feel a sense of exclusion, loneliness, embarrassment, and even depression. Recent studies have revealed that out of 10 people, 7 of them reported an improvement in their relationships thanks to using hearing aids.
Research conducted by Johns Hopkins shows a clear connection between mental health and hearing loss. Also, the minor stages of untreated hearing issues are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline.
Did you know that diabetes can also cause nerve damage in your ears?
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Low blood sugar over time can damage how the nerve signals travel from the inner ear to your brain. Both types of nerve damage can lead to hearing loss.
What should I do if I suspect a hearing loss?
Talk to your primary care doctor. You may then want to seek help from a hearing specialist like an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser, or a doctor specializing in hearing problems. You’ll learn more about your hearing loss from a complete hearing exam. You will also be told what can be done to treat it.
Diabetes and menopause can team up to have various effects on your body. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it is what we will be discussing in Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & Sugar-Free Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.
Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr. Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetesco-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s been taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.
After our panel, Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.
One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.
The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.
Diabetes and menopause can team up to have various effects on your body. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it is what we will be discussing in Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & SugarFree Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.
Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr. Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetesco-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s been taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.
After our panel, Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.
One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.
The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.
We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.
This excerpt is from our January 2023 podcast with international yoga teacher and author Rachel Zinman, who lives with Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults LADA diabetes. (LADA) is a type of diabetes that starts in adulthood and slowly gets worse over time. Like type 1 diabetes, LADA happens when the pancreas stops making insulin. That’s usually because an autoimmune process is damaging cells in the pancreas.
In her book, Yoga for Diabetes, Rachel Zinman shares her journey and the hard-won wisdom gained from her own experience of yoga and diabetes. Read how her yoga and meditation practices helped her to overcome years of frustration and confusion about managing her diabetes. Listen to Divabetic’s full interview with Rachel Zinman and her guided meditation, “Compassion Meditation,” focusing on self-love and compassion to help inspire you with a new attitude.
We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.
This excerpt is from our August 2020 podcast with Royal Ms. Plus U.S United, Andrea Sledge, who shares what it’s like to experience Diabetic Retinopathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease caused by high blood sugar levels. It damages blood vessels in the retina and causes vision loss. So, getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year is essential.
Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms at first — but finding it early can help you take steps to protect your vision. Among adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes, 9.2% had vision loss due to cataracts, 4.1% had vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy, 2.2% had vision loss due to macular degeneration, and 2.1% had vision loss due to glaucoma.
Podcast guests include Sherrol Reynolds, M.D. (Associate Professor and Chief of Advanced Ophthalmic Care at the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, President of the National Optometric Association (NOA)), Rishi Singh, M.D. (Retina Specialist and Staff Surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic), Andrea Sledge, Natalie Karabel, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES. Hosted by Max’ Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek.
This podcast features music from TLC’s CrazySexyCool album courtesy of SONY Music. Listen to Andrea Sledge’s full interview on Divabetic’s August 2020 podcast.
Join us for Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & SugarFree Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.
Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetesco-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s been taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.
After our panel, Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.
One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.
The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman.
People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health issues.
Phyllis Hyman was a sensational singer-songwriter and actress. Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman sang with a life-affirming energy and emotional intensity found in a few others.
Unfortunately, Phyllis Hyman died by suicide, leaving a suicide note behind in 1995. Part of the note read, “I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.” It has been reported that she suffered from bipolar disorder and depression and had a history of substance abuse, which involved alcohol and cocaine.
Phyllis teamed up with producer Norman Connors for her stunning cover hit of “Betcha By Golly Wow.”
Phyllis signed with Buddah Records in 1977 and moved to Arista Records in 1979, working with Barry Manilow on Somewhere In My Lifetime.
Podcast guests include Alyson Williams, Queen Diva, Patricia Farrell PhD, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, Stacie Shonkwiler, and Patricia Addie-Gentle CDCES.
Join us for Divabetic’s Menopause & Diabetes Panel Discussion & SugarFree Baking Demonstration on Zoom in honor of World Menopause Day on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 7 – 8:30 PM.
Catherine Schuller moderates a panel featuring Dr Julianne Arena, MD, FACOG, ABAARM, Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide to Love And Intimacy With Diabetesco-author, COO for Diabetes Sisters Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, and photographer, Amparo. Amparo discovered, quite unexpectedly, in the ER, that she has diabetes after doctors told her her glucose level was over 800! Over the past six months, she’s taking charge of managing her diabetes while facing hormonal changes during menopause – it’s a true Divabetic Victory story.
After our panel, Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, demonstrates how to make her popular Sugar-Free Rum Cake Recipe.
One lucky winner will win a Divabetic Prize at the end of the program.
The purpose of World Menopause Day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options = for improving health and wellness.
We’re talking about sleep and nighttime diabetes self-care management with musical inspiration from Gladys Knight & The Pips on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you get less than 7 hours of sleep per night regularly, your diabetes will be harder to manage. Too little sleep can increase insulin resistance.
People with insulin resistance have built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective. As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it.
If you have insulin resistance, you want to become the opposite—more insulin sensitive (cells are more effective at absorbing blood sugar, so less insulin is needed).
Mr. Divabetic discusses insulin resistance and sensitivity with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, in this video.
A lack of sleep makes you hungrier the next day and reduces how full you feel after eating.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Children and teens need more.
Gladys Knight, known as The Empress of Soul, doesn’t have diabetes, but the disease is close to her heart. Her mother, Elizabeth Knight, died of complications from the disease in 1997. A five-time Grammy award winner, Gladys Knight is as busy as ever gracing the entertainment world with her exceptional voice. Yet she never misses an opportunity to voice the message of early detection and treatment of diabetes.
Gladys shares her final words of wisdom: ” Do something about diabetes … Know more, do more!” Knight feels nearly as passionate about spreading that message as she does about the incredible singing career her mom helped her launch some 54 years ago.
Podcast guests include Stacey Harris aka The Diabetic Pastry Chef, Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RD, LDN, MBA, CDE, CEC, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach, SleepyHead Central founder Tamara Sellman RPSGT, CCSH, Poet Lorraine Brooks and Mama Rose Marie.
Divabetic’s faith-based diabetes community outreach program, “Hat Boxing Competitions,” was presented in multiple tri-state area churches.
This program celebrates the glamour and style of church hats in a hat box decorating contest. Refereed by healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, this is one competition where everyone wins.
Our program consisted of a Hat Fashion Show celebrating Divas Of Distinction, a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist’s Presentation, a Speed Boxing competition, a Chair Workout, live entertainment, Hat Boxing Presentations and Speeches, and a Grand Prize presentation.
Several weeks before the program, contestants picked up hat-boxing packets containing plain hat boxes, diabetes information, stroke survivor testimonials, and healthy lifestyle messages at the church sanctuary. We also included tips from our favorite diabetes educators, nutritionists, and workout instructors.
Enjoy this nutrition tip from our interview with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast.
Over 30 contenders from Bethel Deliverance International Church (Wyncote, PA) showed off their creativity at one program.
Hat Boxing contestants brought their decorated hat boxes to the competition. Entries were decorated with messages of diabetes information, encouragement, and empowerment and presented to the judges.
New York Fashion hat designer Evetta Petty, the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven owner, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.
Carrie Underwood inspires us to discuss Faith and Diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast.
Podcast guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CDCES, Mama Rose Marie, Poet Lorraine Brooks, and special guest Carrie from New York.
Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)
Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.
Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.
I asked Poet Lorraine Brooks to write a poem about living with diabetes with no regrets for our podcast featuring music by Edith Piaf.
Born in Paris in 1915, Edith Piaf became a national treasure. She was the voice of France. She began her singing career on the streets, and her only musical apprenticeship came from listening to singers on the capital’s popular radio stations. Her iconic hit, “Non, je ne regrette rien” spent seven weeks atop the French Singles & Airplay Reviews chart. I was inspired to email Lorraine with a laundry list of ideas. My list included having noregrets when checking blood sugars in public, noregrets for standing in front of the exercise class to be closer to the instructor, noregrets for asking for substitutions at the restaurants, noregrets for having dietary restrictions or bringing your meal to a party, and noregrets about firing your doctor.
No Regrets by Lorraine Brooks
Je ne regrette rien.
The where and the why and the when.
If I have a need that is pressing
I never find that it’s distressing.
Like pricking my finger for testing
Or foods that I may be ingesting.
I do notregret when they stare…
Or that I receive Medicare.
I take stock of all of my needs
And all that I need to proceed.
Why regret what makes me feel better?
Maybe it’s ME that’s the trend-setter!
I spend no time feeling regret.
Or that some might think me “heavy set.”
Life is too short for that worry.
So I’ll order that Indian curry.
As long as I’m smart and stay mindful
There’s no reason not to be prideful.
Pack up your cares and remorse.
And stay on your self-caring course.
Kick that regret to the curb.
And start living the life you deserve.
Listen to Lorraine Brooks perform her poem, No Regrets, on Divabetic’s podcast.
Edith Piaf inspires us to discuss living with ‘NO REGRETS’ on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.
We all have regrets. It is part of human nature. However, hanging onto regrets takes up space and keeps us from enjoying the present moment. The stress factor wreaks havoc on the cells of the body. It affects our blood pressure, energy levels, hormones, and immune response. It also affects the mind. Our thinking process becomes clouded, mistakes are made, and poor choices lead to increased stress. All of these things can affect our diabetes wellness.
If we look carefully enough, we will see that they hold a lesson for the things we regret doing, and if we learn from our regrets, then the regret has served us well.
Edith Piaf’s unique ability to sing from the heart enchanted audiences beyond Paris. Her songs touch one’s heart and spirit, even if one cannot understand the words themselves.
Edith Piaf is helping us sing your praises! We applaud your determination, persistence, and efforts to stay healthy and upbeat about your daily self-care. Together, we are changing the way people learn to live with diabetes.
Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, Dr. Lori Shemek PhD, Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Cindy Lou from the ‘Diabetes What To Know’ community, and Mama Rose Marie.
This podcast features music from the ‘EDITH PIAF TOP 40’ album courtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic podcasts are fast-paced, full-filled hours of diabetes education and wellness advice encouraging listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”
Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)
Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.
Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.
Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.
Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.
Earlier this week, I saw the new documentary, Invisible Beauty, spotlighting Fashion revolutionary Bethann Hardison.
Co-directed by Frédéric Tcheng (DIOR AND I, HALSTON), the film explores the life and career of the legendary model, entrepreneur, and activist.
It’s equal parts memoir, with Bethann musing about her life choices in her various beautiful homes and historical testimony of the prolific racism in the fashion industry.
Bethann Hardison is uniquely qualified to take on racism in the fashion industry as a 70’s top black model. She admits she was the first “black, black” model who shared the catwalk with many women of color. When she stopped modeling to start her modeling agency, she prioritized hiring a diverse talent pool. She succeeded in creating supermodels that didn’t fit the prominent blonde and white cookie-cutter image. Two of her biggest finds were Veronica Webb and Tyson Beckford. Sadly, after she closed her agency, the whitewashing of the runways and advertising campaigns began.
The documentary argues that the trend of heroin-chic, white female models proliferating the runways and advertising campaigns was due to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The tidal wave of Russian beauties erased everything Bethann strived for – more inclusion.
The actual footage from runways during this time is alarming. There is no way anyone can deny the suppression of models of color after watching a parade of lookalike young, x-ray-thin white women on every runway.
How did Bethann address Racism?
She organized. Her brilliance is displayed as she gathers thought leaders and stakeholders in the fashion industry to start a dialogue. She smartly deflects anger, frustration, and short tempers to keep people focused on the goal. She provokes conversations in every sector of the industry. She expertly switches from being a nurturing, motherly presence in the lives of young models to a powerful activist on talk shows and media outlets.
The documentary makes a point to show that racism is cyclical. Every time Bethann succeeds, a few short years later, her work is virtually erased—two steps forward and three steps back. But somehow, she knows this and can calm the others as she seeks to unify and move forward again. It’s fascinating to watch her turn her thoughts and words into action. She is so clear in her message that her various supporters, including Naomi Campbell and Iman, never waiver in describing her purpose.
The documentary is too long. The last thirty minutes are painful. I kept wanting it to end repeatedly, but Bethann rattled on and on about death. Afterward, I told my friend I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see her cough; I stopped listening. The good news is she’s still alive and kicking.
The bad news is when it comes to motherhood, she’s right up there with Joan Crawford on the Wall of Fame. She’s elusive when discussing her strained relationship with her son. But clearly, her son bears the scars from his upbringing.
Whether or not she finishes her memoir is never addressed either. Repeatedly, she is seen on screen staring at a blank page, talking to her therapist and psychic about her writer’s block, and meeting with her editor. But we never find out what happens is a misstep.
New York Fashion Icon Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.
We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common on this Divabetic podcast.
How realistic are portrayals of living with diabetes on screen?
How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care? And how do we feel after viewing them? With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.
Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.
This podcast features music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Celloscourtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
Last night, I saw Karyn White at City Winery in New York.
For those too young to remember, there was a moment in the late 80s when Karyn White was right up there with the best of Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, and Miki Howard. She became the first female artist to have her first three solo releases hit #1.
Her iconic R&B singles: “Superwoman,” “Secret Rendezvous,” “The Way You Love Me,” and the Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Romantic” are part of the soundtrack of my life.
I was looking forward to the concert, but I was a bit hesitant. Karyn White disappeared from the music industry as quickly as she arrived.
Her career took off like a rocket after signing to Warner Bros. Records, where she was paired with Babyface and LA Reid on her debut album. Karyn White hit the jackpot.
Her platinum-selling debut made her a star right out of the gate, quickly becoming recognized as one of the best releases of the New Jack Swing era.
She worked with Jimmy Jam and future husband Terry Lewis on her sophomore album, Ritual of Love.
Sadly, lOL reports her absence from the industry was partly due to a terrible divorce from the love of her life and icon, Terry Lewis, and her mother’s death. On the upside, she started an acting career.
Back to seeing the show. I arrived at City Winery feeling a bit apprehensive. Recent lackluster Miki Howard and Regina Belle performances will do that to you.
However, I’m happy to say that from the moment Karyn White stepped on stage, she had me. She was so exuberant and enthusiastic about being in New York and performing. I couldn’t help but feel her joy even though I was sitting in the back row. Her voice was strong, vibrant, and full of emotion, And at 60, “The Queen of New Jack Swing” held her own with two much younger backup vocalists. New Jack music isn’t kind to the knees of people over 50, but she turned it out.
I yelled, “YASS, QUEEN!”
I’d love to restructure her setlist, add a few cover songs, let go of her dancers and dress her in a fabulous gown.
If Karyn. White’s in town, I recommend going to see her!
We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Lookalbum courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks,Susan WeinerMS, RDN, CDCES,FADCES, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.
Our musical inspiration, Kenneth Edmonds, known professionally as Babyface, has written over 250 top-10 R&B and pop hits, working with Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.
“The blessing of being able to write music and let the music speak for itself is you let the melodies and the lyrics and the groove talk to people instead of me talking to people,” says Babyface.
What makes Babyface so great? His ability to craft a song that touches our emotions captivates our ears and perfectly harmonizes every word. It’s a rare gift that not many people have in music.
“I would say that I’ve been lucky. Being blessed and not really ever giving up,” says Babyface.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your diabetes wellness journey! We’re looking forward to sharing more insight and advice on diabetes self-care from experts and peers, along with more great music in the next year!
