Category: Entertainment-Celebrity

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I Wrote A Love Song!: Standards

The moment you wake up on Valentine’s Day and realize you wrote a love song!!!

STANDARDS is my homage to many of the greatest female vocalists of all time, who sang with their hearts on the Quiet Storm. Many of these icons’ personal and professional journeys hit close to home to my friends, vocalists Crystal Blackman Wilson and Penny Wilson.

I sent them my lyrics sheet and a recording of myself singing the melody. Penni called me a few days later and said she loved the song, but my vocal skills needed some TLC. Thankfully, Penni and Crystal got to work. They tweaked a few lyrics (Penni came up with the hook, and Crystal came up with the melody). Then, my friend Ivan Hampden Jr. jumped on it and built the song. It was an amazing collaboration. I feel so fortunate to work with talented people I greatly admire. Crystal, Penni, and Ivan bring to life my personal reflections and set them to music. My friend and graphic designer George Corsillo (who designed multiple album covers for Luther Vandross) designed the artwork.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3B1Ash4Rhg7HcZzD3sx4tP?si=f503fb19b9e9409b

“The women mentioned in the song are legends to my sister and me,” says Penni Wilson. “We grew up listening to Sarah Vaughan and idolized Etta James and Dionne Warwick. They inspired us to sing in the first place.”

Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Divabetic’s e-book, “Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes,” Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES is available on Amazon. Get Your Copy Today!

“Sweet Romance” Co-Authors Janis Roszler and Donna Rice offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause,

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Tracy Chapman Performs At The Grammys

As someone who tries to bridge the gap between people living with type 1 and those living with type 2 diabetes, I admire Tracy Chapman. The song she wrote, “Fast Car,” proves different communities relate to each other. We are more similar than different.

Last night, she performed “Fast Car” as a duet with Country Music star Luke Combs at the 66th Grammy Awards. It was a beautiful moment showing how music has the power to unite us.

Tracy Chapman’s appearance took everyone by surprise. She has not toured since 2009 and has only performed on stage three times since that time.

Tracy Chapman Chapman released eight albums between 1988 and 2008, starting with her blockbuster debut — the self-titled album that features her signature song, “Fast Car.” She won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1989, and “Fast Car” was nominated for Record and Song Of The Year.

She started the duet by playing the song’s signature riff on an acoustic guitar, and then she and Luke Combs exchanged verses before singing the chorus together.

Last year, Luke Combs included his rendition of “Fast Car” on his album ‘Gettin’ Old.” He was nominated in the best country solo performance category for his cover of Tracy’s “Fast Car.” His rendition enjoyed unexpected multi-format success: It was No. 1 in Adult Pop and Country for two weeks each; No. 6 on Top 40 Radio; No. 2 on the Hot 100; and No. 1 on 1 on Billboard’s overall Radio Songs Chart for four weeks.

Their beautiful duet spans genres and generations and celebrates the song’s legacy. “Fast Car” is the first song written entirely by a Black woman to top the Billboard country charts and the first to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards in 2023.

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Luther Vandross Wardrobe Department

These three incredible women changed my life. Jennifer Jacobs, Pam Lewis, and Valerie Rice Prainito met at FIDM in Los Angeles. One by one, starting with Jennifer, they began working in the wardrobe department on tour for Luther Vandross. Lurther hired Pam after Jennifer for a tour, and then Val. All three of these women have gone on to have stellar careers.

Val and I were friends before we worked for Luther. She got the job first, then contacted me to fill a last-minute spot on Luther’s “Never Let Me Go” tour in 1993.

I took a leave from the American Conservatory Theater to go on tour. After that, I returned to San Francisco and waited for a year for another phone call. Shortly after, my life began to change quickly. I moved from San Francisco to New York City to become Luther’s full-time personal assistant.

Like so many others, Luther Vandross changed my life. “He was a benchmark of excellence, and having his name on your resume carried significant weight.”

Director Dawn Porter is a highly respected storyteller, but in her interview with the Hollywood Reporter, she fails to justify Luther’s legacy. His unique talent for showcasing the complexities of love and life’s struggles through his music is still appreciated by his fans even two decades after his passing. It is crucial that this documentary does not sensationalize his life and instead focuses on the various facets of his talent, including his songwriting, voice, and music. As someone who had the honor of working for him, I hope this documentary accurately portrays his legacy.

I have produced several Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts featuring Luther’s friends, family, band members, vocalists, and fans.

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Divabetic Mysteries: Murder Plain As Vanilla Part 1

Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” is streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care. We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a synopsis of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his archnemesis and baker, Renata Whisk, to participate in the world-renowned Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature fabulous culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess.

Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation. However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar, Conrad Rivera. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk. Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Facebook: Divabetic.Org

Website: Divabetic.Org

Instagram: Official_Divabetic

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Murder Plain As Vanilla Part 10

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care. We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Original Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.”

Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation. However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive.

To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk.

Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: “Murder Plain As Vanilla” podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

Website: Divabetic.Org

Facebook: Divabetic

Instagram: Official_Divabetic

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Murder Plain As Vanilla, Part 9

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plain As Vanilla,” streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast is not just for mystery lovers. It’s an engaging way to learn about diabetes and self-care. Amidst colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and delightful settings, we offer health and wellness tips to help you take charge of your diabetes self-care.

We also promote the idea of thinking like a detective when you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Look for clues, gather data, talk to witnesses (friends, co-workers, and family members ), and present your ideas to healthcare professionals for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes is also a great idea.

Here is a summary of Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, “Murder Plan As Vanilla.” Mr. Divabetic, a baking enthusiast, is invited by his arch-nemesis, Renata Whisk, to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition. The competition will feature renowned culinary giants such as Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourmet, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess. Max, who owes his mother a debt, accepts the invitation.

However, before Max can start baking, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck would have it, Max was the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he seeks help from his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, former FBI Agent Pauline, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

Things take a turn for the worse when another baker is found dead near Max’s station, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murders. Even Max’s mother is at risk. Now, with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and providing diabetes health information, Max must solve the mystery or die trying.

Divabetic Mysteries: Murder Plain As Vanilla podcast features Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin, with script editing by Wendy Radford and produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

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Murder Plain As Vanilla Mystery Podcast Excerpt

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar
fluctuations.

Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis: When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother.

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie. But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster.

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

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Murder Plain As Vanilla: Mystery Podcast Video Excerpt

Enjoy this excerpt from Divabetic’s 10th Annual Mystery podcast, Murder Plain As Vanilla, streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and BlogTalkRadio.

Our mystery podcast isn’t only for mystery lovers. It’s a fun way to learn about diabetes and self-care. In between colorful characters, crazy adventures, and mysterious surroundings, we pack health and wellness tips that can help you take charge of your diabetes. We also hope to encourage you to think like a detective the next time you experience unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. Search for clues, collect data, talk to witnesses, and bring your ideas to the authorities (healthcare collaborators) for solutions. A team approach to managing your diabetes isn’t a bad idea either.

Here’s a short synopsis: When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. It’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother. 

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. 

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying. 

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

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FANDROSS: The Joy Of A Luther Christmas

Enjoy the FANDROSS: The Joy of a Luther Christmas Special on YouTube. Luther’s friends and fans treat you to some of his most cherished Christmas songs, entertaining you through their beautiful interpretations.

This fantastic holiday special, available on-demand to see, features his former vocalists and collaborators, Lisa Fischer, Pat Lacy Aikens, Kevin Owens, and Terry Steele; his former assistant, Max Szadek; performances from friends and FAN greetings from around the globe, this will warm your heart, celebrate the season and remind you why Luther was a master singer and songwriter.

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Murder Plain As Vanilla: Mystery Podcast

This year’s Mystery podcast, Murder As Plain As Vanilla, is set in a real place – The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, NY. Our excellent narrator, the lovely Lorraine Brooks, explained how the Hedges Inn was named after one of the Hamptons’ founding families who settled there in 1644.

Two hundred years later, the restored family home became a boarding house. Word quickly spread nationwide about Mrs. Hedges’s delicious New England cooking. Her outstanding reputation turned her home into a place where the elite liked to meet and eat.

When Mr. Divabetic’s arch-nemesis baking sensation Renata Whisk calls, offering a chance to participate in the Visions of Vanilla baking competition, he can’t refuse. After all, it’s an invitation to compete against culinary giants Best-Selling Cookbook Author Lily Frost, Green Thumb Gourment, Hazel Honeywell, and the Cannoli Countess and, most importantly, a chance to pay back his debt owed to his mother. 

But before Max’s hands touch flour, he discovers the dead body of the Vanilla King of Madagascar lying in a bed of roses. As luck has it, Max is the last person to see the Vanilla King alive. Rumors start swirling about Max’s past involvement in legendary TV Chef Sweet Sally Buttercup’s untimely demise. To prove his innocence, he enlists his team, USA Today’s best-selling author Tonya Kappes, health educator MaryAnn Nicolay MEd, NDTR, and his mother, Mama Rose Marie.

But when another baker’s dead body is found near Max’s station, even his mother tastes a recipe for disaster. Could he be ladling out something lethal? 

Now, armed with only Renata Whisk’s Puffed Pastry recipe, a rolling pin, and his team’s expertise in solving murders and dispersing diabetes health information, Max has no choice but to solve the mystery or at least die trying. To win the Visions Of Vanilla grand prize, it will be a fight to the death.

Co-Starring Lorraine Brooks, Catherine Schuller, Dave Jones, Seveda Williams, and Amparo Peterkin. Script Editor Wendy Radford. Producer, Leisa Chester Weir. Music from the Broadway Cast albums of Anything Goes courtesy of SONY Music.

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