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Luther & Dionne: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

Luther Vandross‘s journey into the world of entertainment was sparked by a memorable experience at the Fox Theater in Brooklyn, NY, where he had the chance to watch Dionne Warwick perform.

Luther shared with the New York Times that witnessing her magic on stage inspired him to connect with audiences in a similar way. Luther fondly remarked, “It was women like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and The Supremes who drove me to the stereo.” He believed that women, in their performances, were more willing to dive deep emotionally and take creative risks, showcasing their talents with flair.

A beautiful friendship blossomed between Luther and Dionne after Cissy Houston, Luther’s friend, introduced them backstage at Radio City Music Hall. They became so close that when he recorded A House Is Not A Home, Dionne was the first person he wanted to share it with. Dionne praised Luther’s ability to put his unique spin on her songs, saying, “He didn’t do Dionne Warwick. He did Luther Vandross interpreting what Dionne Warwick had done, and he was a genius.”

In 1983, Clive Davis enlisted Luther to produce Dionne’s album, How Many Times Can You Say Goodbye. The final track on the album features Dionne’s interpretation of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, a classic penned by Carole King and Gerry Grolnick.

Not everyone knows that before she left to get married, Dionne joined the Shirelles, stepping in for Shirley Owens and Doris Coley, and continued with the group starting in 1963.

Luther, a devoted fan of the Shirelles, would later share with the New York Times, “First, I was a down and desperate fan of the Shirelles. Then, when I saw Dionne Warwick at the Brooklyn Fox, my life changed. She showed me there were standards.” To honor her legacy, Luther surprised Dionne by bringing in the original Shirelles members to join her on a track.

Dionne reminisced, “We had a ball recording that song. We laughed a lot, let me tell you!” Luther even playfully told her, “See! You ARE a rock and roll singer!”

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Best Of 2024: Here and Now Unconventional Wedding Dress

BEST OF 2024: Challenging myself to create an unconventional wedding dress with corrugated cardboard, magazines, newspaper, and Fed Ex envelopes for the Here and Now Fashion Show at the Luther Vandross Style & Music celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City in April 2024.

Luther Vandross’s song, Here and Now became a wedding song anthem for couples in the mid 80’s and 90s’.

Luther’s idol, Dionne Warwick played a role in her son, David Elliott and Terry Steele’s song,  “Here & Now” landing in Luther’s hands.  

“I was at the house of my Godmother (Dionne Warwick). Her son David and I were fooling around in the basement, playing music; and I asked him to listen to this song I had just written for my pastor’s daughter’s wedding, “said singer, songwriter Terry Steele.

“Davie heard it and said it would be really good if I put a little groove under it. Then Dionne, being the proud Momma, took it to Luther, and Luther liked it,” responds Terry Steele.

In 1985, Luther Vandross released the song, Here and Now his Greatest Hits album, The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love. Luther Vandross won his first Grammy for Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song.

Special thanks to Alicia Nelson, Verna Henry, Pam Lewis, and Joe Murray for their help in bringing my creation to life. Photography: Carol Seitz

I’m looking forward to hosting the Second Annual Luther Vandross: Music & Style Celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City.

 CNN Films examines the captivating story of the iconic Luther Vandross as he paves his own course to become one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time in Luther: Never Too Much. From award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (CNN Films’ John Lewis: Good Trouble) and produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, the film will premiere on January 1, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.

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Where Does Our Chicken Come From?

Americans consume a significant amount of chicken—nearly double that of beef and pork combined. But most of us have no concept of where the chicken on our plate comes from or the consequences of how our appetite for chicken.

Why don’t Americans know or care where the food they eat comes from, how its grown or processed?


In a world of 24-hour news cycles, where we are all hyperaware of the moment-by-moment political maneuvering, it’s fascinating that most of us have little interest in knowing where our food is grown or how it is processed. The Jaime Oliver TV show clip below is a perfect example.

When Jamie Oliver attempted to turn kids’ appetites off to eating Chicken Nuggets, but his presentation backfired. Initially, kids were disgusted but in the end of his presentation they still wanted to eat Chicken Nuggets.

The production of the chicken we eat (known as broiler chicken) in the U.S. has risen from just over 10 billion pounds in 1970 to nearly 60 billion pounds in 2021.

Today, the average broiler chicken raised for meat is twice the size of those raised 60 years ago, and the time required to reach full size has been cut in half over the past century.

Modern broiler chickens are descendants of the red junglefowl, a bird native to Southeast Asia. These chickens are specifically raised for their meat rather than for egg production.

Sadly, most broiler chickens come from a short list of large factory farms, where thousands of birds are kept in confined spaces. While advances in broiler chicken production have led to lower prices for consumers, they have created negative consequences for many involved in the industry. Reports indicate that farmers are being driven into bankruptcy, poultry plant workers are suffering serious injuries, birds are bred to grow so quickly that they cannot stand, and the environment is being polluted by excess manure. Improvements in chicken production are largely due to advances in genetic science, which enable selective breeding and a higher “breast conversion rate.” Modern chickens convert feed into breast meat more efficiently.

Data from the USDA shows a decline in the number of farms raising cattle and broiler chickens. From 2012 to 2022, the number of broiler chicken farms decreased by three percent. Some reports suggest that this decline is due to large companies, like Tyson Foods, owning the birds but not the farms.

Tyson Foods contracts family farms to raise their chickens, placing all financial risk on these farms. It is common for farmers to incur debts of up to $1 million to build chicken houses, not including the cost of land. Meanwhile, the contracts usually involve only short-term commitments, often lasting from one flock to the next.

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The Best Of 2024: Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration

One of the standout highlights of 2024 was undoubtedly the Luther: Music & Style Celebration held in April at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York. We were thrilled to have Luther Vandross’s talented choreographer, James Ervin, with us to share his expertise!

The atmosphere was electric as James taught the audience the unforgettable choreography from “Never Too Much.”

His passion and enthusiasm were contagious, making it an unforgettable experience.

He also shared fascinating stories about how he collaborated with Luther to create that signature romantic elegance that we all love. It was a heartwarming moment that brought everyone together in celebration of Luther’s incredible legacy. All photos by Carol Seitz photography.

We’re looking forward to hosting Luther: Music & Style Celebration in 2025.

The Luther: Never Too Much documentary airs on CNN on January 1, 2025.

Inspired by Halle Berry, American actress, international superstar and seriously fit diva living with diabetes, Mr. Divabetic presents a work-out of diabetes self-care solutions featuring the Divabetic Angels of Diabetes Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and real diva, Jessica C. of Cincinnati, OH. 

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Dionne & Luther


From a fan’s deep admiration to becoming the star’s trusted producer, the friendship between Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross blossomed beautifully over the years, much like the incredible music they created together. Here’s a delightful timeline of their remarkable musical journey.

As a young boy growing up in the Bronx, Luther Vandross was captivated by the power of music and found a hero in Dionne Warwick. Listening to her soothing voice on the radio sparked his passion. The moment he saw her perform live at the Brooklyn Fox Theater, it was like magic.

“She came on stage and just killed me,” he recalled, reflecting on how the serious nature of her music resonated with him. The song Anyone Who Has a Heart left an everlasting impact, inspiring him to chase his dreams in music.

Years later, Luther reminisced about how pivotal that experience was: “The person single-handedly responsible for me deciding to pursue artistic things was Dionne Warwick. It was at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.” This early connection fueled his desire to create his musical legacy.

While studying in college in Michigan, Luther cleverly navigated his way backstage to meet his idol. He told the security team he was Dionne’s cousin, and when he finally got to meet her, he introduced himself with a grin. Dionne played along, and just like that, a beautiful friendship began to blossom. Their late-night phone calls often turned into lively discussions about their shared love for wrestling, showcasing the warmth and joy in their bond.

Dionne couldn’t help but praise Luther, calling him a “fantastic musician” and an “absolute joy” to work with. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading to a harmonious partnership.

The world first got to experience Luther’s incredible talent in 1981 with his debut album, Never Too Much. His breathtaking rendition of A House Is Not A Home quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple on quiet storm radio stations nationwide. Dionne herself lauded his version, stating that Luther recorded the definitive rendition of her iconic song, making it uniquely his own.

In 1983, their collaboration deepened when Luther produced Dionne’s album How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye. He took the helm as the producer and lent his smooth vocals to a duet on the title track and co-wrote several songs for the album, including the enchanting So Amazing.

Just a few years later, Luther honorably covered So Amazing for his album Give Me The Reason in 1986, showcasing the strong influence Dionne continued to have on his career.

Interestingly, Dionne initially wanted Luther to join her on the iconic song That’s What Friends Are For, but due to scheduling conflicts, Elton John stepped in. However, the stars aligned in 1987 when Luther performed the song alongside Dionne, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder at the Soul Train Music Awards, creating a performance that would echo through time.

The heartfelt anthem raised over $3 million for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), exemplifying the artists’ commitment to important causes.

On that very night, Luther Vandross shined brightly, winning the Male Album of the Year award for Give Me the Reason, which featured his first top-20 pop hit, Stop to Love.

Throughout his career, Luther continued to honor Dionne’s legacy by reinterpreting her beloved songs from the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including unforgettable hits like Anyone Who Had a Heart, A House Is Not A Home, and Are You There (With Another Guy).

Their vibrant friendship and musical partnership created a lasting legacy that inspires artists and fans alike.

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Guided Mediation with Rachel Zinman

international Yoga Teacher and Author Rachel Zinman, living with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA), shares a guided meditation, “The Mountain Meditation.”

The Mountain Meditation by Jon Kabat-Zinn encourages us to seek inner stability and peace, even amid unpredictable change and chaos. See if you can sit like the mountain, still and grounded through the changes of weather, time, and seasons, allowing day and night to come and go, accepting change, not resisting it. This meditation is usually done in a sitting position, either on the floor or a chair.

Remember that taking time daily to meditate and connect with your inner self can greatly benefit your overall well-being and diabetes wellness. The Mountain Meditation is a great way to ground yourself and find stability, even amid chaos and uncertainty. Practicing this meditation regularly can help you to better navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease and resilience. So take a deep breath, find a comfortable seat, and allow yourself to be still like a mountain.

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.

Latent AutoImmune Diabetes in Adults, also known as LADA and Diabetes 1.5, is considered a “rare” form of diabetes that is a lot more common than you might think. It’s features cause it to appear as a blend between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, which often results in misdiagnosis. In this video, I cover the characteristics of LADA, how it’s identified, and how it’s treated.

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Paulette McWilliams Guests On Black Muse

Singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams recently joined the Black Muse podcast to chat about her delightful holiday ballad, “Pink Champagne.”

This song is more than just a tune; it’s a heartfelt tribute to anyone facing the challenges of heartbreak during the holidays.

“Pink Champagne” has been making waves, earning the title of ‘Christmas Song Of The Week’ on UGONE Radio with host Toni B from December 16-21, 2024! It’s also been added to RhythmAndSoul’s festive playlist and will be featured on Steve Quirk’s Christmas Eve show, highlighting its wonderful appeal.

During her conversation with Black Muse host Clarence Waldron, who has a rich history with Jet Magazine and has interviewed Luther Vandross multiple times, Paulette reflected on her incredible journey in music.

She spoke fondly about her collaborations with icons like Bette Midler, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin. To top it all off, she showcased her stunning vocals by performing a few signature riffs that left everyone wanting more. It’s a joyous celebration of talent, resilience, and holiday spirit!

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Frosty The Snow Man Charcuterie Board

I have so much fun creating holiday-themed charcuterie boards! Last year, I made a super fun Bette Midler Hocus Pocus board for Halloween and a cheerful Santa Claus board for Christmas.

This year, my brother Rich asked me to whip up a charcuterie board for his Annual Lighting of the Luminaries party at Lake Davis in Orlando, Florida. I wanted it to be both festive and fun, and I tossed around a couple of ideas: an angel or a snowman.

After checking out Rich’s collection of gorgeous platters, I decided on a large, white one that I thought would be perfect. Rich and I took a quick trip to Publix to gather supplies. I was still on the fence about which design to go for until I spotted some beautiful bags of cranberries. The bright red colors screamed “festive” to me, especially against the white platter!

With the snowman idea cemented in my mind and cranberries in my cart, I raced over to the cheese section. I grabbed some gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, brie, and goat cheese, picking three different sizes of round cheeses to create the snowman’s body.

Next, I thought I’d need black olives for the buttons and green olives for the eyes. I also wanted a carrot for the nose, so I headed back to the produce section and picked up some peppers.

Initially, I planned to use pretzel sticks for the arms, but they were out of stock, so Rich suggested breadsticks instead—great idea!

Once we got back to his place, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work in Rich’s kitchen. I didn’t second-guess myself, knowing time was short. I dove right into assembling the board, pushing any doubts aside.

I assembled a second charcuterie board with an array of delicious cured meats. I made my salami and pepperoni roses using a shot glass. YouTube offers several tutorial videos . They’re so easy to make and everyone adores them.

When the guests arrived, they absolutely loved the finished boards! It was such a hit and so rewarding to see everyone enjoy it!

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. Tune in to Divabtic’s Christmas Peril podcast.

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Pink Champagne: Christmas Song Of The Week

Fresh off the success of their UK Soul Chart smash hit, Mama’s Kitchen Table, singer-songwriter Paulette McWilliams, multi-Grammy nominated Ivan Hampden Jr., and lyricist Max Szadek present the self empowerment anthem, Pink Champagne — a celebration of overcoming heartache during the holidays!

“This song is a heartfelt shout-out to anyone navigating the tough waters of heartbreak this season,” declares Paulette McWilliams, who powerful vocals have backed up many musical icons such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, and Luther Vandross.

The moving tale of resilience in Pink Champagne has captured the attention of UGONE Radio Host Toni B, who proudly named it the ‘Christmas Song Of The Week’ for her show from December 16-21, 2024.

Additionally, Pink Champagne has been added to RhythmAndSoul’s festive holiday playlist, proving its resonance!

Breakups can be challenging, but the holiday season magnifies those feelings of loneliness.

Surrounded by couples at festive gatherings, playing romantic holiday tunes, and reading cheerful family updates, it’s easy to feel isolated. The airwaves are usually filled with upbeat classics, leaving little room for reflection—until now!

“Outside of Elvis Presley’s Blue Christmas, I can’t think of any holiday classics that resonate with those of us feeling low,” says the talented Ivan Hampden Jr. “With Pink Champagne, listeners can find solace and realize they’re not alone in their struggles.”

This empowering track narrates a woman’s journey from heartache to triumph at Christmastime. Paulette envisions it as a source of strength for anyone hurting, encouraging them to embrace their feelings and transform them into joy. With inspiration from the vocal greatness of Nancy Wilson, Marlena Shaw, and Eartha Kitt, Pink Champagne is a fresh and vibrant take on the traditional holiday tune.

“You simply can’t savor the joy of the holidays while clinging to painful emotions. It’s time to release them!” she emphasizes. “I truly believe Pink Champagne will help those who are hurting move forward with a brighter outlook.”

Expertly arranged and produced by the gifted Ivan Hampden Jr., known for his work with Luther Vandross, Ashford & Simpson, Roberta Flack, and Eartha Kitt, this track promises to be a new holiday favorite. His previous Christmas classic, Mistletoe Jam, featured on Luther Vandross’s platinum-certified This Is Christmas album, continues to delight fans.

Pink Champagne is poised to follow in its footsteps with joy and assertiveness!

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A Christmas Peril: Divabetic Mysteries Podcast

Enjoy Divabetic’s 8th Annual Mystery podcast, A Christmas Peril, packed with holiday tips for people living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes.

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge named Mr. Pincher, almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic and our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation.

Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford.

Special thanks to the Houdeshell family and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion‘s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

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