Patti LaBelleinspired me to create the term “Divabetic” during a memorable Luther Vandross Tribute Concert in New York City back in 2003.
Watching her shine on stage, radiant and dressed to impress, she shared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her courage and sparkle made me reflect, “You’re not just a diabetic; you’re a DIVA.”
That’s when the idea of “Divabetic” popped into my head. Once I got home, I noted the word ‘diabetic’ in black ink and then creatively added a ‘v’ in red. It suddenly clicked that the ‘v’ symbolized Vandross and the divine divas he loved, like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and of course, Patti LaBelle.
I realized that encouraging Luther’s fans to embrace a fresh perspective (“NEW ATTITUDE”) on living with diabetes—just like Patti did—could really transform health outcomes.
For the past twenty years, Patti LaBelle has shown the world that you can GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and live well with diabetes every day.
While I don’t remember Luther discussing his diabetes openly, I knew he had a huge support system for his music, but when it came to managing his health, he faced it on his own. Tragically, he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes at just 52. But you don’t have to follow that path or choose to walk it alone.
It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey. After all, living with diabetes can be fabulous! For over twenty years, I’ve been on this mission, all thanks to the inspiration from Patti LaBelle.
Through the Divabetic programs, podcasts, and videos, I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of men and women, spreading awareness and positivity. Let’s live life like a diva!
It is a privilege to be featured in the NAACP-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much and to share my story of discovering Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged diabetes, hoping to help others avoid a health crisis.
My hope is that by sharing our experiences, we can encourage others to take preventative steps for their health. If you live alone, please make sure you have a solid support system in place for any emergencies.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – taking quick action can really make a difference in your recovery. Let’s look out for each other!
Thank you so much for tuning in to the documentary Luther: Never Too Much on CNN. I want to remind you to take care of your health because it truly matters!
I know that prioritizing your well-being can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re not completely happy with your body’s shape or size.
I love Luther’s music as much as anyone. But as a man at hight risk for type 2 diabetes, his enduring legacy has been a 20-year wake-up call for me to take better care of my health.
I don’t set unrealistic goals, have an ‘all or nothing’ mindset, or use workouts to compensate for bad behaviors. I have adopted a Divabetic goal to be a better, not a perfect eater. I work beside my healthcare collaborators to create a wellness plan.
A friend who watched the documentary mentioned that my scene highlights how much the people around us care about our well-being.
Perhaps this can inspire you to take those first steps toward protecting your health! I’ve had the opportunity to chat with many of Luther Vandross’s musical family members, both on stage and behind the scenes.
We are thrilled to see your passion and enthusiasm for him. I am grateful for your love and support of Luther’s musical journey and for joining us in this celebration of his legacy!
Over 75 million adults in the United States have prediabetes and are unaware of it. With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Take a quick Prediabetes Risk Test from the Center of Disease Controland Prevention.
People with diabetes have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of stroke than people without diabetes. The risk increases with the length of time a person has diabetes and how well their condition is managed. Luther’s stroke is linked to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes health-related stroke are the smae the symptoms of any stroke. Dizziness, problems with balance or trouble walking and severe headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms you take action immediately.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following of the symptoms, call 911 immediately: Face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, or difficulty raising both arms, difficult speaking, and slurred speech. The sooner you get yourself or a loved one to the hospital, the better chances of recovery. There’s a clot-busting medication called ‘TPA’ that if given within a few hours of symptom onset can greatly reduce the severity of storke.
ince many of you might be watching the Luther: Never Too Much documentary on CNN, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my journey. After discovering Luther, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I felt driven to become a diabetes advocate.
I joined Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, on the promotional tour for Luther’s album, Dance With My Father. Sadly, Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes before the album’s release.
It was a meaningful time as I shared updates about health with the media. After the tour wrapped up, I asked Mrs. Vandross if she’d be interested in participating in the first PSA for Divabetic, produced by my dear friend, Gay Ball O’Brien. Our shared loss made us a powerful team advocating for diabetes education and stroke prevention.
This path led me to found Divabetic.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to reaching out to those at risk, impacted by, and living with diabetes.
The phrase Divabetic is a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with a ‘V’ for Vandross to celebrate all the divas that Luther loved.
Patti LaBelle, living well with type 2 diabetes, inspired me one night during a Luther Tribute concert in New York City. In the middle of her performance, she boldly declared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me,” which really struck a chord with me. Her confidence and glamour made me think, “She’s not just a diabetic; she’s a diva!”
When I got home after the concert, I felt inspired to jot down the word “diabetic” in black ink and cleverly add a ‘v’ in red ink. At that moment, it hit me that the ‘v’ stands for Vandross!
A few months later, when I traveled to Philadelphia with Luther to visit his mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, guess who was there? Patti LaBelle!
I was thrilled to present her with the first Divabetic t-shirt and share how much she had motivated me. Over the years, she’s graciously called herself a ‘Divabetic,’ and it’s such an honor!
The mission of Divabetic is to transform lives by changing attitudes, boosting spirits, and encouraging hope and motivation for those living with, affected by, or at risk of diabetes.
I couldn’t turn my back on what happened; instead, I became determined to help Luther’s fans and others learn to keep their house a home and stay healthy.
I focus on preventing diabetes complications, promoting a team approach to self-management, and educating everyone about handling unexpected self-care crises.
Luther suffered a stroke in April 2003, and by November, I was busy selling Divabetic t-shirts with the slogan “Sugar’s The Bitch Not Me” to raise funds for diabetes organizations.
I also volunteered on the national diabetes TV show, d-life, and started offering free coaching classes with two inspiring women who live with type 1 diabetes.
Fast forward to 2006, and I was out there participating in health fairs across NYC, including the Apollo Theater. I hosted monthly diabetes education meetings with a certified educator and launched my first major program, Divabetic – Makeover Your Diabetes, with support from Novo Nordisk.
Over the next two years, my program gained recognition, becoming the highest-rated diabetes program for Novo Nordisk worldwide!
I continued to bring unique diabetes outreach to major cities, started a podcast, and created ‘man on the street’ videos to empower those living with diabetes.
Divabetic’s Diabetes Plate Poetry “What’ s on Your Plate?” video describes the emotional experience of living with diabetes. An important component of diabetes self-management, but often unaddressed, is the topic of emotional well being.
The Divabetic Club empowers those living with diabetes through media to manage their lives in healthier ways. People living with diabetes face numerous challenges in managing their disease on a day- to- day basis. Divabetic wants to encourage these individuals to stay positive and healthy in their self-management.
Our mission to glamorize good health combines fitness, nutrition, style and positive energy.
Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts aim to celebrate Luther’s musical legacay, share information on the emotions associated with managing diabetes and the underlying reasons attributed to those emotions, and encourage people to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring.
I’ve had the pleasure of creating ten Divabetic mystery podcasts with the amazing Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes!
It’s been such a rewarding experience to empower others through storytelling. Our goal is to encourage listeners to think like detectives when it comes to self-care issues. We help them search for clues regarding unexpected high and low blood sugar readings and report back to their healthcare providers.
After facing challenges, including being unwelcome at a prominent church for being gay, I found support in my volleyball league, Gotham Volleyball.
I launched the Coming Out Project to help others embrace their identities.
In 2017, after Alfa Anderson’s album release (featuring her When Luther Sings tribute song, I organized reunion concerts at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar in NYC to celebrate Luther’s musical family resulting in the creation of FANDROSS.
I also produced several Luther Tribute podcasts featuring Luther’s friends, peers, collaborators and health educators.
Working with Luther Vandross also inspired me musically. My first foray into lyric writing led to the Billboard Dance Chartting single, That Man Of Mine, with singer songwriter, Cindy Mizelle and backing vocals by Brenda White-King.
I co-wrote UK Soul Chart hit, Mama’s Kitchen Table and the holiday breakup ballad, Pink Champagne with musician, songwriter, producer Ivan Hampden Jr. and singer, songwriter Paulette McWilliams.
I teamed up with the dynamatic sister duo, Crystal Penny, and Ivan Hampden Jr., to pen, Standards, my tribule to the legendary female vocalists whose music compose the soundtrack of my life.
So, thank you all for your concern—I’m doing well, staying busy, and ready to present more diabetes outreach with dazzle this year
We’re diving into the enchanting world of R&B with one of its all-time greats, Luther Vandross, and his beloved wedding song Here and Now.
Joining our host, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, is Terry Steele, the talented co-writer who helped bring this classic to life. Terry will take us behind the scenes of the creative process, sharing the inspiration that fueled the heartfelt lyrics and the song’s enduring legacy.
Terry Steele also reflects on Luther’s hero, Dionne Warwick’s pivotal role in Luther’s song recording.
Growing up in the Bronx, Luther Vandross was mesmerized by the magic of music, particularly by Dionne Warwick‘s enchanting voice.
Hearing her on the radio ignited a passion in him, and seeing her perform live at the Brooklyn Fox Theater left a mark on his heart. He fondly remembers, “She came on stage and just killed me,” capturing how deeply her music resonated with him. The song Anyone Who Has a Heart inspired him to pursue his own musical dreams.
Luther Vandross won his first Grammy in 1991 for Here and Now after being nominated 9 times.
Billboard magazine included Here And Now on their list of the Best30 Wedding Songs of All Time stating, “everything about the song suggests flowing curtains and candlelight, and Luther’s voice is pure butter.”
Terry Steele is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who has toured internationally and performed in places like Russia, Japan, and Brazil.
As a professional songwriter, he has collaborated with superstars like Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder, among others. As the principal writer of the hit Here and Now.
Terry received his first Grammy nomination for “Best Rhythm and Blues Song” in 1990. He has held esteemed songwriting roles at major music companies and even tours occasionally with the renowned jazz band HIROSHIMA as their lead singer.
Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers. Enjoy our exclusive interview with this iconic singer and songwriter.
Fear isn’t the best way to motivate ourselves, and while it might give you a little boost to take better care of your diabetes, it often doesn’t last.
The stress and anxiety that come along with fear can really weigh us down. Instead, a more effective way is to mix a little fear with positive incentives, creating a supportive environment that encourages actions in a happier, more uplifting way.
As I reflected on the experience of finding my boss, Luther Vandross, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I became acutely aware of the trauma I endured. Those memories still feel fresh, even after two decades!
Rather than using Luther’s health journey to scare or pressure people at Divabetic programs into tighter diabetes management, I created an upbeat atmosphere using games, music, crafts and makeover experiences to empower people.
I aim to boost everyone’s confidence in their ability to manage their self-care and guide them towards optimal health. Inspiring someone by uplifting their self-belief is far more effective—encouraging them with a heartfelt ‘Yes, you can do it!’ is much better than saying ‘Be careful, watch out!’
It could be fact or fable, but I was told that director Dawn Porter’s team listened to my Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts while developing. the Luther: Never Too Much documentary.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
From a fan’s deep admiration to becoming the star’s trusted producer, the friendship between Dionne Warwickand 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.
