Soara-Joye Ross Returns to Stage in ‘Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story

The fabulous Soara-Joye Ross doesn’t let diabetes dim her dazzle! 

She’s living with type 1 diabetes and currently starring as R & B singer, LaVern Baker in the hit musical drama, ‘Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story’ at Bucks County Playhouse.

Delores ‘LaVern’ Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American rhythm-and-blues singer who had several hit records on the pop chart in the 1950s and early 1960s?  Her most successful records were “Tweedle Dee” (1955), “Jim Dandy” (1956), and “I Cried a Tear” (1958). She was among the first eight recipients of the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and became the second female solo artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, following Aretha Franklin in 1987.

Baker told the audience at  the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “Regardless of how old you are when you get this, it’s still good, baby.”

LaVern Baker had a stroke in the early 1990’s, and complications from type 2 diabetes forced her to have her legs amputated in 1995. But she returned to performing in 1996 with an undiminished voice and an indomitable spirit.

“Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story” is being produced at the Playhouse by Robyn Goodman, Alexander Fraser, Stephen Kocis, Josh Fiedler in association with Sharon A. Carr and Caiola Productions.

This high energy musical uncovers the true story of Alan Freed — the Father of Rock and Roll. It’s the 1950s and a cocky young DJ discovers the music that all America wants to hear — except no radio station will play it. Pursued by the notorious J. Edgar Hoover for promoting this unwholesome genre, Alan perseveres — unearthing the sound of a new generation through pure guts, grit, and determination. Featuring original songs and classic tunes by legends like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, this world premiere will have you rocking around the clock! BUY TICKETS 

Recently Soara-Joye Ross started wearing an insulin pump that she named “Black Panther” after a stint performing in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of ‘Sister Act’. Soara-Joye says her insulin delivery device aka ‘the pump’ has been a godsend for her managing her diabetes especially with such a rigorous performance schedule.

“With the insulin pump I can suspend my insulin delivery which is extremely helpful if I’m constantly on stage like I was when I was performing as Deloris Van Cartier ( in the musical, ‘Sister Act’),” she says.

Enjoy this episode of Diabetes Late Nite with guest, Soara-Joye Ross and hear how she manages her type 1 diabetes like a diva! LISTEN NOW 

MAKEOVER YOUR DIABETES! Are you curious about why amputations occur? Learn what you need to do if you do have a diabetic foot ulcer so that it heals and doesn’t progress to amputation from the Diabetes Council. READ MORE

 

Alfa Anderson Sings A Tribute to Luther Vandross

Former member of the iconic funk soul band Chic (“Le Freak”,” Good Times”, “I Want Your Love”),Alfa Anderson​  joins us on June’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2017, ^ PM, EST.

For years, Alfa was an integral member of Luther Vandross‘ touring band and performed at Wembley Stadium, among many other prestigious venues around the world. Her vocals can be heard on popular Luther Vandross albums such as ‘Give Me the Reason’ and ‘The Night I Fell in Love’, which Rolling Stone Magazine voted as one of the 100 Best Albums of the Eighties.

Alfa will share the inspiration behind her heartfelt tribute to her friend, Luther Vandross, the single, “When Luther Sings​.”

SoulTracks said of “When Luther Sin​gs”​, “The feeling is at once nostalgic and modern, providing a summery vibe that is sure to make listeners groove both in the car and on the dance floor.”

Alfa will soon release her long-awaited debut solo album, ‘Music From My Heart‘​ in July.

A celebrated R&B and dance music icon, Anderson first starred in Julian “Canonnball” Adderley’s “Big Man” at Carnegie Hall before defining a whole new era in music as one of the original lead vocalists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-nominated group CHIC. Her voice powered classics like “I Want Your Love” and the #1 pop hits “Good Times” and “Le Freak,” which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. During her years as a New York session singer and touring vocalist, she sang background for music icons like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Valerie Simpson, Bryan Ferry, and Teddy Pendergrass. She recently guested on the first CHIC single in 23 years “I’ll Be There” (2015) and scored a Top 10 Billboard Dance hit as a featured vocalist on Next Step’s single with Kathy Sledge and Aristofreeks, “Get On Up” (2016).

“Music From My Heart”​ is my first solo album. The only vision I had when I started this project was to write from the stillness of my mind and heart. As melodies and lyrics began to flow, I realized that I had plenty to say about life, about love, about friendship, about struggle, about coming to terms with who I am. Kudos to Producer/Arranger Bert Price who collaborated with me to complete ‘Music From My Heart’. ​ I share it with you with love and big hugs.”

Alfa Anderson also will celebrate the release of her album with an unforgettable night of music at Joe’s Pub on July 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased at Joe’s Pub  located at 425 Lafayette St (bet. E. 4th St & Astor Pl).