I was thrilled to be interviewed by Richard Marzetti on his Soul Life show on the UK radio station Solar Radio. Richard’s show features an uplifting selection of the newest and contemporary soul releases, classics, and modern goodies.
I discussed my experience working for Luther Vandross. Thirty years ago, Luther changed my life when he relocated me from San Francisco to New York to become his full-time assistant. I was a big Luther fan before I started working for him, and I became an even bigger fan while working alongside him.
After Luther had a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I became his caregiver. During that time, I began my work as a diabetes advocate, which led to the creation of Divabetic, the national diabetes organization. Through live programs, videos, podcasts, and Zoom programs, I aim to empower women and their loved ones to stay upbeat about their diabetes care and create an ‘entourage of care’ of friends, family members, and healthcare collaborators to help them stay on track with their self-care management.
Luther Vandross was an incredible entertainer with an exceptional eye for detail. Luther invested in his live shows to create memorable experiences for his fans.
From his beautifully designed, crystal-encrusted costumes and Art Deco-style stages to evocative lighting and elegant choreography, Luther, his band, and his vocalists took audiences on an emotional journey with his music.
Join me for the upcoming ImageNation’s SOUL TRAIN Tribute to Luther Vandross on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 6 PM, in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.
It’s going to be a sensational night celebrating Luther’s legacy. The night starts with DJ Stormin Norman and a Soul Train Dance Line. Several local performers will perform, including Chandlar and Karen J, Chris Rob, Heshima, Michael Pollydore, and our friend Keith Anthony Fluitt. Keith performed a few of Luther’s iconic hits at Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration in April.
After the outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, Director Dawn Porter and singer and songwriter Fonzi Thornton participate in a Q&A session. The celebration continues with an AfterParty featuring live bands and a DJ interweaving Luther Tributes in their sets at Shrine World Music Venue, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between 133rd & 134th Streets, New York, NY 10030.
Earlier this week, I spoke to one of the event organizers, Joy Enterprises’ Marko S. Nobles, owner of Rhythm and Soul Radio. Marko spent years learning, growing, and becoming an experienced PR, Marketing, Radio, Event Production, and Entertainment professional.
Marko’s Rhythm and Soul Radio played Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams‘ song “Mama Kitchen Table” last summer. Paulette and I wrote the lyrics to this song, which topped the UK Soul Charts. Marko, a stroke survivor, said Joy Enterprises hosts a Soul Train Tribute every year to celebrate Don Cornelius‘s legacy of Don and the artists who appeared on Soul Train. Past honorees include superstars Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.
“I grew up on Soul Train,” says Marko. “It was a Saturday morning staple in our households.” When I asked Marko why he chose Luther as this year’s featured artist, he said, “Luther had strong ties to the Apollo, starting with ‘Listen My Brother.'” A teenage Luther Vandross was part of Apollo’s musical ensemble, Listen My Brother, which performed several times on Sesame Street during its early seasons.
Every year, there’s an independent film tied into the celebration, along with multiple mini-concerts featuring local independent artists performing songs by their legends.
“I’ve always been into radio,” adds Marko. His company, Rhythm, and Soul Radio was born from his weekly Tuesday night WHUR radio show on City College, which follows our friend Alyson Williams’ program.
Like the upcoming Luther Celebration in Harlem, Marko’s internet-based Rhythm and Soul Radio channel celebrates independent artists.
On this Divabetic podcast, writer 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.
In the documentary, I discuss the traumatic moment when I discovered Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Luther’s recovery was short-lived; he passed away in 2005.
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 and Marko’s stories are excellent reminders 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.
I styled one of Luther’s outfits for the “I Know” album uncredited. At the time, Luther had gained considerable weight and was not interested in clothes or being photographed.
By this time in my tenure with Luther, I knew I had to bring some clothes (in his sizes) to supplement what the stylist had brought to shoots. I found a navy blue Polo Anorak jacket with a white stripe down the sides at Bloomingdale’s that camouflaged his size. Much to Luther’s dismay, the photographer shot Luther on the back of the set piece. It was a bare wood wall. I think I kept the jacket 🙂 George Corsillo, who designed Luther’s album covers starting with the Night I Fell In Love, was involved in the shoot. If I recall, Luther loved the cover design from the first minute he saw it.
If you have followed your favorite celebrity on social media, gone to a gym, or picked up a fashion magazine, you have probably heard about the keto diet. But what is it, what are the pros and cons of adhering to a keto diet, and what information should you share with your healthcare collaborators?
We will discuss these issues on October’s Divabetic podcastwith my special guest, Dr. Michael Grego. He is a Naturopathic Physician, a Chiropractic doctor, and the author of 3 books: The Nutritional Ketogenic Diet, Clean Keto vs Dirty Keto, and the latest best-selling book, The InsulThin Diet.
Keto is short for ketogenic, a process during which your body uses fat as its primary fuel source instead of carbohydrates. Calories on this diet primarily come from sources of dietary fat, such as butter, oil, and nuts, and moderate amounts of protein-rich foods, such as meat, full-fat cheese, fish, and eggs.
Before engaging in any dietary plan, please consult with your healthcare collaborators.
Throughout the podcast, we feature music from The Essential John Luongo album courtesy of SONY Music.
Our music inspiration, John Luongo, is considered the first to create dance remixes and extended mixes of our favorite songs. He’s a DJ, remixer, writer, publisher, and manager.
André “Doctor Dré” Brown appears on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Doctor Dré has been a vital part of hip-hop culture and a crucial catalyst for its global popularity since its inception. A former DJ for Beastie Boys and co-founder of 1980s rap group Original Concept, Doctor Dré co-hosted (alongside Ed Lover and Fab 5 Freddy) Yo! MTV Raps, the landmark program that introduced a generation of hip-hop fans to their favorite rappers and the culture. Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007.
Since that time he has suffered a series of health setbacks including an amputated toe, charcot foot, and blindness. Far from sullen, though, the hip-hop pioneer remains optimistic while trying to stay diligent to a healthy lifestyle routine that reduces the severity of some of his ailments.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with the letter ‘V’ inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, The Night I Fell In Lovecourtesy of SONY Music.
