Watch the trailer for LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH, an intimate look into a musical icon’s stunning life and career. From filmmaker Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble), it features interviews with many of Luther’s closest friends, collaborators, me(!), and fans, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warick, Valerie Simpson, Roberta Flack, Jamie Foxx, and more.
Luther fans will hear how he got his start after crashing a recording session for David Bowie’s Young Americans and becoming one of the most sought-after backup singers for artists such as Chic, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Aretha Franklin before his 1981 solo breakout R&B hit Never Too Much.
The Here and Now artist suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes in 2003. This inconceivable occurrence was the founding inspiration for me to start Divabetic. As Luther’s assistant, I wanted to encourage a new attitude about diabetes. One of our guiding principles is for people living with diabetes to create an entourage of care featuring family, friends, and healthcare collaborators to help with their self-care management.
Sadly, Luther was never able to recover fully. I stayed with him, supervising his care and rehabilitation until he died in 2005. Diabetes may have silenced one of the world’s greatest voices, but his worldwide influence endures.
Get inspired to stay healthy and upbeat about your self-care through Divabetic’s tribute podcasts, videos, Zoom meetups, and more.
Luther: Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters in select cities beginning November 1. Nationwide preview screenings October 30. Presented by Giant Pictures and CNN Films.
Last Thursday I attended a screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary at the TriBeca Film Festival. It’s taken me a few days to process the experience of not only seeing myself on a large screen (!) but also hearing myself discuss Luther’s stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Throughout the film you’re treated to a wonderful array of footage of Luther Vandross performing on stage from various tours. Plus, you hear Luther tell his story in his own words and voice.
Knowing and working for such an incredible artist and caring man was truly an honor. He changed my life. In 1995, he offered me a job in New York City as his full-time personal assistant. It’s a privilege to participate in the film and raise awareness of the tragic consequences of mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
Seeing the trauma I experienced on my face as I recalled the initial moments after Luther’s stroke made me realize how grateful I am to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and partnered with me on my various diabetes outreach efforts through my nonprofit organization, Divabetic.
I don’t feel I would have been as candid and vulnerable on screen in my interview had I not spent the last two decades helping others affected by, living with, and at risk of diabetes. “Keeping Your House A Home” by learning how to prevent diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and blindness has been my mission for the past 20 years, and it will continue to be.
If you see this documentary or love Luther’s music, you owe it to his legacy to educate and empower yourself about your health.
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 9 PM
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.
We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.
MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.
FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.
“When I listen to Luther Vandross’s music, it makes me happy. I want to sing along and move to the beat, snap my fingers, and stomp my feet. There is joy in his music,” says Harlem Heaven’s milliner, Evetta Petty. “When I design hats, I want them to make the customer happy. I am dressing people for important events in their life. I want them to smile when they see the hats and look great in them. I want my hats to evoke that same joy that I feel from Luthers’ music.”
LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.
Dan C.E. has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. Throughout his career, he developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, by has been a professional DJ for 20+ years. He developed his style of open format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted, over the course of his career, playing the family of R&B music (Funk, Soul, Disco, House, and Hip-Hop) across eras. He also leans heavily into spinning Hip-Hop/Lo-Fi instrumentals, which he calls “Spinning the Essence.”
STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.
COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.
Stephanie Mills’ voice is so distinctive that it is hard to mistake it for anyone else’s. She has been nicknamed “the little lady with a big voice,” but this hardly does justice to her status as a living legend. Although her impressive string of hits in the ’80s and early ’90s might qualify her as an R&B icon, it was her electrifying performance as Dorothy in the Broadway show “The Wiz” that made her a household name.
Did you know an up-and-coming songwriter named Luther Vandross penned “A Brand New Day“, also known as “Everybody Rejoice“?
If you do a few Google searches, you’ll find “The Wiz” wasn’t her first foray into showbiz. At the ripe old age of nine, she achieved considerable success in a background role for the 1968 musical “Maggie Flynn. After that, she won amateur night not once, not twice, but six sensational times at Showtime at the Apollo.
Her Broadway success in “The Wiz” led Stephanie Mills to be signed with 20th Century, scoring her first top 10 R&B hit in 1979 with “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin’.” From there, she segued to Casablanca and then MCA, where she recorded five No. 1 R&B singles, including “I Feel Good All Over” and “Home.” She freely admits, “I love all my albums [but] I think my prime album would be the Home album because I put a lot of thought into re-recording ‘Home‘ and the songs on that album. But each of my albums [has] a story of a time in my life [and] what I may have been going through at that time.”
Although we’re glad to hear she loves her albums and still tours, we can imagine the time, dedication, drive, and diligence it takes to be at the top of your game for over six decades. “I sing every day, but I get a lot of rest. I sleep a lot, but I love touring,” she said in an interview with one of our favorite websites, Rated R&B. “It’s not taxing. I’m older, so when I come home, I am tired, but it’s a good tired because I love leaving everything I have on stage with my audience.”
Recently, Stephanie Mills chose to fund her own recording. She explained to the White Mountain Independent, ” “I’m doing this on sheer will, faith, and my experience in the business. I didn’t set out to do this on my own; it just happened. But I believe in this.”
When asked what keeps her inner rhinestones glowing, Stephanie Mills said, “Seeing the audience’s faces and seeing them enjoy my singing. I take pride in trying to sound as close to my records as I can. In fact, when I sing, I sing to my original recording. People pay their hard-earned money to come see you. That’s big. That’s a lot.”On social media, Stephanie Mill has no problem speaking her mind. She’s shared her feelings regarding the R&B whitewashing and defended her friend, the late Michael Jackson.
Her recording of Angela Winbush’s “I Have Learned To Respect The Power Of Love” is a standout. Her voice is rich, clear, and powerful. She pours emotion into every line of lyrical sentiment that speaks to your heart. It’s one of my most beloved Quiet Storm ballads. You don’t hear songs like this anymore.
“I’ve had a fabulous life and fabulous career,” the legendary singer confidently told Rated R&B. Asked what she credits for her longevity in the music industry, she said, “Never following a trend. I’ve always done my own path and stayed on my own path. I didn’t listen to a lot of noise of what people say: “Oh, you should do this, you should do that.” I took the best from whatever they said that I felt was best for me and would work for me and I would do that. I always took my time and just slowly did the slow walk. I didn’t do a fast run. I did a slow walk.”
We can’t forget that our friend, singer, and songwriter Tawatha Agee penned the monumental duet “Two Hearts” for Stephanie Mills and Teddy Pendergrass. Released in 1981, the song reached #3 on the Billboard R & B Charts.
After working in showbiz for half a century, Stephanie Mills must feel content knowing that people still enjoy watching her perform. It’s difficult to imagine the numerous setbacks, disappointments, and frustrations she has faced throughout her career. From the singles that failed to make it to the top of the charts to auditions for roles that she didn’t get, Stephanie has likely endured more challenges than most of us could handle. Therefore, we celebrate her longevity steeped in excellence with great admiration.
Divabetic remembers Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style has influenced an entire generation of today’s vocalists. His distinctive brand of satin-smooth vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people today. Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek, who worked with Vandross for more than 14 years, hosts this tribute podcast featuring Luther’s former vocalists Paulette McWilliams, Pat Lacy, Tawatha Agee, Cindy Mizelle, and Kevin Owens, band member Bryon Miller, Vandross family member, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and David Jones, the Luther Vandross historian, Leon Petrossian and Luther super fan, Jane Goodman from Great Britain. Throughout the podcast, we will play selected Luther Vandross songs that he recorded during the 1990’s courtesy of SONY Music.
Billie Jean King has just released her autobiography, All In. She told Robin Roberts on Good Morning America that she developed an eating disorder, binge eating, at the age of 51.
“It took me forever to be comfortable in my own skin,” says Billie Jean King. “I think 51 when I went through the eating disorder.”
The trailblazing leader in gender equality admits she admired Naomi Osaka for discussing mental health.
Billie Jean King spoke to Naomi Osaka about Roland-Garros (The French Open), their inspirations, and how they’ve used their platforms for social change.
Her advice for others coping with challenges from disordered eating to alcoholism is to name it.
“When you own it, it actually dissipates at little. Then you have a chance to make it okay.”
Billie Jean King was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, long after her professional tennis career ended. Reportedly she was not shocked by her diagnosis.
“It’s a wake-up call but I also knew from some of the people around me that you can live a great life, “says Billie Jean King. “You don’t have to let it defeat you. You can defeat it.”
Billie Jean King developed disorder eating issues at the age of 51. Eating disorders can also increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Binge eating disorder has been shown to increase insulin resistance and weight gain, both of which are risk factors for type 2.
A quick google search reveals diabetes puts people at risk of poor mental health because of the stress it can cause. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes usually find that diabetes changes their relationship with food. Many people feel that they can no longer eat ‘intuitively‘ or eat in the same way as non-diabetic friends and family. Having a complicated relationship with food affects our enjoyment and the way we spend time with family or friends. In many cases, this can lead to disordered eating.
Patient. Com reports Eating disorders are far more common in people with type 1 diabetes than in people without diabetes. One review estimated that EDs were seen more than twice as frequently amongst girls and women with type 1.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing disordered eating. But new evidence-based interventions may have an answer.
In All In, Billie Jean King details her life’s journey to find her true self. She recounts her groundbreaking tennis career—six years as the top-ranked woman in the world, twenty Wimbledon championships, thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and her watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes.” She poignantly recalls the cultural backdrop of those years and the profound impact on her worldview from the women’s movement, the assassinations and anti-war protests of the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and, eventually, the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Mr. Divabetic spotlights LGBTQAI+ people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes on June’s Divabetic podcast with music from Indigo Girls.
Research shows that LGBTQAI+ people have unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts, related to diabetes care and education.
Guests include The Flood Girls & The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton Author Richard Fifield, and Mutha Chucka, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.
Marriage equality was a mere pipe dream when Indigo Girls duo Emily Saliers and Amy Ray came out in 1988, coinciding with the release of their eponymous Epic Records debut. With regard to popular entertainment, particularly within the music business, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray were at the forefront of the queer rights movement. They won a Grammy and released chart-toppers like Closer to Fine. And they refused to let their sexuality get in the way of their success, brazenly being themselves at a time when being a gay public figure was uncommon and even downright scary.
Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from their Indigo Girls album courtesy of SONY Music.
