Tag: Luther Tribute

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Pink Champagne Pay Homage to Luther Vandross

Toni B. featuring Pink Champagne as her Christmas Song of the Week on her fabulous UGONE radio show is a holiday treat! Paulette McWilliams and Ivan Hampden Jr. are absolutely thrilled!

You can catch all of Toni’s amazing shows on Mixcloud.

Here’s a fun little tidbit about Pink Champagne: my lyrics celebrate our dear friend, the legendary Luther Vandross.

Luther had a passion for Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture and took great joy in decorating his stunning homes in Beverly Hills, Connecticut, and New York with these exquisite pieces.

Plus, did you know his gorgeous stage costumes designed by Tony Chase and Elizabeth Courtney were also inspired by these beautiful styles? I hosted a Luther Vandross: Music & Style event with my friends, Keith Anthony Fluitt, Christopher Faison and James Ervin this past April in New York City.

You can see Luther’s fantastic costumes, artifacts and memorabilia on display at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles until June 2025. The exhibit offers an intimate glimpse into Luther Vandross’ creative process and showcases his ornate stage wardrobe, exclusive performance footage from his popular tours, and a never-before-heard recording of him in the studio.

I was lucky enough to accompany him on a few trips to auction houses where he searched for these treasures, and that’s where the mention of Christie’s Auction House in the lyrics comes from! Thanks for letting me share my memories of my friendship with Luther!


“Luther: Never Too Much,” the documentary film from award-winning director Dawn Porter, chronicles the story of a vocal virtuoso will be available on streaming apps in January 2025.

Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Robin Clark, Ava Cherry, Kevin Owens, Lisa Fischer, Carlos Alomar, Max Szadek, and Roberta Flack.

The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career, while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Sadly Luther suffered a stroke related to mismanged type 2 diabetes in 2003. The phrase “Every minute counts” is a warning to heed if you suspect someone close to you is having a stroke.

F-A-S-T is an acronym created to teach people how to recognize and remember the most common indicators that someone might be having a stroke. Here is what each of the letters stands for:

T for TIME:  Don’t wait or lay down to see if symptoms disappear. Call 911.

F for FACE: One side of a person’s mouth appears to be drooping or their smile looks lopsided. .

A for ARMS: People who are having a stroke usually have difficulty moving arms and legs.

S for SPEECH: Difficulty talking, slurring words, repeating the same words or phrases, or their conversation doesn’t make sense, it may be a stroke.

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Christopher Faison Performs At Our Luther Vandross Never Too Much Celebration in NYC

“I love singing Luther’s music because it is how I discovered my voice,” says Christopher Faison, the creator and star of the cabaret “Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross.  “Everything I know about love I learned from listening to Luther Vandross.  His voice to me was LOVE.”

Christopher will perform at our upcoming Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration, featuring a music panel, fashion show, live performances, style and tea vendors, and DJ DAN.C.E. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel in New York City. 

Christopher Faison’s 60-minute self-contained cabaret chronicles his quest to find love and all that it entails, underscored by the music of the legendary singer Luther Vandross. Featuring songs like “Never Too Much,” “Any Love,” and “Dance with My Father,” Christopher owns the stage in an intimate and glorious performance.

Debbie White of Banderas News writes: “Christopher Faison’s Here and Now: The Music of Luther Vandross was the perfect show for novice listeners and die-hard fans. Faison’s honesty, humor, and stellar vocals won over his audience instantly. With enthusiastic applause and several standing ovations, Here and Now is a fabulous show where emotion meets talent! 

“I grew up listening to all the male vocalists of the 80s, but Luther was the only way to emulate. His music was sacred in my house and remains that way today, “Christopher says. “I learned about heartache and heartbreak, and I learned the beast of what it means to be in love and not have it returned. Most importantly, Luther taught me what love sounded like: the low rumbling in the pit of your stomach when love is new, the crescendos and decrescendos of courtship, the fortissimo you hit when you’re feeling just right, and the breath you hold while waiting for loves return.”

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made Luther’s concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss working on his recordings and stage shows. 

MAKEOVER: Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell demonstrates the power of beauty to transform your health. Hosted by Max Szadek.

Photographer: Hank Pegeron @hpegeron | Model: Keanna Bryant | Hat Designer: @harlemheavenhats | Dress Designer: Malcolm Staples | hpegeron@me.com | 718-564-9916 | www.marckitimagery.com

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem Heaven’s Hats, S Designs, Dig Ferreira Kynetik Soundz, Teresa Marie Collection, LPF Collection, and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalists Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison. 

DJ DAN.C.E. has developed his style of open-format DJing, which he refers to as RetroFitted. He developed his style of open format DJing, RetroFitted, 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.”

SHOP VENDORS: Support a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs, including True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend), Power Pieces, and Harlem Heaven’s Hats.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Natalie Cole

“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life,” Natalie Cole said.


When she was a girl, Natalie Cole started singing with her father, crooner Nat King Cole. She made her first recording at age 6; by 11, she was performing on TV alongside her dad.

She won two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Performance, for her debut album, “Inseparable” in 1975. 

Her third — and first platinum — album, “Unpredictable,” spawned another No. 1 R&B hit: “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”

Her fourth album, “Thankful,” features one of my favorite songs, the smooth and sultry ballad “Our Love.” It was written by Cole’s regular team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, both former members of the R&B group the Independents.

In 1979, Natalie Cole received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, signifying and solidifying her prowess as a performer.

But her ongoing recreational use of substances turned into a heavy, crippling drug addiction. 

In her autobiography, “Angel on my Shoulder,” she wrote, “I never got to make the transition from little girl to young woman … and that really screws you up.”

Her addiction became so prominent in her life that, on more than one occasion, it nearly killed her. She overcame her addiction after checking into rehab. 

Our friend, Jennifer Jacobs, who worked with Natalie Cole on several of her music tours, shares her memories of working with this extraordinary woman on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele.

After becoming sober, Natalie Cole returned in the 1990s with “Unforgettable… with Love”, featuring renditions of songs previously sung by her father. 

When Natalie Cole began her career, she admitted she was determined not to capitalize on her father’s name and wanted to forge her separate identity. In an interview, she said, “My father led by example. He wasn’t much of a talker—he walked life.” For many years, she also found the prospect of recording her late father’s songs too painful on a personal level. But overcoming her fears certainly paid off. 

The album’s breakout single, “Unforgettable,” features a track dubbed over a previous Nat King Cole recording to create a father-daughter duet. The album sold over 11 million copies and garnered several honors, including seven Grammys, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

One of my other favorite moments from Natalie Cole’s career is when you replaced Whitney Houston at the Oscars and performed “Run To You” and “I Have Nothing” from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 

In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a disease of the liver. She received a kidney transplant after her kidneys began to fail. 

I just wanted to say a big thank you for checking out my Women & Music series for Women’s History Month. I had a blast creating artwork for each of my favorite performers and learning more about their amazing lives. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did creating it!

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 a Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

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.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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How Many Albums Did Luther Vandross Sell?

According to the Insider.Com‘s List of the 20 R&B artists who have sold the most albums, Luther Vandross placed seventh. He has sold 27 million albums.

With thirteen studio albums, seventeen compilation albums, and fifty-nine singles to his credit, he has outsold Mary J. Blige, Prince, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Usher, and Stevie Wonder, among others.

Luther’s biggest-selling album, Give Me The Reason, was released in 1986 and sold over 2,600,000 copies.

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast features Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers and music from Luther’s Give Me The Reason album.

By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album, Give Me the Reason, in 1986, he’d become one of the most successful soul singers of the first half of the eighties. His four previous albums have been either certified platinum or double-platinum in America.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album, Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks, including the hits So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.

The top three R&B artists by record sales are #1. Michael Jackson, #2. Mariah Carey, and #3.  Whitney Houston.

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Divabetic Remembers Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams was a rhythm and blues singer and later an actress who had hits in the 1980s with Bitten Twice Shy and Sweet, Sweet Love. From upbeat songs to passionate ballads, her music is part of the soundtrack of our lives.

The 80’s diva known for her powerful voice was found dead in her California hotel room in 2011. She was 53.

Our favorite is the torch song Congratulations, in which she emotionally bids goodbye to her former lover, who is about to marry someone else, on his wedding day. (“I thought it would have been me/Standin’ here with you.”) The video is pure camp, but we love it anyway.

Vesta Williams’s initial success in the music industry came as a background singer for Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Sting. She released her first album, Vesta, in 1986.

“There’s some good swinging energy from side to side, and strong melodies brought by the enjoyable vocals,” states an album review on Rate Your Music website.

Her album, Vesta 4 U, received outstanding reviews. One Amazon fan wrote, “this is the best and most popular CD from one of the most underrated vocalists of our time, the late great Vesta Williams. Her voice is so commanding, and the songs like the soulful Sweet Sweet Love and her signature Congratulations are classic! It was so great to have a big talent grace us on Earth.”

In the 1990s, Williams made headlines for her dramatic weight loss. She started to gain weight when her singing career began to falter rapidly. Williams, who was 5-foot-3, eventually reached a size 26.

She blamed her size for losing her recording contract in the mid-90s. “When I lost my record deal, and my phone wasn’t ringing, I realized that I had to reassess who Vesta was and figure out what was going wrong,” she said. “I knew it wasn’t my singing ability. So it had to be that I was expendable because I didn’t have the right look.”

Vesta began her weight loss journey with a gym session with her trainer. Rumor has it that they were romantically involved.  Love can do many things, including inspire someone to become more active.  Vesta did sit-ups, treadmill runs, calisthenics, and Stair Master for two and a half hours daily. Furthermore, she ran down a steep set of steps at a beach in Santa Monica, regulating her meal intake and eating healthy while working out. The singer lost 100 pounds, armored with a new attitude, she started a second career as a songwriter and session singer.

Vesta Williams also became an advocate for the prevention of childhood obesity and diabetes.

Family friend and singer Norwood Young confirmed with the family that she passed away due to complications of an enlarged heart.

Young said, “Although it’s a sad situation overall, we learn from Vesta’s death. Vesta did indeed die from an enlarged heart. As we know, an enlarged heart can remain undetected in the body for many years.”

An enlarged heart can be caused by conditions that cause your heart to pump harder than usual or that damage your heart muscle. Sometimes, the heart enlarges and weakens for unknown reasons (idiopathic). A heart condition you’re born with (congenital), damage from a heart attack, or an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) can cause your heart to enlarge. Other conditions associated with an enlarged heart include:

High blood pressure. ‘Your heart is working overtime all the time’ is how Patricia Addie-Gentle CDCES describes high blood pressure.  Unmanaged high blood pressure can lead to a poor quality of life or even a deadly heart attack or stroke. Treatment and lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

Divabetic remembers Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast, Tribute to Luther Vandross, celebrating his career during the 1990’s. 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.

The happy healthcare host, 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, Luther’s niece, Seveda Williams, friends Darren Margo and Dave 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.

Divabetic, inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey, revisits the singer’s career in the decade of hair scrunchies, boy bands, grunge, and rave parties. This Luther tribute remembers the moments, the music, the man, and the motivation to ensure that no one struggles with diabetes alone or in silence. Keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring. Visit: www.divabetic.org

 

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Rosie O’Donnell Talks About PreDiabetes, Type 2 Diabetes & Weight Loss Medications

“Food noise has been running my life, and I didn’t even know it until I took Mounjaro,” said Rosie O’Donnell on the Plus SideZ podcast.

Mounjaro is the brand name for Tirzepatide an injectable prescription drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The drug is prescribed along with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar levels. Like most drugs, Mounjaro may cause mild or severe side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, belly and body aches, and pain.

Rosie O’Donnell and my boss, Luther Vandross, were friends on and off-camera. They suffered the same issues related to body image, yo-yo dieting, living with type 2 diabetes, and food and sugar addiction.

I appreciate her honesty and straightforwardness in sharing her experience and mindset in this interview. She managed to find the right words to express her struggle with food addiction in a way that’s clear, concise, and easy to understand.

“My life was out of control without it (Mounjaro),” says Rosie on the podcast. “I do believe I was addicted to food, I was addicted to sugar, and I could not shake it.”

Rose O’Donnell opens up on the podcast about ignoring her Prediabetes diagnosis, living with Type 2 Diabetes, getting a gastric sleeve surgery (2013), having a heart attack (2012), ongoing weight issues, and how weight loss medications changed her life.

“[My doctor] says to me, ‘I don’t care if you lose more (weight). It’s about your numbers for your A1C’ and your something else. But they’re going down, and that’s a good sign. So I don’t want to lose it too fast anyway because it freaks me out,” she told Newsweek.

Additionally, Rosie hired a chef to make her calorie and protein-appropriate meals.

Since taking the medication, Rosie has lost over thirty pounds and hasn’t experienced any side effects. She says she hasn’t gained weight since using the medication – that’s a big deal for her.  She’s happy about losing weight slowly because, in the past, she’s been plagued by unwanted attention related to weight loss. It’s sabotaged her efforts to maintain and sustain weight loss.

Rosie feels the biggest benefit of the drug has been eliminating “food noise.” Food noise refers to the constant thoughts or recurring ruminations about food which could contribute to overeating and thus living with overweight and obesity.  I’d never heard this term before listening to Rosie’s interview, but it perfectly captures a person’s mindset about food addiction.

I wish these types of drugs and sensitive and respectful talk about food addiction were around when Luther was alive. I witnessed him struggle unsuccessfully to conquer his food addiction and then suffer from complications related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes because of it.

I discuss Luther’s ongoing struggle with food addiction and yo-yo dieting on this Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Guests include Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers.  By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio to record his fifth album Give Me the Reason, in 1986, he had lost considerable weight. Sadly, he regained weight as he began to tour for the album.

To her amazement, Rosie O’Donnell has found that she is no longer interested in snacks – not even cookies using the drug. “I’m free from food,” Rosie declared on the podcast.

Clinical trials studying Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss found the following results: Participants lost an average of 12-22% of their body weight over about 68 weeks when using the highest doses of Mounjaro (10-15 mg) along with diet and exercise.

Eli Lilly’s research found that around half of the participants in their study, who were both obese and had diabetes lost around 15 percent of their body weight while taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro.

Rosie is advocating affordably to help make this LIFE-CHANGING medication accessible to countless individuals whose lives have been transformed by its effectiveness over the last year.

Take this 1-minute test to find out your risk for prediabetes. Now is the time to take action. The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Working with a trained coach teaches you to eat healthy, add physical activity, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. Click HERE to learn more.

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Love Won’t Let Me Wait If You’re Having Stroke

Luther Vandross’s song, Love Won’t Let Me Wait, is my call to action to encourage you not to wait if you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Luther’s lovely rendition of Love Won’t Let Me Wait appears on his Any Love album featuring a classic blend of Vandross romance and melancholy.
 
Sadly, twenty years ago this April, I found Luther after he suffered a stroke due to mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.
How does diabetes cause stroke?
Mismanaged diabetes causes glucose (sugar) to build up in your blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels, increasing the chance of stroke. High blood sugar levels can: Make blood vessels become stiff.
High blood pressure can also cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke.
A person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute they don’t receive medical treatment during a stroke, so getting to the hospital early can be a lifesaver.
Unfortunately, there were several hours between when he had the stroke, and I arrived to rush him to the hospital. I think the time lapse is why Luther’s stroke was so debilitating.

At the time, I didn’t know the link between mismanaged diabetes and stroke. Nor did I understand the importance of acting quickly. Today, I do, so I’d like to remind you that some critical stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

My friend, Catherine, who suffered a stroke on the morning of Divabetic’s last ‘Divabetic- Makeover Your Diabetes’ program, acted quickly and received tPA, the “Clot Buster” drug. Her recovery is a testament to why you don’t want to wait. I’m happy that Catherine is living her best life because of it.

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, remember this F.A.S.T. test:

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!

If you love listening to Luther’s voice, let his life inspire you to act quickly to help yourself or others experiencing a stroke. His sax-fueled cover of Love Won’t Let Me Wait is all the inspiration I need to help someone regain their health after a stroke.
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Ruben Studdard Looks Fantastic! 

Ruben Studdard looks fantastic!

In a 2020 episode of the TV Show, Biggest Loser, former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, 35, received some startling news about his health. Dr. Robert Huizenga diagnosed the singer with type 2 diabetes.

According to the show’s medical expert, Studdard’s insulin level, average blood sugar and instantaneous blood sugar levels were high across the board.

“I AM AFRAID,” the Velvet Teddy Bear replied. “I have seen a lot of lives cut short because of health issues.

It’s easy to assume he could be referring to Luther Vandross, who suffered a stroke at age 52 and died at age 54 due to the mismanagement of type 2 diabetes.

Luther had over fifty people supporting him with his music, but he chose to go it alone when managing his diabetes. One thing I have learned over the past twenty years is that for people with diabetes, a team approach to managing their health is ideal. From supportive healthcare collaborators to nonjudgmental co-workers, a team approach offers you the support you need when the daily grind of self-care burns you out.

Many people ignore or don’t treat their with type 2 diabetes, choosing to believe their diagnosis isn’t that serious.  Too many doctors suggest losing weight is the easiest way to solve their problems. But what if it isn’t?

I watched my boss, Luther Vandross, struggle with his weight for over a decade. He lost and gained a hundred pounds multiple times while I worked for him. Whenever we thought he had found a way to maintain his weight loss, something would trigger weight gain.

Unfortunately, mismanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating health consequences such as stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and blindness.

Research has shown that people who lack proper diabetes self-care education are more likely to be affected by complications of mismanaged diabetes. Diabetes is a complex and challenging disease that requires daily self-management decisions made by the person with diabetes. The emotional toll of living with diabetes can also take its toll on someone’s ability to manage their care.
Anxiety—feelings of worry, fear, or being on edge—is how your mind and body react to stress. People with diabetes are 20% more likely than those without diabetes to have anxiety at some point. Managing a long-term condition like diabetes is a source of anxiety for some. If you suffer from anxiety, please seek professional help.  Talking to others about how you feel helps relieve some of the stress and overcome feeling overwhelmed. 
Most of us take our health for granted. We leave our houses without eating. We sit for hours in a chair without getting up.  We think we’re hungry when we’re thirsty. We don’t listen to our bodies. Sadly, most people don’t adopt health habits until diagnosed with a chronic condition.
Awareness of your blood sugar levels, what you eat, and when you eat can be exhausting. Many people push back on being aware of everything in their bodies.

“I’ve worked since I was 11-years-old to be a professional singer,” says Ruben Studdard. “That’s all I ever wanted to do.” He confessed to being on the show because he knows it’s time to focus on his health.

“I most definitely want to be around for a long time,” said Ruben Studdard. “This has really, like, given me a second chance.”

Divabetic remembers Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) with this special podcast, Tribute to Luther Vandross, celebrating his career during the 1990’s. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style influenced a generation of today’s vocalists. His distinctive brand of satin-smooth vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people today.

The happy healthcare host, 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.

Divabetic, the organization inspired by Luther’s diabetes journey, revisits the singer’s career in the decade of hair scrunchies, boy bands, grunge, and rave parties. This Luther tribute remembers the moments, the music and the man, and the motivation to ensure that no one struggles with diabetes alone or in silence. Keep ‘your house a home’ and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications from occurring. Visit: www.divabetic.org

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Luther Vandross ‘Live at Radio City Music Hall 2003’ 20th Anniversary Edition Announced

I was there when Luther Vandross recorded his first and only live album at Radio City Music Hall in 2003. It’s a bittersweet memory because it was also Luther’s last live performance. Unfortunately, in April 2003, Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. His Radio City concerts would be his last, and he was at the peak of his powers during these shows. Thankfully, the newly-restored concert recording captures Luther’s masterful showmanship, soulful singing, and deep connection to his audience. Luther’s live concerts were indeed a spectacle. Great music, vocals, lavish costumes, and staging ensured concertgoers got their money’s worth.

J  Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, are pleased to announce the deluxe digital release of Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 – Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition – The Last Concert on Friday, February 10.

A romantic prelude to Valentine’s Day 2023, Luther’s Radio City rendition of “I’d Rather” [the second #1 Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart-topper from 2001’s Top 10 platinum-selling eponymous album] is being released as a single accompanied by an elegant new lyric video [the first-ever created for the song] premiering online today.

Luther Vandross–the award-winning American singer, songwriter, producer, and performer whose exquisite tenor vocals combined elements of R&B, pop, soul, and indefinable magic while selling millions of records–performed two sold-out shows at New York’s fabled Radio City Music Hall on February 11 and 12, 2003. These shows were part of an annual tradition of performing at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day.

At these shows, superstar stylist June Ambrose helped me to borrow Harry Winston jewels for Luther and his backing vocalists to wear on stage. The sparkle of real diamonds added to the elegance and excitement of the evening.

J Records released Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003, an eleven-song edited version of the concert, on October 14, 2003. On the 20th anniversary of Luther’s final shows, J/Legacy are releasing an expanded edition featuring the full concert, with the setlist restored to original concert order and Luther’s on-stage banter providing insight into his personality, sense of humor and commitment to his audience and his songs.

The expanded 20th-anniversary edition of Luther Vandross – Live Radio City 2003 includes the eleven songs from the original release as well as four new tracks–“Power of Love/Love Power,” “Going Out of My Head,” “Any Day Now,” and “Say It Now”–and more.

Luther Vandross – Live Radio City Music Hall 2003 – Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition – The Last Concert
1. Power of Love / Love Power [new track]
2. Happy Valentine’s Day [spoken word]
3. Never Too Much
4. Work It/ Here and Now [spoken word]
5. Here And Now
6. Going Out Of My Head [new track]
7. Stop To Love
8. Love Won’t Let Me Wait
9. Any Day Now [new track]
10. A House Is Not A Home
11. I’d Rather
12. Take You Out
13. Say It Now [new track]
14. Superstar
15. Band Introduction [spoken word and music including :30 seconds of “I Believe”]
16. Intro to “Glow Of Love” [spoken word]
17. Glow Of Love
18. Encore [spoken word]
19. If Only For One Night
20. Creepin’

Luther Vandross ‘Live at Radio City Music Hall 2003’ 20th Anniversary Edition album is available now for preorder on iTunes. Release date February 10, 2023.

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Divabetic Supports Word Obesity Day on March 4, 2022

I witnessed how SHAME and BLAME associated with SIZE can break a person’s spirit can cause harm. Divabetic is proud to support World Obesity Day on March 4, 2022. The goal of World Obesity Day is to stimulate and support practical actions that will help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reverse the global obesity crisis

My former boss, Luther Vandross‘s weight struggles seemed to sour each and every career success.

In April 2003, I found my boss, Luther Vandross, on his apartment floor after he suffered a stroke. I knew Luther was living with type 2 diabetes but never discussed it past refilling his medications. Looking back, I think that was a mistake. I feel the frustration, anger surrounding his size lit the match that sparked the mismanagement of his type 2 diabetes which lead to his devastating stroke and early death at the age of 54.
Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast talks about Luther’s ongoing weight issues and his history of yo-yo dieting.  By the time Luther Vandross headed to the studio for a photoshoot for his fifth album Give Me the Reason in 1986, he lost a considerable amount of weight. Unfortunately, he was unable to maintain his weight loss when he went on tour to support the album. Radio DJ’s often commented on whether or not ‘Big Luther’ sounded better than ‘Thin Luther’. His weight struggles were a topic of public opinion.  Throughout the podcast, we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.

For the past 19 years, I have dedicated myself to being a diabetes advocate. I founded the diabetes nonprofit, Divabetic (the ‘V’ stands for Vandross) at Divabetic.Org.  We aim to inspire others living with, at-risk, and affected by diabetes ‘keep their house a home’ by learning how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke. Managing diabetes is not easy. It’s a daily grind that relies on a team effort. Luther had about fifty people on tour supporting him with his music. Still, he chose to go it alone when managing his diabetes. I will be forever haunted by the experience of finding such a strong, kind, powerful, immensely talented man taken down by the mismanagement of diabetes.
Luther
This picture was taken at the auction we held after Luther’s passing in 2005. Looking back, I was shellshocked from Luther’s unexpected stroke and passing. It was devastating. So many of his fans blamed me as well as everyone who worked for Luther for his death. They thought we should have been able to intervene and prevent his stroke from happening. At the time, I didn’t realize that the mismanagement of diabetes could strike down one of the most powerful men I knew. My lingering regret has fueled my passion for diabetes advocacy. Please ‘keep your house a home’ and take time to learn how to prevent a diabetes health-related complication such as stroke.
Please visit Divabetic.Org and/or like Divabetic on Facebook. Your support keeps Luther’s memory and music alive!

This wonderful advocate, Patty Nece, JD, talks about her experiences with being stereotyped and shamed because of her weight during an important medical appointment.

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