New York Street Scene: F.E. Castleberry’s Boutique

On my way to Joe’s salon, Hale Organic, I stumbled upon Frederick Castleberry’s bespoke suit boutique.

New York City offers so many wonderful ways to glamorize good health. Creating your style can empower you to stay on track with your diabetes self-care. Dressing up, showing up, and not giving up are mottos for many women who have faced unexpectedly high and low blood sugars.

The boutique’s pink walls covered in fantastic art looked like a jewel box store, and the sparkle of the jewel-stoned animal lapel pins caught my eye. Nordic Knots described his sense of style as blurring the lines between opulence and playfulness with his bold use of color and mishmash of references and muses, from Jacques Costeau to Pablo Picasso. I was in awe of his eclectic sense of style.

I met Frederick when I walked in, and he introduced himself. He told me how he worked at Ralph Lauren before striking out on his own and appeared on the HBO Max reality show “Stylish with Jenna Lyons.”

We had a great chat about his inspiration for fashion and design, and I saw the similarities between one of his main inspirations, Wes Anderson’s “Royal Tenenbaums,” and his brand.

Frederick’s great sense of humor aligns with his F.E. Castleberry brand’s motto — “The better you dress, the worse you can behave.” His custom-made menswear collection retails for thousands of dollars, along with $550 handmade English loafers, and he has 80,000 followers on social media.

On his website, Frederick emphasizes the importance of shoes for men: “Nothing a man wears is more important than his shoes.” He traveled to Northamptonshire, England, to make his signature footwear.

“The county has been handcrafting Goodyear welted shoes to exacting standards since 1880… The perfect place to try something new, the old-fashioned way.”

As I left the boutique, I couldn’t help but think that Frederick’s designs are truly one-of-a-kind and worth every penny.

If you have a blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes. If your blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL or higher, you may have diabetes. An unhealthy blood glucose level on a non-fasting test is above 140 mg/dL.

You can either ignore it or choose to make some changes. Consult with your healthcare collaborators about what you can do to reach your goals. Prediabetes is a signal that changes are needed to avoid the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much celebration featuring a Panel discussion, Fashion Show, Luther Games, Live Performances, and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage. He wore Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of wearing bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and/or fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the glitz and glamour that made his concerts more memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

PANEL: How the Magic on Stage happened! Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell help us get a closer look at the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, and Bold Makeup to the Graceful Moves and Tight Harmonies. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by the romance and elegance of Luther Vandross. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, and more! Hosted by

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

Kevin James Jokes About Prediabetes

Kevin James talks about the confusion and prevalence of a PreDiabetes diagnosis in this comedy routine.

Approximately 98 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it.

While his routine is funny, it’s also misleading. His approach to brushing it off is problematic because prediabetes is a chance to reset and take action. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Letting it slide, a Prediabetes diagnosis will eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. With equal amounts of regret and self-judgment on top of this new diagnosis, no one is setting themselves up for a ‘win.’

Join a National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program for more guidance and support. This program teaches you how to make gradual lifestyle changes that increase your chances of reversing prediabetes. You’ll have access to professional advice and a community of others on a similar journey to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. You can joke all you want as you work to achieve optimum health!

Gospel Singer Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health.

One positive side effect of Kevin’s comedy routine is that Kelly Clarkson revealed her Prediabetes diagnosis sparked her weight loss journey. The TV show host turned her health around by walking, eating a healthy mix of foods, and not depriving herself of an occasional treat.

Not everyone can indulge in a treat. My friend, health guru Kathie Dolgin, known as ‘High Voltage,’ can’t stop eating sugar once she has it. High Voltage chooses not to eat added sugar. She doesn’t believe in deprivation, so she’s found ways to satisfy her sweet tooth with natural sugars and alternatives. High Voltage joins me on this podcast!

Dr. Stephen Bracci & special guest Kath Dolgin discuss the standard American diet.

Pop Goes Country, and I Love It!!

Billboard Magazine posted an article about Pop Goes Country on the heels of Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs’ epic ‘Fast Car’ duet that symbolized how music bridges cultures and unifies us.

Sadly, at a moment when we feel hope that people can set aside their differences and come together, there are people to keep us apart.

I was upset hearing about a Country Radio station refusing to play Beyoncé’s new song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” They should be thrilled that this incredibly talented songwriter, producer, and singer is creating music for their audiences.

I’ve heard the song, and I love it!

What’s so surprising about Beyoncé making country music? She’s from Texas! And she’s not the first musician to create music for multiple radio formats. 

According to the story, Lionel Richie’s hit “Stuck on You” topped the Adult Contemporary chart but also reached No. 24 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 1984. By the way, on a Michael Jackson World Tour, I had one of the most romantic nights of my life singing this song at a Karaoke Bar in South Korea.

Lionel In 2012, Richie (who was also the sole writer on the Kenny Rogers hit “Lady”) released the album Tuskegee, reworking several of his own hits as collaborations with a slew of country artists. 


I am someone who grew up on R&B radio. I’ve endured a lot of nasty nicknames over my lifetime for my love of Soul Music.  One Christmas, I remember Santa brought my brother, Bob, a “Supertramp” album, and I received the original soundtrack to “The Wiz.”

The memory still makes me laugh. I can’t explain why or how this music appeals to me. 
Thankfully, people’s taunts and awful name-calling didn’t stop me from pursuing my dreams. I feel fortunate to have worked with talented entertainers like Luther Vandross (who wrote the song “A Brand New Day” for the Wiz), Lionel Richie, and Maxwell. I’ve also written songs with some very talented songwriters, producers, and vocalists, including Ivan Hampden Jr., Cindy Mizelle, Paulette McWilliams, and Crystal Penny.

Back in the 90’s, I wrote the lyrics to a dance song, “That Man Of Mine”, that made on the Billboard Dance Charts.

One of my songs, “Mama’s Kitchen Table,” landed on the UK Soul Chart.

Another one of my songs, “Standards,” made it to #2 on the BCfm Soul Chart last Summer. This song is about how my love of popular ballads from the Quiet Storm radio format influenced my thoughts and attitudes about love.

I want to hold on to the feeling I had watching Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs perform. I know plenty of us in the world believe we can all get along. 

FANDROSS: The Joy Of A Luther Christmas

Enjoy the FANDROSS: The Joy of a Luther Christmas Special on YouTube. Luther’s friends and fans treat you to some of his most cherished Christmas songs, entertaining you through their beautiful interpretations.

This fantastic holiday special, available on-demand to see, features his former vocalists and collaborators, Lisa Fischer, Pat Lacy Aikens, Kevin Owens, and Terry Steele; his former assistant, Max Szadek; performances from friends and FAN greetings from around the globe, this will warm your heart, celebrate the season and remind you why Luther was a master singer and songwriter.

Don’t Miss Divabetic’s Gift Guide

This November, we’re sharing gift ideas to help you live life to the fullest in Divabetic’s Gift Guide.

Gift-giving can be stressful, especially when you’re shopping for someone’s wellness and are committed to finding the perfect present. We’ve rounded up our favorites from practical to “just because” for 2023 with exclusive discounts for you to enjoy. You’ll find many options we hope to infuse a little bit of joy or ease into your daily diabetes life. We sourced gift ideas from our community members, including people living with diabetes and professionals who work with people with type 1, type 2, and prediabetes.

Let us know what you think of our suggestions, and feel free to email me with your favorites, too —after all, you’re the expert on what will put a smile on your loved one’s face.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter today!

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, hosts this free culinary diabetes program with Stacey Harris, The Diabetic Pastry Chef on November 30, 2023 at 3 PM, EST. 

During this fun-filled Baking Party on Zoom, The Diabetic Pastry Chef prepares a holiday Sugar-Free Dessert recipe, demonstrates her favorite kitchen tools, and shares expert baking tips for substituting sugar substitutes and alternative flours in recipes.

Win a Splenda Baking Kit! Plus, gifts courtesy of Best-Selling Author Tonya Kappes’s Camper Cozy Mystery and Peak 10 Skin‘s Save My Sole Foot Rescue Cream during Mr. Divabetic’s random drawings. You must be present at our Baking Party to enter our gift drawings to win.

Celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month with us. Over 150 people have participated in our past Divabetic Baking Parties on Zoom, so don’t miss out!

REGISTER NOW

The Holidays are full of surprises— especially after Mr. Divabetic gets a new job as the pastry chef at the St. Nicholas Nursing Home nestled in a cozy Christmas Village. But adjusting to life in a Christmas Village is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous resident, a real-life Ebenezer Scrooge,  named Mr. Pincher almost dies——shortly after eating one of Max’s peanut butter swirl brownies. Despite all of the ingredients for danger, Mr. Divabetic along with our team of amateur sleuths and his overly protective mother — set out to find the real culprit in the hopes that his name isn’t on a lethal naughty list.

Our story was inspired by Kevin Houdeshell’s tragic true-life story. Thanks to the Houdeshell family for their advocacy efforts on behalf of the Emergency Insulin Act of 2019 and the emergency prescription refill legislation. Known as Kevin’s or Howdy’s Law, it allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of a chronic maintenance medication if the doctor cannot be reached – a common-sense act that could save a life.

Starring Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, USA Best Selling Author Tonya Kappes, Mama Rose Marie, Patricia Addie Gentle, Terri Seidman, MaryAnn Nicolay, Trisha Artman, Catherine Schuller, Chef Robert Lewis, Seveda Williams, and Wendy Radford. Special thanks to the Houdeshell family, and Pharmacist Mandy Reece. Original music by Ivan Hampden Jr., Celine Dion’s vocals courtesy of SONY Music. Produced by Leisa Chester Weir.

In the spirit of Scrooge’s awakening at the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we encourage you to honor Christmas in your heart by living in the Past, The Present, and the Future. Try to embrace the Spirits of all Three and the lessons that they teach.

Have You Seen Invisible Beauty?

Earlier this week, I saw the new documentary, Invisible Beauty, spotlighting Fashion revolutionary Bethann Hardison.

Co-directed by Frédéric Tcheng (DIOR AND I, HALSTON), the film explores the life and career of the legendary model, entrepreneur, and activist.

It’s equal parts memoir, with Bethann musing about her life choices in her various beautiful homes and historical testimony of the prolific racism in the fashion industry.
Bethann Hardison is uniquely qualified to take on racism in the fashion industry as a 70’s top black model. She admits she was the first “black, black” model who shared the catwalk with many women of color. When she stopped modeling to start her modeling agency, she prioritized hiring a diverse talent pool. She succeeded in creating supermodels that didn’t fit the prominent blonde and white cookie-cutter image. Two of her biggest finds were Veronica Webb and Tyson Beckford. Sadly, after she closed her agency, the whitewashing of the runways and advertising campaigns began.
The documentary argues that the trend of heroin-chic, white female models proliferating the runways and advertising campaigns was due to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The tidal wave of Russian beauties erased everything Bethann strived for – more inclusion.
The actual footage from runways during this time is alarming. There is no way anyone can deny the suppression of models of color after watching a parade of lookalike young, x-ray-thin white women on every runway.

How did Bethann address Racism?

She organized. Her brilliance is displayed as she gathers thought leaders and stakeholders in the fashion industry to start a dialogue. She smartly deflects anger, frustration, and short tempers to keep people focused on the goal.  She provokes conversations in every sector of the industry. She expertly switches from being a nurturing, motherly presence in the lives of young models to a powerful activist on talk shows and media outlets.

The documentary makes a point to show that racism is cyclical. Every time Bethann succeeds, a few short years later, her work is virtually erased—two steps forward and three steps back. But somehow, she knows this and can calm the others as she seeks to unify and move forward again. It’s fascinating to watch her turn her thoughts and words into action. She is so clear in her message that her various supporters, including Naomi Campbell and Iman, never waiver in describing her purpose.

The documentary is too long. The last thirty minutes are painful. I kept wanting it to end repeatedly, but Bethann rattled on and on about death.  Afterward, I told my friend I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see her cough; I stopped listening. The good news is she’s still alive and kicking.
The bad news is when it comes to motherhood, she’s right up there with Joan Crawford on the Wall of Fame. She’s elusive when discussing her strained relationship with her son. But clearly, her son bears the scars from his upbringing.
Whether or not she finishes her memoir is never addressed either. Repeatedly, she is seen on screen staring at a blank page, talking to her therapist and psychic about her writer’s block, and meeting with her editor. But we never find out what happens is a misstep.

New York Fashion Icon Evetta Petty, the owner and designer of the New York City Hat Boutique Harlem’s Heaven, shares how she stays on track with type 2 diabetes while running a successful small fashion business.
We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel MagnoliasSoul FoodMad MoneyThe Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common on this Divabetic podcast.

How realistic are portrayals of living with diabetes on screen?

How accurate is information about diabetes and diabetes self-care?  And how do we feel after viewing them?  With all the emotional and physical complications comes drama, making characters with the condition a good plot point on the silver screen.

Guests include Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Glucose SOS founder Pamela Heyward, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, Kent Gash, Jessica Clark and Muniq Gut Health Shakes Founder Marc Washington.

This podcast features music from the album ‘Score’ by 2Cellos courtesy of SONY Music.

Divabetic’s monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their healthcare providers, a translator of clinical speak, and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence.

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with diabetes and its related complications.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

Karyn White Spreads Joy At City Winery

Last night, I saw Karyn White at City Winery in New York.

For those too young to remember, there was a moment in the late 80s when Karyn White was right up there with the best of Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, and Miki Howard. She became the first female artist to have her first three solo releases hit #1.

Her iconic R&B singles: “Superwoman,” “Secret Rendezvous,” “The Way You Love Me,”  and the Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Romantic” are part of the soundtrack of my life.

I was looking forward to the concert, but I was a bit hesitant. Karyn White disappeared from the music industry as quickly as she arrived.

Her career took off like a rocket after signing to Warner Bros. Records, where she was paired with Babyface and LA Reid on her debut album. Karyn  White hit the jackpot.

Her platinum-selling debut made her a star right out of the gate, quickly becoming recognized as one of the best releases of the New Jack Swing era.

She worked with Jimmy Jam and future husband Terry Lewis on her sophomore album, Ritual of Love.

Sadly, lOL reports her absence from the industry was partly due to a terrible divorce from the love of her life and icon, Terry Lewis, and her mother’s death. On the upside, she started an acting career.

Back to seeing the show. I arrived at City Winery feeling a bit apprehensive. Recent lackluster Miki Howard and Regina Belle performances will do that to you.

However, I’m happy to say that from the moment Karyn White stepped on stage, she had me. She was so exuberant and enthusiastic about being in New York and performing. I couldn’t help but feel her joy even though I was sitting in the back row. Her voice was strong, vibrant, and full of emotion, And at 60, “The Queen of New Jack Swing” held her own with two much younger backup vocalists.  New Jack music isn’t kind to the knees of people over 50, but she turned it out.

I yelled, “YASS, QUEEN!”

I’d love to restructure her setlist, add a few cover songs, let go of her dancers and dress her in a fabulous gown.

If Karyn. White’s in town, I recommend going to see her!

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Look album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

Our musical inspiration, Kenneth Edmonds, known professionally as Babyface, has written over 250 top-10 R&B and pop hits, working with Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.

“The blessing of being able to write music and let the music speak for itself is you let the melodies and the lyrics and the groove talk to people instead of me talking to people,” says Babyface.

What makes Babyface so great? His ability to craft a song that touches our emotions captivates our ears and perfectly harmonizes every word. It’s a rare gift that not many people have in music.

“I would say that I’ve been lucky. Being blessed and not really ever giving up,” says Babyface.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your diabetes wellness journey! We’re looking forward to sharing more insight and advice on diabetes self-care from experts and peers, along with more great music in the next year!

Patti LaBelle’s New Attiude About Living With Diabetes

I coined the phrase “Divabetic” watching Patti Labelle on stage during a Luther  Vandross Tribute show in New York City in 2003. She said, “Diabetes doesn’t have me. I have diabetes.” Her bold, outspoken attitude about living with diabetes inspired me. I wish more people would adopt her approach and speak about living with diabetes. Informing your friends, co-workers, and family members about how to treat high and low blood sugar levels doesn’t just help you. It helps them, too.

Talking about diabetes isn’t always easy. But opening up could help you with coping with diabetes if you need it. If I had known more about my boss, Luther Vandross‘s type 2 diabetes, maybe I could have helped prevent his stroke from occurring.

Hopefully, Patti LaBelle’s iconic song, New Attitude, can inspire you to talk about your experience living with diabetes.

It can be hard to get started, or it’s just not the right moment. Maybe it’s easier to deal with your diabetes alone.

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.

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.

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’s story is an excellent reminder 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. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery. Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.

This excerpt is from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel singer Pat Lacy.

Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings. Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications, and support better health. Jill Weisenberger is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal Planning Crash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 Eating Guide, and a Stick With It Video Course. Gospel Singer

Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health. This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.

Click this link for the full Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes Turnaround podcast.

Divabetic Podcast Sound Bites: Jill Weisenberger

We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.

This excerpt is from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel singer Pat Lacy.

Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings. Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications, and support better health.

Jill Weisenberger is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, The Beginners’s Guide to What to Eat with Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal Planning Crash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 Eating Guide, and a Stick With It Video Course.

Gospel Singer Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health. This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.

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.