Luther Vandross Listening Party & More

We presented two back-to-back Luther Vandross events, live and virtual, this past April.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we presented the first-ever Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration at Thread Lounge in New York, NY.

Our goal was to spotlight the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances, including every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place. 

Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and their upkeep was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating! 

But, looking back, we can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt. 

It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.

This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller with Harlem’s Heaven Hats and Modafluer, DJ DAN.C.E, a vendor bazaar with True Serenity Teas, and an inspiring health and weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell.

The FANDROSS Luther Vandross Listening Party on Saturday, April 20th, spotlighted songs from the recently re-released first album, LUTHER.

Hosted by Luther’s former personal assistant, Max Szadek, we were joined by family, friends, and colleagues: Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Nat Adderley, Jr., and Carlos Alomar, plus trivia with Robin Clark, Kevin Owens, Michelle Cobbs, Lisa Fischer, and commentary from Luther historian, Leon Petrossian. Additionally, we had rare interviews with Luther Vandross, discussing the early years of his musical legacy.

All photos by Carol Seitz Photography.

Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown Guests On Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

“I’m a type 2 diabetic who lost his vision, ” says André “Doctor Dré” Brown, who guests on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.

Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.

Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007. Since that time, he has suffered many health setbacks, including an amputated toe, multiple leg injuries, 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.

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.

Regardless of his multiple diabetes health-related challenges, his attitude remains upbeat and inspiring.

“I’ve been going through a whole different resurgence in my life,” Dre said. “I stopped at one point, and now I’m doing this. Through the blessings of the late great Dick Gregory, I’ve worked through holistic doctors to change what goes in my body.”

Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

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 Love courtesy of SONY Music.

Please join us for Divabetic’s free Baking Party with  Stacey Harris aka ‘The Diabetic Pastry Chef’ on Thursday, September 23, 2021, 7-8 PM. Stacey will be sharing tips for how to cut back on the sugar in recipes, using sugar substitutes and alternative flours, and cutting back on the carbs without losing any flavor, and demonstrating one of her most popular Sugar-Free baking recipes.

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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.

Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown Guests On Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute Podcast

Diabetes Advocate, Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown,who came to prominence as co-host of Yo! MTV Raps, opens up about his experience living with type 2 diabetes on Divabetic’s upcoming Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6:30 -8 PM, EST.

TUNE IN

Doctor Dré (aka André Brown) has publicly battled type 2 diabetes and has been outspoken to his fans about his condition.

“I’m a type 2 diabetic who lost his vision.” 

Diabetic eye disease, caused by diabetes, is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss. Because of the high risk for eye disease, all people with type 2 diabetes should receive an annual dilated eye exam.

A 2019 Vision Source study of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that more than 50% had issues with their vision in the past year, and 34% did not go for a professional eye exam. The major barriers to having an annual eye exam included not thinking they needed one (33%), unsure of where to go (25%), lack of insurance, (22%) and expense (22%).

Comprehensive eye exams are key to overall wellness and preserving a high quality of life. In addition to evaluating vision, annual eye exams can detect serious health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, and even cancer.

Regardless of his diabetes health-related challenges, his attitude remains upbeat and inspiring.

“I’ve been going through a whole different resurgence in my life,” Dre said. “I stopped at one point, and now I’m doing this. Through the blessings of the late great Dick Gregory, I’ve worked through holistic doctors to change what goes in my body.”

Brown clarified that he’s not completely blind, and has undergone retina reattachment surgery. The resulting scar tissue causes his vision to fluctuate. As a result, he’s currently more focused on higher factors.

Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tibute Podcast

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 on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6:30 -8 PM, ESt.

Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr.,  Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, Michelle Cobbs, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.  Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, ‘The Night I Fell In Love’ courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN