Divabetic Salutes Cindy Mizelle

“I have mad respect for athletes and have penned a few songs with more to give all the way around,” says my friend, singer, and songwriter Cindy Mizelle.

Cindy Mizelle is the proud mother of three children. Her two sons are professional athletes. Devin Fuller, a wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons, and Jordan Fuller, a safety for the Carolina Panthers, have had distinguished careers in the NFL. 

Her incredible career includes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Seeger Sessions Band, Steely Dan, Billy Ocean, Whitney Houston, Dave Matthews, Duran Duran, Freddie Jackson,  Carly Simon, Alicia Keys, and Luther Vandross.

Cindy told Rolling Stone Magazine that growing up, she knew a singing career was in her future, “I just said, “I know how to do this.” I played the flute, too, and I knew scales. Everything was a musical thing for me. And once I found that power, I was like, “I’m going!”


I first met Cindy on Luther Vandross’s Never Let Me Go tour in 1993. Cindy toured and recorded with Luther Vandross for over twenty years. She admits working with Luther felt like family. “I loved everything about him. I could relax and be myself, and he was so supportive. When it came down to my kids, he got them their first shoes.”

Between gigs with Luther Vandross and the Rolling Stones, Cindy managed to squeeze the recording of her debut album, Cindy Mizelle, on Atlantic Records. My favorite tracks include the lead single, “I’ve Had Enough,” ” Smile, and “Back To Emotions.”

Through Cindy, I met the talented performer Katreese Barnes, who was the musical director for SNL and won an Emmy for ‘Dick In The Box.”  I styled Katreese for several shoots and co-produced her show, Rocket Man, featuring the music by Elton John. 

A few years later, in 1995, Cindy gave me the gift of a lifetime when she sang lead vocals on the dance song I co-wrote with Keith Haarmeyer, “That Man Of Mine.” The amazing Brenda White-King also performed backing vocals on the record. 

I’ll always remember the day we recorded the song in Keith’s one-bedroom apartment in New York City. After Cindy looked at the lyrics sheet, she asked me if I had a specific idea of how I’d like her to sing the lyrics. Then, to my astonishment, she said the chorus line five or six different ways, varying her tone and phrasing with each variation. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever witnessed. I still have goosebumps thinking about it. The power and control she has with her voice are incredible, too. 

I’m not Cindy’s only fan, either. Mariah Carey praises Cindy Mizelle in her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey: “To me, she was one of the absolute greatest. “Cindy Mizelle was the background singer. She sang with the most gifted vocalists of all time—Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and the Rolling Stones. She was a real singer’s singer. Cindy was that girl to me. I looked up to her so much.”

It was also a thrill for me to design costumes for The Lovely Ladies (Tawatha Agee, Brenda, and Cindy) when they were on tour with Dave Matthews Band. Most recently, my boyfriend Joe and I filmed Cindy for Nils Lofgren’s “Ain’t The Truth Enough” music video. 

Music is definitely part of her DNA. Cindy Mizelle is the cousin of the famous Mizell Brothers (they dropped the word “e” out of their name), who wrote songs for the Jackson 5 and A Taste of Honey. She’s also the cousin of the Ronettes!!! She told Rolling Stone magazine, “I looked them up and was like, “Oh, my gosh!” That was my motivation there. I’d play their records and figure out what they did. I started singing in the basement and in bands after that.”

She mentions how Ronnie Spector always supported her in her career. It’s truly a pleasure to spotlight this amazing woman whose heart is as big and beautiful as her voice. 

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.

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.

Remembering Luther Vandross

Today I’m thinking of my boss, Luther Vandross, on the anniversary of his passing.  Luther changed my life twice. First, he hired me to be his assistant, and then his stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, made me a diabetes advocate.

In 1995, he moved me from San Francisco (where I worked in Regional Theater) to New York City to become his full-time assistant.  It was two years after I worked on my first Luther tour, Never Let Me Go, in 1993.

It was a dream come true for a kid who loves soul music from Rochester, NY (I was a diehard WDKX listener) without professional connections. In 2003, I became his caregiver after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes which led me on a path as a diabetes advocate.

My lack of knowledge regarding my grandmother’s diabetes and self-care dismissed concerns I might have had that mismanaged diabetes could destroy someone’s quality of life and health until it was too late. Calling diabetes ‘a touch of sugar’ is like saying a Great White shark is a Goldfish.

Luther was a generous, kind, funny, and hugely talented man. But sadly, I witnessed him struggle with food addiction. In reflection, I feel Luther’s behavior was similar to other addicts. He was either sober, abstaining from carbohydrates, or using, binge eating. No one talks about food addiction as they discuss or glorify drug use. But in my opinion, Luther was wrestling with a monster just as powerful and seductive as cocaine. Unfortunately, he lost the battle. He felt trapped in his body, and it caused him physical, mental, and emotional heartache.

But that’s not the whole story. Luther was a complex, multi-dimensional man, just like a multi-dimensional artist who was a successful songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, and vocalist. On many of his biggest hits, he showcases all of these skills.

The first time I met him, the sheer magnitude of his talent blew me away. He embodied the American Dream to me. He never had a Plan B because he felt if he did, then he wouldn’t pursue his dream. His bravery has influenced my life decisions and given me the strength to pursue my dreams.

Every July 1st, I renew my desire to help those at risk, affected by, and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to delay or prevent a mismanaged diabetes complication such as stroke.

Enjoy Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast guests, including 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’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.

Luther Vandross’s fifth album, Give Me the Reason, comprised nine tracks, including the hits: So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason. We chose to spotlight this album because this is the first time Luther showcased his 100-pound weight loss on the album’s cover. He was not able to maintain or sustain the weight loss. Luther lost and gained at least a hundred pounds more than eight times while I worked for him. We’re discussing yo-yo dieting, self-love, and the power of positive talk can help you overcome feelings of failing or self-loathing related to body shape and size.

Today, I continue to present diabetes outreach with dazzle! Divabetic’s robust schedule includes newsletters, blog posts, virtual programs, and podcasts. I also work full-time for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Since Mr. Perlman, who has polio, uses a motorized scooter, I spend most days dealing with accessibility issues regarding air and ground travel and hotel accommodations. Mr. Perlman’s exuberance for life, humor and kindness, not to mention talent, make it all worthwhile. Although soul music and Rhythm and Blues will always be my first love, I’ve learned to appreciate classical music.

Itzhak Perlman is truly amazing! And yes, Mr. Perlman has listened to and enjoyed Luther’s music.

Over the past 20 years since Luther’s stroke, I have lost none of my passion for helping others at risk, affected by and living with avoid a similar fate to Luther’s. I am still keenly interested in eradicating the shame and blame associated with type 2 diabetes and elevating the conversation surrounding food addiction.

Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from Luther Vandross’s Give Me The Reason album courtesy of SONY Music.