Wow, Wow, Wow! I’m excited to be a guest on Richard Marzetti‘s upcoming Soul Life program on Solar Radio! I can’t wait to share my memories of working for Luther Vandross.
Growing up, I listened nonstop to Rochester, New York’s WDKX. Sometimes, I pinch myself when I realize I worked for one of R&B’s biggest stars. I owned every Luther album! To this day, it still seems unreal that a kid from Rochester would one day get the opportunity to work for Luther Vandross.
Amazingly, I started working on the Never Let Me Go tour thirty years ago.
Just so you know, I was a big Luther fan, just like the listeners of Solar Radio, before I began working for him. I’m really thankful to his fans for keeping Luther’s music legacy alive and for those new and old fans who strive to prevent mismanaged diabetes complications such as stroke from occurring by managing their diabetes daily to ‘keep their house a home.’
Being featured in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary is an honor, and I feel privileged to represent the hardworking, talented, caring, and supportive people who worked behind the scenes for Luther. Working on a tour in the wardrobe department for Luther was indeed the gold standard.
I’ve been hooked since my friend Mark Love introduced me to the UK’s Solar Radio a few years ago. Their fantastic mix of new and classic R&B, gospel, and dance music is incredible!
It’s been a joy to hear Richard Marzetti feature my music, Mama’s Kitchen Table by Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, and Standards by Crystal Penny on previous programs.
Sharing a new unreleased, hidden gem by Luther on this program (thanks to SONY Legacy) and a song by a good friend is just the cherry on top! I hope you can tune in on Friday!! I’ll post a link in the comments section.
Throughout the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several stunning historic theaters across the country. Some of my favorite theaters include the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, the Temple Theatre in Saginaw, the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara, and the Palace Theater in Waterbury. While many may not consider touring theaters when visiting cities, these venues offer a remarkable insight into entertainment history. Most of these theaters were constructed in the 1920s, initially serving as vaudeville houses before transitioning into movie theaters with Wurlitzer organs accompanying silent films and eventually returning to hosting live performances.
The Palace Theater, with its luxurious tomato-red velvet curtain, has hosted a myriad of iconic performers over the years, from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Jackie Gleason to Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.
In 1924, during a performance by magician Harry Houdini, a crew had to cut an 8-foot-wide hole in the stage floor for a trap door. The hole was later patched up. Unfortunately, when Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus visited, an elephant named Shirley fell through the patched hole from Houdini’s act several years earlier. Sadly, the management had to put the animal down as they could not rescue it. Shirley, the elephant, is now part of Palace Theater lore as one of the four friendly spirits that supposedly haunt the theater.
In contrast to today’s black box-style theaters designed to accommodate various stage productions, these historic theaters, with their gleaming neon marquees, elegant lobbies, gold detailing, crystal chandeliers, and Art Deco carvings, were solely intended to transport their audiences from the mundane of everyday life to a magical world. The sumptuous plushness of the velvet seats instantly makes you feel like you’re about to experience something extraordinary.
During the pandemic, people stopped attending live shows for health and financial reasons. Still, they continued to stream music, films, and TV in record numbers, proving that entertainment is a necessary commodity. Divabetic’s podcasts, virtual workshops, and YouTube videos also experienced an uptick. There was a prevailing notion that live theater was a luxury. If that notion still holds, creating elaborate, glamorous theater spaces that encourage people to dress up, celebrate, and experience the joys of life is truly invaluable.
Watching performances by Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva in these beautiful settings is a treasure.
We’re talking about movie characters with diabetes, including Steel Magnolias, Soul Food, Mad Money, The Baby-Sitter Club, and Nothing In Common. How realistic are these portrayals? 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.
Throughout this podcast, we will feature 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.
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.
Just wanted to share this amazing experience from Thursday night’s Soul Train Tribute to Luther Vandross at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.
We kicked off the free outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary with a Soul Train Dance Line, and it was genuinely heartwarming to see so many people, including those using mobility devices, participating with such an upbeat attitude and joyful spirit.
It’s reported that as high as 80% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations happen due to mismanaged diabetes. Regardless of how or why someone experiences a lower limb amputation, it can stop them from wanting to take care of themselves and their diabetes self-care in the future. Allowing these people to still participate in social events and gatherings could boost their morale.
Moments like these remind me of the incredible resilience and determination of people facing challenges. Witnessing someone joining the Soul Train Dance Line on her scooter made me smile and brought back many beautiful memories of our past events.
We can’t wait to return to more outreach events soon to spread positivity and help everyone glamorize good health!
Join me tonight for the free screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, live Luther Tribute performances by Keith Anthony Fluitt, and a Q&A Panel with Fonzi Thornton and Dawn Porter in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.
Knowing and working for such an incredible artist and caring man was an honor. It’s a privilege to appear in the documentary to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Seeing the trauma I experienced in my face on screen 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. Org
Sadly, I wasn’t able to help Luther initially after he suffered a stroke. Heed my advice: if you are someone you love who has experienced a stroke, don’t wait to seek help or try to sleep. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.
Act F.A.S.T. to help identify the early signs and symptoms of a stroke:
F: Is there drooping on one side of the face? Is the person unable to smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
A: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Is there weakness or numbness in an arm or leg?
S: Is the person’s speech slurred or garbled? Are they unable to speak at all? Do they need help understanding what you’re saying to them?
T: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately
If you’re a Luther fan, please, “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.
Thank you for the kind comments about my appearance in the documentary. Initially, I was apprehensive about appearing in the film. But as many of you know, I dedicated my life to diabetes outreach after Luther’s debilitating stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. The need to raise awareness for preventing a stroke or diabetes-related complication from occurring far outweighed my doubts or insecurities. The trauma I experienced from Luther’s health crisis will always be heavy on my heart. I hope sharing my story will empower you and your loved one to make time to manage your health.
Outside the Tribeca Film Festival screening of “Never Too Much” with Fonzi Thornton, James Ervin (Luther Vandross‘s choreographer, me, Catherine Schuller (Divabetic Image and Style Advisor, and Seveda Williams (Luther Vandross‘s niece).
Until now, I have refrained from discussing the documentary out of consideration for friends and colleagues who were not featured. I am grateful to have been included, but seeing myself on screen shattered any illusions that I resemble Brad Pitt (LOL).
Watching myself relive the experience on screen was difficult, but knowing the path I chose in response to it made me feel proud.
Many people have told me that my scenes brought tears to their eyes. I was able to speak openly and honestly about Luther’s health crisis because of my ongoing work with Divabetic and the members of the Divabetic community.
If I had continued to work in entertainment instead of diving headfirst into diabetes outreach after Luther’s stroke, I don’t think I could have revisited my experience in such a candid and vulnerable way. More importantly, I feel I delivered a powerful message on why making time to take care of yourself and your health is essential.
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.
“I needed to explore my talents and versatility and see if I had another side of me, another sound,” says Brandy Norwood.
Singer, songwriter, and actress Brandy Norwood is from McComb, Mississippi. Brandy received her first recording contract with Atlantic Records while she was still in 9th grade of high school. Soon, she also received a role on an ABC television sitcom, Thea. Although the show was canceled shortly after its premiere, Brandy took it as a good sign to focus on her priorities. She told Vogue, “It was a good thing, because I could do what I had to do, because I wanted to sing.”
Her song “I Wanna Be Down” from her debut album, “Brandy,” reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, staying there for four weeks in 1994. The album earned Brandy two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Brandy returned to acting in the UPN sitcom “Moesha.” The popular show ran for 6 seasons, and Brandy received an NAACP Image Award.Brandy released her second album, “Never Say Never,” featuring the duet, “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica. The song reached the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and won the Grammy for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. Brandy’s “Never Say Never” became the bestselling R&B album of 1998 in the United States and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.
Dubbed “The Vocal Bible,” Brandy’s body of work is filled with glorious vocal moments that many have attempted to duplicate. The way she harmonizes with herself has been compared to Enya and Janet Jackson in the intricate precision and speed. “In my life right now, in my music, and just overall I feel like I’m winning. It doesn’t matter what this person is saying or what the charts are saying or what award shows are saying, the public opinion doesn’t matter. I feel like I’m winning in my spirit.”
The song, “Have You Ever?” was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. According to Wikipedia, the recording of the song marked the first time Brandy “had been in the studio with a producer like David Foster”, she said in a 2005 interview. “My voice wasn’t as developed as it is now and the song required what producers call ‘money notes’ — the kind that get you a No. 1 on the charts! I was nervous but it all worked just fine.”
Her music and acting success allowed her to work with Whitney Houston on the TV movie Cinderella. Brandy said, “Whitney Houston is my idol and my mentor and my dream forever, like she will always be my favorite artist, ever, on the planet.”
The TV movie drew over 60 million viewers during its premiere on ABC in November 1997. In 1998, it earned an Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction.
Over the years, Brandy has also dealt with heartache and tragedy. Sadly, she was involved in a heavily publicized car accident in 2006.
“I went through a struggle, and I really needed to get myself together and connect with my purpose which is music.”
In April 2015, Norwood made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”
Most recently, Brandy announced her major label return after signing with Motown Records.
“It just feels like I’m no the right path musically and I’m in the right mindset to continue out my mission in the music because I’m not putting myself in a box.”
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 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.
Here’s a preview of one of the fashions that dazzled at our Luther Vandross “Never Too Much” Celebration on Wednesday, April 17, at Thread Lounge. Our celebration featured a music panel (with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and choreographer, James, Evin), live performances (by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Fiason), a fashion show (curated by Catherine Schuller), a beauty transformation and health testimonial (by Alicia Mitchell), a vendor bazaar (with True Serenity Teas) and DJ D.A.N.C.E.
The genius milliner and Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner, Evetta Petty, designed the fascinator from vinyl records. But not any records. She melted Luther’s ‘Give Me The Reason 12 ‘ vinyl, Dionne Warwick’s “House Is Not A Home” 45, and Aretha Franklin’s “Jump To It” 45 into a beautiful flower design.
Evetta, who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, was inspired by the exuberance of the Poppy Flower for this unique collection. Her hat designs are fierce! “The creative and artistic side of the business is definitely my strength, ” says Evetta.
Harlem’s Heaven designs have been featured in various newspapers and magazines, including Vogue, the New York Times, Crain’s NY, and the New York Daily News, and on Television, including Europe’s “Shop the World” fashion show with David Emanuel.
“We have a very wide range of styles from a classic fedora to a high fashion feather crown Runway style. I sell hats for everyone, for sun protection, for horse race enthusiasts, for church attire, and for when you just want to make a fashion statement,” adds Evetta.
We will share more photos from our Luther Vandross Music & Style celebration next week.
Evetta Petty partnered with us on Divabetic’s successful diabetes outreach program, Hat Boxing for NYC faith-based. communities. Participants would decorate plain hat boxes with motivational and empowering statements about diabetes self-care.
The Hat Boxing winner’s grand prize was a hat designed by Harlem Heaven’s Hat.
True Serenity Tea, LLC is excited to offer a special blend of black organic teas, peppermint, ginseng, and anise called “For The Love Of Luther” for the upcoming Luther Vandross Never Too Much Birthday celebration at THREAD Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel, New York on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
This unique blend is packaged beautifully, capturing the elegance and romance of Luther’s legendary concerts, making it a perfect gift for any occasion. Patty Callwood, the Owner/Founder and creator of this blend, says, “The same way Luther’s music touched my heart and soothed my soul is what I want this special blend of tea to do.”
Peppermint, anise, and ginseng are the chosen ingredients for the blend to capture the essence of Luther’s music. “Luther set the gold standard for male vocalists, and his voice was often compared to velvet. I wanted to capture those qualities for his fans with our packaging,” adds Patty.
The blend costs $15 and includes the Luther Tea, Disposable Tea Bags, and instructions on how to make the tea. Patty hopes Luther’s fans worldwide enjoy drinking this blend of tea and listening to his music as much as she does.
True Serenity Tea’s mission is to bring peace, calm, and balance to every cup, every day, by offering the finest, high-quality ingredients to craft teas that nourish the body and soul.
In addition to the “For The Love Of Luther” blend, True Serenity Teas will sell the Pina Colada and New York Bourbon teas for $10 a pouch in addition to the ” For The Love Of Luther ” blend. Remember, a cup of any True Serenity Tea is not just a beverage but a reminder to take care of yourself and to live a life filled with peace, happiness, and serenity.
Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style and Tea Vendors, and DJ DAN. C.E..
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, 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.
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, JM Designs, 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: Luther signature cocktails and delicious appetizers are available for purchase.
I’m thrilled to host FANDROSS’s upcoming Luther Birthday Listening Party on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 3 PM EST.
We will feature the music from the group Luther’s first album from 1976. There’s so much to learn and love. Join the fun as you hear how the group was formed, feel the emotional depths of the steamy lyrics, and share memorable moments from friends and musicians who worked on the album.
Enjoy an array of visuals, fun trivia questions, and colorful commentary from a super fan, and join in on spirited chat room conversation.
Through interview clips, our Honoree will fill us in on how his song “Everybody Rejoice “ made it into the Broadway musical ’The Wiz’ and his feelings about his remake of the song “The Second Time Around.”
This will be a befitting birthday toast to Luther. Come share in it!
