BEST OF 2024: Challenging myself to create an unconventional wedding dress with corrugated cardboard, magazines, newspaper, and Fed Ex envelopes for the Here and Now Fashion Show at the Luther Vandross Style & Music celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City in April 2024.
Luther Vandross’s song, Here and Now became a wedding song anthem for couples in the mid 80’s and 90s’.
Luther’s idol, Dionne Warwick played a role in her son, David Elliott and Terry Steele’s song, “Here & Now” landing in Luther’s hands.
“I was at the house of my Godmother (Dionne Warwick). Her son David and I were fooling around in the basement, playing music; and I asked him to listen to this song I had just written for my pastor’s daughter’s wedding, “said singer, songwriter Terry Steele.
“Davie heard it and said it would be really good if I put a little groove under it. Then Dionne, being the proud Momma, took it to Luther, and Luther liked it,” responds Terry Steele.
In 1985, Luther Vandross released the song, Here and Now his Greatest Hits album, The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love. Luther Vandross won his first Grammy for Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song.
Special thanks to Alicia Nelson, Verna Henry, Pam Lewis, and Joe Murray for their help in bringing my creation to life. Photography: Carol Seitz
I’m looking forward to hosting the Second Annual Luther Vandross: Music & Style Celebration at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York City.
CNN Films examines the captivating story of the iconic Luther Vandross as he paves his own course to become one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time in Luther: Never Too Much. From award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (CNN Films’ John Lewis: Good Trouble) and produced by Raindog Films and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films, the film will premiere on January 1, 2025 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.
One of the standout highlights of 2024 was undoubtedly the Luther: Music & Style Celebration held in April at the Rennaissance Hotel in New York. We were thrilled to have Luther Vandross’s talented choreographer, James Ervin, with us to share his expertise!
The atmosphere was electric as James taught the audience the unforgettable choreography from “Never Too Much.”
His passion and enthusiasm were contagious, making it an unforgettable experience.
He also shared fascinating stories about how he collaborated with Luther to create that signature romantic elegance that we all love. It was a heartwarming moment that brought everyone together in celebration of Luther’s incredible legacy. All photos by Carol Seitz photography.
We’re looking forward to hosting Luther: Music & Style Celebration in 2025.
The Luther: Never Too Much documentary airs on CNN on January 1, 2025.
Inspired by Halle Berry, American actress, international superstar and seriously fit diva living with diabetes, Mr. Divabetic presents a work-out of diabetes self-care solutions featuring the Divabetic Angels of Diabetes Outreach, Mama Rose Marie and real diva, Jessica C. of Cincinnati, OH.
Divabetic’s podcast series is about energizing and empowering listeners living with, at risk, and affected by diabetes! We provide expert advice, inspiring stories from peers, stylish tips, and even some fun music and games.
We aim to encourage everyone to take charge of their self-care, boost their confidence, and truly embrace wellness. Tune in for a fun and uplifting experience!
Founded in 2005, Divabetic was inspired by music legend Luther Vandross, whose personal battle with diabetes ignited our mission.
We proudly bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, translating complicated medical language into accessible knowledge while boosting confidence and hope.
Recognized by leaders like President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Divabetic champions our “Glam More, Fear Less” philosophy, encouraging women to become wellness ambassadors in their families and communities.
Join us on the journey to glamorize good health! Visit Divabetic.
Living with diabetes can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to your relationships. That’s why it’s essential to talk to your loved ones about your diabetes diagnosis and how it affects your life. It can help you surround yourself with a more supportive and encouraging environment.
Dr. Janis Roszler, PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES, co-authors of Divabetic’s ebook Sweet Romance: A Woman’s Guide To Love & Intimacy With Diabetes, Dr. Janis Roszler PhD, LMFT, CDCES, LD/N, FAND, and Donna Rice MBA, BSN, RN, CDCES, FADCES offer advice on discussing your diabetes diagnosis as well as issues related to intimacy, fertility, and menopause with the people you care about the most.
Thank you for helping us to better understand your unique experiences and struggles with diabetes by participating in our first-ever survey on love and relationships for women with diabetes with Diabetes Sisters . This survey, titled Love Across All Life Stages of Diabetes, allowed you to share your thoughts and experiences with us so we can create more meaningful programming and resources to serve you.
For the past 64 years. Barbie has been a part of our lives, a cultural touchstone, or the quintessential image of what a woman should be but never will be – a sex or beauty object. Greta Gerwig’s big screen makeover and the related marketing blitz are making us revisit and reevaluate Barbie’s impact on our lives, including our sex lives.
After all, if Barbie and Ken are confused about what to do at sleepovers, you might be too, especially if you’re dealing with sexual health issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in nearly all countries. People with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more often than the general public.
David Rubenstein‘s talk with historian Douglas Brinkley at the New York Historical Society on US Presidents was fascinating. It was part of their Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency series. David’s talk discussed how the American presidency has changed over time, including its responsibilities, expectations, and symbolism.
I’m not a history expert or particularly interested in US history, but I find David Rubenstein’s humor and insight riveting. He makes history come alive by sharing interesting tidbits and insights into the lives of the Presidents.
On this occasion, David Rubenstein shared personal anecdotes about Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), Harry S. Truman, and Abraham Lincoln.
Thomas Jefferson hated to speak in public because of his high-pitched, squeaky voice. The only public speech he made was at his first inauguration.
David Rubenstein said Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s polio diagnosis might have helped the President develop the grit and determination to succeed in the Oval Office and win World War II. David shared how FDR wasn’t able to receive treatment to cure his polio because he went undiagnosed for thirty days. FDR was also obsessed with collecting postage stamps.
Harry Truman was the only 20th-century U.S. President who didn’t go to college.
Mary Todd Lincoln‘s unlikeable disposition could be responsible for her husband’s assassination. The First Lady’s rudeness caused General Ulysses Grant and his wife to decline an invitation to the Ford Theater. If the couple had agreed to accompany the Lincolns on that fateful night, there would have been the proper security to prevent John Wilks Booth from shooting the president.
Douglas Brinkley, a New York Historical Society presidential historian, will also moderate the discussion. Brinkley frequently contributes to CNN, MSNBC, and CBS on presidential history. David Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and the host of History with David Rubenstein on PBS. He has written several books, including The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency and How to Invest: Masters on the Craft. He served under the Carter administration and purchased several copies of the Declaration of Independence for the public to view. He also owns the Baltimore Orioles.
Speaking of baseball, several Major League Baseball (MLB) players are living with type 1 diabetes. Jordan Hicks, a 25-year-old-starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, adjusts his routine to monitor his blood sugar, insulin intake and meal plan. “You Can be diabetic, and you can be a phenom,” Jordan Hicks said. “You can be phenomenal. You can do all those things. Just because you’re diabetic doesn’t mean you should let that take anything away from you.”
Mason Miller, pitcher for the Oakland A’s, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, wants to be a role model for children with diabetes. He has said that diabetes is part of who he is, but it’s not who he is entirely. He doesn’t need to be embarrassed about it or scared to share it.
Jason Johnson was the first MLB player to wear an insulin pump while playing on the field. To accomplish this feat, Jason Johnson needed to experiment with infusion sites and the best place to attach the pump to his Tigers uniform. He knew he had to wear the pump in a spot safe from line drives. He also knew he had to insert the infusion needle under the skin in a spot where it wouldn’t get yanked out by the extreme torque that a major league pitcher generates during his delivery. So, Jason Johnson decided to clip the pump to his belt near the small of his back, a few inches below his uniform number.
The Luther Vandross: Never Too Much documentary spotlights many of his incredible performances, which will thrill fans.
However, the documentary also includes a cautionary message about the dangerous effects of weight cycling, known as ‘yo you dieting’ on your heart, that should not be ignored.
Regaining weight stresses your heart and blood vessels. A study showed that the more your weight goes up and down, the more you’re likely to have problems like angina, heart attack, and stroke. And the bigger the swings, the bigger the risk.
Dieting isn’t easy. Every ounce of weight gain and loss can toy with your mind, body and spirit. Seek professional help if you’re struggling with these issues.
I’ve spent most of my life with the label of “plus”,
The truth is that labels aren’t good for any of us.
Let’s labels shelves, and file cabinet drawers,
And signs on the ladies and mens bathroom doors.
A label is good if I need to explore
Where your office is located on the 5th floor.
And I need a label when I’m shopping for food
To know if tomatoes are pureed or stewed.
But don’t label me and my body, I ask,
And don’t make me wear this invisible mask…
Put labels on envelopes with return address,
Or telling me which one is lettuce, and which watercress.
Because in the end, I’m the same as you are,
And labels work better on bottles and jars.
But even if I am not your cup of tea
Don’t put labels on people…and please, not on me
Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek and poet Lorraine Brooks revisit her groundbreaking poem “Beauty & The Beach,” which premiered over thirteen years ago on Divabetic’s Roundtable podcast. The poem was inspired by Esther Williams and resonated deeply with podcast listeners and Diabetic blog readers. Since then, there have been numerous requests to have Lorraine share the poem again on subsequent podcasts or repost her words on the blog.
During this Divabetic podcast short take, Lorraine shares how her opinions about her body and wearing a swimsuit have changed over the past decade, but her feelings about her diabetes diagnosis have not. She emphasizes the time, effort, and care she has put into her diabetes management, which has helped her remain free of diabetes-related complications. The discussion also touches on how negative self-talk can hinder us from living life to the fullest. Lorraine has agreed to revisit the theme of the beach and swimwear at our request and has written a new poem, “Summer Skin,” for an upcoming podcast about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island.
Although “Summer Skin” is not a cheerful poem about exposing more skin during the summer, we are still honored to share it with the audience. We hope you know our community welcomes you to share your thoughts, feelings, apprehensions, struggles, and successes regarding living with diabetes.
I’m excited to interview Coney Island USA’s Artistic Director, Adam Rinn, today about the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, 2024, on our Divabetic podcast.
The Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade, brings together creative minds in art and fashion and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Brooklyn’s amusement district.
The Mermaid Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi-Gras-type events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.
Painter, performer, and sideshow historian Joe Coleman will be King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year with his wife and muse, artist/photographer Whitney Ward. They will officially open the beaches for the beginning of summer and celebrate the sun, sand, sea, and salt air.
In addition to talking to Adam about the history and spectacle of the Annual Mermaid Parade, we will share Summer diabetes care tips and advice with prominent healthcare collaborators on the podcast.
Adam is a Coney Island native who has worked as a sword swallower, strongman, and variety performer for the past 20 years, so this should be a fun interview!
“I learned a lot about discipline when I was a backup singer,” Meli’sa Morgan recalled in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “You really need discipline and control. You have to know what your voice can do and know how to use it just right.”
Singer-songwriter Meli’sa Morgan is perhaps best known for her #1 hit in the eighties: “Do Me, Baby,” an original recording by Prince. She has sung backup and collaborated with Chaka Khan, Kashif, and Whitney Houston.
“I idolized Chaka Khan; she was the ultimate, so cute, feathery, big hair, leather-wearing singer of all times. I wore my style after how she presented herself, and what she had that was becoming legendary,” she told Chocolate Voice. “Every Black female singer in America sang “Sweet Thing” at a talent show somewhere.”
She studied music theory at the Julliard School of Music.“I do lyrics and melodies,” she told the Los Angeles Times.
Her vocal ability landed her a record deal at Capitol Records in the 1980s. She took the music industry by storm, releasing hit after hit, including “Do You Still Love Me,” “Fools Paradise,” and “Love Changes,” a duet with Award-winning singer-songwriter Kashif.
Music critics mention her knack for saturating a song with passion and sensuality. Whether she sings up-tempo funk or a silky smooth slow jam, she pours her soul into a song.
Years ago, I saw her electrifying performance when she opened for Freddie Jackson in Rochester, New York. Her trademark hair was on full display. She admits she loved Chaka’s Big Hair and gave it her twist.
But let’s go way back to her amazing vocals on the dance hit “Keep In Touch (Body To Body) by Shades of Love. This New York City group of stelllar vocalists included Meli’sa Morgan, Lisa Fischer, Claudette Polite and Jean Steals.
About a decade later, Junior Vasquez and Johnny Vicious dominated the dancefloors in Gay clubs with her monster remix of this song. I still get up to dance every time I hear it.
Two years ago, the scarlet-red-haired singer released the single “Footprints Of An Angel” on her independent record label, Asilem Productions. The song is a movie theme with the same title. Meli’sa Morgan co-stars as a mother who loses her daughter to cancer. “Footprints of An Angel” was a solid hit on the UK Soul Charts and the Independent Urban Influencer R & B/Soul Charts.
I had the chance to interview Meli’sa Morgan for Divabetic’s Studio d podcast. If given the chance, she admitted that she would love to cover Luther’s “Bad Boy/Having a Party” song. Meli’sa Morgan maintains her health by following a strict diet and making time for herself.
When asked about the challenges of navigating a five-decade career in the music industry, Meli’sa Morgan said, “The easiest part of the business is, once you’re there, performing for your fans is the fun part. You embrace them, and they embrace you. But getting to the stage is the hardest—the political games, getting the gigs, promotion, the money, and all of that.”
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.
Singer and actress Phyllis Hyman was best known for her soulful music from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, including the songs “You Know How To Love Me” (1979), “Living All Alone” (1986), and “Old Friend” (1991).
Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis Hyman’s power, skill, and versatility as a performer enthralled her audiences.
She earned a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her work in the 1981 musical Sophisticated Ladies, which was based on Duke Ellington’s music and ran from 1981 until 1983.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1950, Phyllis Hyman was the eldest of seven children. She grew up in Philadelphia, listening to a wide range of music from James Brown and Nina Simone to Karen Carpenter and Minnie Ripperton.
Her big break came when she gained the attention of jazz drummer Norman Connors, who had a reputation for discovering female vocalists such as Jean Carne. Norman Connors produced Phyllis Hyman’s sultry rendition of The Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly Wow,” which proved a favorite on R&B radio stations in the United States.
She signed to the New York-based Buddha Record label and cut several fine tracks, which became staple fare on an emerging radio format, the “Quiet Storm,” soul ballads played late into the night.
Later, she signed with Arista Records, reaching an international audience with her albums “Somewhere In My Lifetime,” “Can’t We Fall in Love Again,” and the album that bears the title of one of her biggest hit singles, “You Know How To Love Me.”
1986 she returned to Philadelphia and signed with Kenny Gamble at Philadelphia International Records. Their hit album, “Living All Alone,” included the now-classic single “Old Friend.” This song was a comfort for many of us during the AIDS epidemic. She visited New York City hospices and performed at countless benefits. Phyllis mentioned her own loss made it difficult for her to perform the song. It’s still one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, filled with sadness and a heartfelt plea to reunite with a lost love.
Phyllis was often plagued with self-criticism. In a 1991 interview with David Nathan, she said, “Up until 5 years ago, I didn’t listen that much to myself… When people would say they loved my voice, I’d wonder, ‘Why are they moved?’ Now, I’m beginning to understand how people can be turned on by my singing… I’ve been told that people can feel a lot more love and calm coming from me these days.”
When she should have been soaring like the songbird she was, Phyllis Hyman’s mental health issues took over her life. She was diagnosed as being “bipolar,” a medical term for someone who suffers from the disease of manic-depression.
As she got older, her disease became more and more challenging t for her to manage. She chose not to use pharmaceutical medication and instead self-medicate. Her self-medication distorted her disease more and more until she felt helpless about ever being able to recover from it. Her self-destructive behavior and problems became more evident to her family, friends, and music industry peers. She attempted suicide twice before she took her life a few days before her 45th birthday and only a few hours before she was due to appear at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
“As an artist, she sang her desperation. She has a song that is a soundtrack of her entire life, ‘You Just Don’t Know What I’ve Been Going Through,’ ” said Frank Sheffield, Hyman’s long-time friend who managed the jazz station at Hampton (Va.) University, where Hyman often appeared.
After Phyllis’ passing, Roberta Flack said, “Phyllis’ voice, at once breathy and resonant, will sing in my heart and spirit forever.”
We’re talking about ‘Diabetes, Sleep & Mental Health Issues’ on Diabetes Late Nite with musical inspiration from the iconic Phyllis Hyman.
Podcast guests include Alyson Williams, Queen Diva, Patricia Farrell, PhD, Kristina Wolfe, ‘Tabouli: The Story of a Heart-Driven Diabetes Alert Dog’ Author Matt Pelicano, Elizabeth Vaughan Gallagher, Stacie Shonkwiler, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach with Patricia Addie-Gentle.
Throughout the podcast, we will feature music from “The Essential Phyllis Hyman” album courtesy of SONY Music.
