With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format. Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.
Angela Bofill released 10 studio albums and numerous hit singles, including I Try, This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, and Angel Of The Night, and was also inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for The Angela Bofill Experience in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.
One of the standout moments from my incredible trip to London, where I was there to promote the premiere of the Luther: Never Too Muchdocumentary in UK theaters, was my delightful interview on Solar Radio with my good friend Richard Marzetti, the host of Soul Life.
During our chat, Richard posed a fantastic question about my all-time favorite Luther song.
Without hesitation, I chose Crazy Love from Luther Vandross‘s brilliant album, Secret Love.
This track is not only a breathtaking showcase of his unparalleled artistry but also evokes a flood of wonderful memories from our days working on that album together. I can still picture the vibrant recording sessions at the Hit Factory, the unforgettable photo shoot at Milk Studios, and the thrilling promotional tour across the US and UK. Those were truly special times!
I was also excited to introduce Seveda Williams, the CEO of FANDROSS and Luther’s niece, to Richard. Seveda surprised Richard with a fantastic gift bag from FANDROSS that was bursting with goodies for vinyl enthusiasts—think classic records, a stylish FANDROSS t-shirt, and a chic tote bag!
I hope you all enjoy listening to our Soul Life interview with Richard Marzetti on Mixcloud!
Singer Levi Stubbs‘s life journey serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. His iconic contributions to music, particularly through the Four Tops, highlight the beauty and power of artistic expression. Yet, beneath the glittering surface of fame lies a stark reality that many artists and fans overlook—the fragility of health.
The alarming statistics surrounding strokes and health disparities in communities of color are especially poignant in the context of Stubbs’s life. Despite his immense talent and success, he faced significant health challenges, including prostate cancer and diabetes, which ultimately overshadowed his musical legacy. It’s a bittersweet reminder that even the most beloved figures are not immune to the realities of life, and the pressures of a demanding career can often lead to neglecting personal well-being.
The statements from those close to him, like Norman Whitfield, resonate deeply. They remind us that health should be prioritized, not just as a personal responsibility but as a communal one, particularly in conversations about race and health equity. The struggles of Levi Stubbs, Luther Vandross,Ella Fitzgerald, LaVerne Baker and Angela Bofill illuminate a critical narrative that transcends music, urging us to listen—both to the voices of these phenomenal artists and to our own bodies.
As fans, we often celebrate the triumphs of our favorite celebrities, yet we can easily forget the personal battles they may be facing. It’s essential to draw lessons from their stories, recognizing that health should never be taken for granted. Rather than focus solely on their public personas, we need to consider their holistic journeys, full of both shining moments and difficult struggles.
Levi Stubbs‘s legacy is a blend of soulful melodies and a reminder of the importance of health awareness. His approach to singing—living each song deeply—could be extended to how we approach our lives and well-being. It’s an invitation to not only appreciate the music but also engage in self-care and health advocacy, ensuring that we don’t repeat the patterns of neglect that can come with the pursuit of success.
In honoring his memory, let us strive to embrace a fuller understanding of health—one that encompasses not just the physical, but also the emotional and communal aspects of our well-being.
Ultimately, we can ensure that the voices we cherish continue to inspire us long after their passings.
Patti LaBelleinspired me to create the term “Divabetic” during a memorable Luther Vandross Tribute Concert in New York City back in 2003.
Watching her shine on stage, radiant and dressed to impress, she shared, “I have diabetes. Diabetes doesn’t have me.” Her courage and sparkle made me reflect, “You’re not just a diabetic; you’re a DIVA.”
That’s when the idea of “Divabetic” popped into my head. Once I got home, I noted the word ‘diabetic’ in black ink and then creatively added a ‘v’ in red. It suddenly clicked that the ‘v’ symbolized Vandross and the divine divas he loved, like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and of course, Patti LaBelle.
I realized that encouraging Luther’s fans to embrace a fresh perspective (“NEW ATTITUDE”) on living with diabetes—just like Patti did—could really transform health outcomes.
For the past twenty years, Patti LaBelle has shown the world that you can GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS, and live well with diabetes every day.
While I don’t remember Luther discussing his diabetes openly, I knew he had a huge support system for his music, but when it came to managing his health, he faced it on his own. Tragically, he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes at just 52. But you don’t have to follow that path or choose to walk it alone.
It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey. After all, living with diabetes can be fabulous! For over twenty years, I’ve been on this mission, all thanks to the inspiration from Patti LaBelle.
Through the Divabetic programs, podcasts, and videos, I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of men and women, spreading awareness and positivity. Let’s live life like a diva!
It is a privilege to be featured in the NAACP-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much and to share my story of discovering Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged diabetes, hoping to help others avoid a health crisis.
My hope is that by sharing our experiences, we can encourage others to take preventative steps for their health. If you live alone, please make sure you have a solid support system in place for any emergencies.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – taking quick action can really make a difference in your recovery. Let’s look out for each other!
We’re diving into the enchanting world of R&B with one of its all-time greats, Luther Vandross, and his beloved wedding song Here and Now.
Joining our host, Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, is Terry Steele, the talented co-writer who helped bring this classic to life. Terry will take us behind the scenes of the creative process, sharing the inspiration that fueled the heartfelt lyrics and the song’s enduring legacy.
Terry Steele also reflects on Luther’s hero, Dionne Warwick’s pivotal role in Luther’s song recording.
Growing up in the Bronx, Luther Vandross was mesmerized by the magic of music, particularly by Dionne Warwick‘s enchanting voice.
Hearing her on the radio ignited a passion in him, and seeing her perform live at the Brooklyn Fox Theater left a mark on his heart. He fondly remembers, “She came on stage and just killed me,” capturing how deeply her music resonated with him. The song Anyone Who Has a Heart inspired him to pursue his own musical dreams.
Luther Vandross won his first Grammy in 1991 for Here and Now after being nominated 9 times.
Billboard magazine included Here And Now on their list of the Best30 Wedding Songs of All Time stating, “everything about the song suggests flowing curtains and candlelight, and Luther’s voice is pure butter.”
Terry Steele is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who has toured internationally and performed in places like Russia, Japan, and Brazil.
As a professional songwriter, he has collaborated with superstars like Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder, among others. As the principal writer of the hit Here and Now.
Terry received his first Grammy nomination for “Best Rhythm and Blues Song” in 1990. He has held esteemed songwriting roles at major music companies and even tours occasionally with the renowned jazz band HIROSHIMA as their lead singer.
Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers. Enjoy our exclusive interview with this iconic singer and songwriter.
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.
Freddie Jackson has been diagnosed with kidney disease. According to People Magazine, he made the statement yesterday on his social media.
“After a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve come to a point where I feel I’m ready to talk about a recent chapter in my life,” Freddie Jackson, 67, said in the video.
Freddie Jackson, who topped Billboard’s R&B singles charts in the 1980s with a slew of hits including “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” said that he hopes his work with the National Kidney Foundation will “help shine a light on the importance of this issue.”
“It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference,” Freddie Jackson said. He’s partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney health and provide support.
Freddie Jackson is not living with diabetes, but there is a strong link between mismanaged diabetes and kidney disease.
Over time, diabetes that isn’t tightly managed can damage blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This can lead to kidney damage and cause high blood pressure.
High blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. When the blood vessels are damaged, they don’t work as well.
On this Divabetic podcast, we’re talking with Nephrologist Dugan Maddux about kidney health. The music is by H.E.R. courtesy of SONY Music.
High blood pressure can also damage your kidneys.
Keeping your blood glucose levels and blood pressure within your target range is the best prevention for kidney disease. But it sounds easier than it is. If you’re struggling to manage your diabetes and blood pressure, seek help. A team approach to managing health conditions with competent, friendly, and open-minded collaborators.
Freddie Jackson thanked his fans for their support: “As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.
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.
Everyone wants to be seen and heard. Recently, Ledisi shared her struggles on social media about not being seen or heard by the R&B music industry.
“Talked to a writer about my name not being mentioned enough in musical spaces. I said, “I’m consistently ignored from conversations about music. Especially R&B Music. It’s hurtful after devoting my life to this genre and music as a whole. I get over it. I think about the Legends before me, who are still ignored choosing to move forward. Thats what it’s all about. Going where you are loved. In the end my art will speak for me. That’s all the matters. Do this for the music. Not popularity,” said Ledisi.
Her message hit home with fans who quickly expressed their support. Ledisi received many comments, texts, and phone calls that moved her. She said she posted her comment to be transparent and to inspire others.
Interestingly, Ledisi has won a GRAMMY Award and has been praised for her commitment to authenticity. So, in many ways, you might be scratching your head, wondering what she is upset about. Her post underscores that we all long to be seen and heard from time to time.
It’s not always easy to open up about your diabetes and express your challenges and pitfalls. However, expressing yourself can help alleviate your frustration.
If you don’t feel like you’re being seen or heard, take a moment to notice and listen to someone in your life. Pat them on the back, compliment their style, appreciate their talents, admire their perseverance, recognize their positivity, encourage their efforts, and congratulate them for making art.
Luther Vandross’s home furnishings also displayed his fantastic sense of style on stage and off. Although he didn’t own these chairs, he loved to upholster his chairs, sofas, and ottomans with animal prints.
During my tenure working as his assistant, Luther owned homes in Beverly Hills, CA, New York, NY, and Greenwich, CT. His Beverly Hills mansion’s decor stopped my heart when I first visited. It was lush, opulent, inviting, and beautiful. You knew you were in a star’s home the moment you walked through the front door.
He had black onyx kitchen countertops with blonde cabinetry. I was equally impressed by how he chose not to display his awards and merits in the foyer or front rooms. Instead, when you descended the stairs to his private screening room, he had all his Gold and Platinum Records, American Music Awards, Grammy Awards, BET Awards, and more on display in the rotunda. It was awe-inspiring.
Luther was a fan of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Art Deco leans toward geometric shapes, while Art Nouveau uses organic shapes and lines. On stage, Luther mixed both together to create a truly magical experience for his audience.
When his choreographer, James Ervin, was teaching me the arm movements of Luther’s song, Never Too Much, he mentioned that Erte’s poses inspired many of them.
Please join us for the upcoming Luther Never Too Much Big 80s Birthday Celebration, which will spotlight his iconic style and music on 4/17/24 at Thread Lounge in the Renaissance in NYC.
Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!
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. 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, 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 offering apparel, jewelry, and True Serenity Tea (For the Love Of Luther Tea blend).
True Serenity Tea’s for the Love Of Luther blends organic black tea, ginseng, peppermint, and anise.
