It is a privilege for Max Szadek to be featured in the NAACP Image Awards-nominated documentary Luther: Never Too Much, where he shares his story of discoveringLuther Vandross after experiencing a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.
He hopes to inspire others to proactively avoid a similar health crisis through advocacy.
Remember, if you notice any signs of a stroke, don’t hesitate to seek help right away – swift action can greatly impact your recovery.
Let’s look out for each other! It’s essential to seek help, connect with a caring community, and share your journey.
After surviving a stroke, she continues to bring joy to her audience behind the microphone and camera.
SAVE THE DATE: Divabetic Holiday Outreach Program in partnership with the Frazier Family Coalitionat Alumni Hall at Thomas Jefferson University Hosptial, 1020 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 11 AM – 1:30 PM.
Enjoy a Glam More, Fear Less Fashion Show, Cooking Demonstration, Guest Speakers, Chair Yoga Exercises, and Community Support. Free Admission.
Through the Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) programs, podcasts, and videos, we’ve spread awareness and positivity to hundreds of thousands of men and women.
Romantic relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. But when diabetes enters the picture, it can complicate even the most loving and open relationships. Many people don’t know that diabetes can impact physical and emotional intimacy. And intimacy-related issues can be especially difficult to discuss with a partner or a health care provider. But don’t let diabetes hinder the romance.
Divabetic’s Sweet Romance ebook series is here to give you practical information and expert advice to tackle this sensitive subject. These comprehensive, interactive guides cover everything you need to know to enjoy a fulfilling sexual and emotional life despite the challenges of diabetes. BUY NOW
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!
Fear isn’t the best way to motivate ourselves, and while it might give you a little boost to take better care of your diabetes, it often doesn’t last.
The stress and anxiety that come along with fear can really weigh us down. Instead, a more effective way is to mix a little fear with positive incentives, creating a supportive environment that encourages actions in a happier, more uplifting way.
As I reflected on the experience of finding my boss, Luther Vandross, after he suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes in the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I became acutely aware of the trauma I endured. Those memories still feel fresh, even after two decades!
Rather than using Luther’s health journey to scare or pressure people at Divabetic programs into tighter diabetes management, I created an upbeat atmosphere using games, music, crafts and makeover experiences to empower people.
I aim to boost everyone’s confidence in their ability to manage their self-care and guide them towards optimal health. Inspiring someone by uplifting their self-belief is far more effective—encouraging them with a heartfelt ‘Yes, you can do it!’ is much better than saying ‘Be careful, watch out!’
It could be fact or fable, but I was told that director Dawn Porter’s team listened to my Luther Vandross Tribute podcasts while developing. the Luther: Never Too Much documentary.
I’m thrilled to share that UG-ONE Network radio host, Toni B. chose my Christmas ballad, Pink Champagne, as her Christmas Song of the Week. She’s planning to feature it every day this week on her Sparkle & Shine radio show in between a great mix of old and new R & B songs and holiday tunes.
Today she shared a heartfelt introduction encapsulating the song’s victim to victory mindset that had me smiling from ear to ear!
The inspiration for Pink Champagne came to me while I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. I thought, “What if the heroine ran into her (future) ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve and told him she gave his present away?” Something about that idea made me think of Nancy Wilson’s iconic Guess Who I Saw Today? and the lyricist’s brilliant storytelling approach to songwriting.
When it came to selecting a cocktail for this song, I found myself drawn to pink champagne for a variety of reasons. Not only does it evoke a sense of celebration, but it also embodies a spirit of self-empowerment.
There’s something about the effervescence and vibrant color that feels uplifting and invigorating. Pink champagne is often associated with special occasions and moments of joy, making it the perfect choice for someone taking a bold step forward to move on with their life.
In addition to its celebratory nature, pink champagne exudes elegance, class, and sophistication. It can turn an ordinary moment into something truly extraordinary. The way it sparkles in the glass and the delightful bubbles that dance on your palate create an experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
I wonder what other cocktails you might choose. Would you lean towards something equally festive, or perhaps opt for a drink that reflects your personality or mood?
Once I chose my cocktail, the lyrics just flowed out of me like a story. I first reached out to my friend, Ivan Hampden Jr. to see if he’d be interested in working on a Christmas song, but he initially said “no.” Not one to give up, I called my friend, vocalist, Paulette McWilliams next, and she also said “no,” but before hanging up, I asked her if I could share a few lyrics. By the time I finished, she was asking me to send the rest!
A few hours later, Ivan called back and said, “We’re going to do your Christmas song!” From that point, the song blossomed week after week. Ivan layered on beautiful orchestration while Paulette played with the melody and ad-libs and helped fine-tune my lyrics, bringing her insights into the character.
When Ivan sent me the mastered track, I was absolutely blown away by how my words transformed into this lush and elegant Christmas song.
It turned out to be a truly beautiful collaboration!
Luther Vandross’s Never Too Much documentary opens in theaters starting November 1st!
I’ve seen it thrice and walked away with a different insight each time. One of the things I enjoy most is seeing Luther’s discipline, drive, and determination to succeed. It’s easy to think Luther had no trouble getting signed to a record deal, but the opposite is true. He spent his own money, earned from singing jiggles, to finance his demo and was rejected by several labels.
I never met anyone with his convictions. He taught me to believe in myself and my ideas and to invest in them.
The documentary relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.
Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his story with assistance from his closest friends, ME (!), and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson, and Roberta Flack.
It’s strange to see yourself on screen and share such a traumatic experience. I am grateful to everyone who has supported, participated, and partnered with me with my diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic.
After Luther’s stroke, I could have left his side and found work supporting another musical artist. Instead, I chose a different path. I educated myself about diabetes (I have a family history of type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and helped educate and empower others so that we could all keep our house a home.
I still believe that’s the best way to honor Luther’s legacy.
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.
Music can inspire conversations about different life topics, even ones that are different from the song lyrics. For example, Ledisi’s hit song, “I Blame You,” is an upbeat track about loving someone so good that you have no choice but to keep loving them. With song lyrics, “I blame you each and every day, It’s your fault that I’m completely blown away, You’ve been building castles in the sky, A place for only you and I, I, I, I”, who wouldn’t want to be told that you make someone you love to feel loved, and feel joy, how beautiful is that?
Words have power, especially when put to music. You can find yourself singing along to a chorus without even knowing what you’re saying. Repeated listening to a song can trigger random associations that slip into your subconscious and support or hinder your actions. This is why self-reflection is crucial. It allows us to understand how our words and thoughts impact our actions and, ultimately, our diabetes management.
Imagine if we ‘reframed’ Ledisi’s song title, which means changing the perspective or context to refer to the words you might find yourself saying about your diabetes daily. For example, instead of ‘I Blame You ‘, we could think of it as ‘It’s All My Fault’ or ‘I Gave Myself Diabetes ‘.
Blame and shame are the two biggest culprits that often sabotage your ability to manage your self-care. It’s not hard to imagine that these negative thoughts can slip into their minds without much effort. The light might be green, but we can still see red if we’re in the midst of despair. It’s a struggle to keep the negative self-talk at bay when you find yourself in the valley rather than at the peak of the mountain top.
How can you succeed at making lifestyle changes if your starting point begins with a negative mindset?
Regret, despair, anger, and frustration are the common emotions people experience when they’re initially diagnosed with diabetes. But here’s the thing: some people can overcome these emotional obstacles and improve their quality of life, while others cannot.
Many people who make and sustain changes to improve their care cite their children and grandchildren for giving them a reason. Others feel they have no choice but to change and return to the quality of life they once enjoyed.
What is your experience? We encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings about the impact of negative self-talk on your diabetes management. Your insights could be valuable to others in our community.
“I want to be who I am now. I rock my gray hair because it is a blessing,” says Regina Belle. “I colored mine for many years, but I’ve gotten compliments from so many men and women about being brave enough to sport the gray. I even wear it on the cover of my record. I am comfortable in my skin and I want listeners to feel that as well.”
Regina Belle began performing at a young age at Englewood’s Mount Calvary Baptist Church in New Jersey. She studied opera and jazz at Rutgers University, with a combined major in Africana Studies and Music. She learned to play trombone, tuba, and steel pans before leaving college to purse a music career.
Her debut album, All by Myself, had her first hits, “So Many Tears” and “Show Me the Way.”
Regina, “If I cannot identify with the songs, and if the music does not move my soul, make me feel better, take me up when I’m down or higher when I’m up, then I don’t want to record it, play it or sing it!”
A few years later, her duets with Peabo Bryson, “I Can’t Imagine,” “Without You,” and “A Whole New World,” solidified her pop music success. “A Whole New World, from the soundtrack to the 1992 Disney film Aladdin, peaked at no.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart and received a Grammy Award in 1993 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and the Academy Award for Best Song of the Year.
I saw Regina Belle perform at B.B. King’s in New York City a few years ago. So many of Regina Belle’s songs are embedded in my soul, and I was excited about her concert.
Sadly, Regina Belle was still grieving over the loss of her brother, who passed away a few days before the concert. She admitted she wasn’t really in the right frame of mind. Her show underwhelmed me. I was frustrated when she melodied many of her biggest hits, “Make It Like It Was,” “Show Me,” “So Many Tears,””Baby Come To Me,” and “All I Want Is Forever.” I loved these songs, and a medley was not cutting it.
My disappointment got the better of me, and I took to social media to express my displeasure. Would you believe she responded? Regina Belle apologized and admitted that her brother’s recent death had affected her performance. So much for social media anonymity!
Thirty years after leaving Rutgers and 10 albums later, Belle started taking online courses, which earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Africana Studies and a Minor in Music. Belle walked the stage with her ‘new class’ from Rutgers in May 2015. She states, “This achievement of finishing my degree, which I started almost 30 years ago and finally being done, was a bittersweet moment and rates as high as my Grammy Awards.”
Her life was eventful, the journey purposeful but not without misfortune. After releasing her first Gospel album, Love Forever Shines, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Regina Belle returned to performing after two surgeries, health challenges, and 10 months of rehabilitation.
“I’m amazingly blessed. I will never ever say that I’ve lived the perfect life to be shown such favor with God or the people but here I am,” declares Regina Belle.
I wanted to create this series for Women’s History Month because many artists who made music in the 80s and 90s are no longer with us, or they’re not promoted as prominently as I had hoped. Once hip-hop took center stage, the lush, elegant songs I loved were being pushed aside. Sadly, most of these artists are no longer with us or aren’t actively performing.
I chose artists whom I greatly admired, and their music touched my soul and shaped my ideas about love and romance.
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.
“You’ve got to look at different ways to survive,” Gwen Guthrie said in a Blues & Soul Magazine interview. “And being independent could be one way that works for me.”
Singer, songwriter, and pianist Gwen Guthrie is best remembered for her infectious club hit, “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent,” It was one of the biggest dance anthems of the Eighties with its catchphrase: “No romance without finance. You gotta have a J.O.B. if you wanna be with me.” This club icon studied classical music and piano at school.
In the early seventies, she joined the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers alongside Larry Blackmon, who became Cameo’s frontman.
During a studio session, she met musician Patrick Grant, and the pair wrote seven songs for Sister Sledge’s debut album. They also wrote the sublime “This Time I’ll be Sweeter,” in which Angela Boffil created musical magic. The song has been recorded over eighty times.
After touring and recording with Roberta Flack, Gwen Guthrie relocated to Jamacia. She teamed up with Jamaican dub and reggae duo Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare and released `It Should’ve Been You’ for Island’s R&B department. With Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare as producers, the singer cut the rest of her debut album, Gwen Guthrie, and the follow-up album, Padlock, featuring “Seventh Heaven” and “Hopscotch.”
I love the concept and imagery of the “Padlock” song lyrics. “Padlock” reached #13 on dance charts, climbed to #25 R&B, and was heard all over New York City during the summer of 1985. Like many of her hits, “Padlock” was remixed by one of the most influential club culture DJs, Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan. Her frequent performances at the Garage earned her the nickname “The First Lady of the Paradise Garage.”
Robbie Shakespeare recalls how easy it was to work with Gwen Guthrie in the studio.”In the studio, you only had to give Gwen the rhythm. She would sit and draw flowers while she worked on lyrics. She was wicked fun and had a great personality.”
Her biggest hit, “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent,” was a monster smash in the UK but didn’t achieve the crossover success it deserved in the US. The song begins with the lyrics “Bill collectors at my door,” and is the funkiest tune about financial hardships.
“Things are much harder in the music business; you’ve got A&R men at major labels who don’t come from a particularly musical-orientated background and make some incredibly strange decisions, then you’ve got to battle for a budget to promote your releases, she said in an interview with Blues & Soul Magazine.
Soon after, Guthrie moved from Polydor to Warner Brothers and released several more albums but with lukewarm sales. “My last album came out at the same time as Prince, Quincy Jones, and Al. B Sure and I felt ignored.”In addition to running and supporting a children’s theatre company, the versatile singer with precise pitch is also one of the first recording artists to raise money for the fight against AIDS. Gwen Guthrie donated proceeds from her 1988 song “Can’t Love You Tonight,” which also addressed the epidemic. Her contributions to disco, house, and dance music will forever endure.
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.
