Stevie Wonder – Divabetic

09/01/2024

Luther Vandross Soul Train Tribute in Harlem

Join me for the upcoming ImageNation’s SOUL TRAIN Tribute to Luther Vandross on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 6 PM, in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, NY.

It’s going to be a sensational night celebrating Luther’s legacy. The night starts with DJ Stormin Norman and a Soul Train Dance Line. Several local performers will perform, including Chandlar and Karen J, Chris Rob, Heshima, Michael Pollydore, and our friend Keith Anthony Fluitt. Keith performed a few of Luther’s iconic hits at Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Music & Style Celebration in April.

After the outdoor screening of the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, Director Dawn Porter and singer and songwriter Fonzi Thornton participate in a Q&A session.
The celebration continues with an AfterParty featuring live bands and a DJ interweaving Luther Tributes in their sets at Shrine World Music Venue, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd between 133rd & 134th Streets, New York, NY 10030.

Earlier this week, I spoke to one of the event organizers, Joy Enterprises’ Marko S. Nobles, owner of Rhythm and Soul Radio. Marko spent years learning, growing, and becoming an experienced PR, Marketing, Radio, Event Production, and Entertainment professional.

Marko’s Rhythm and Soul Radio played Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams‘ song “Mama Kitchen Table” last summer. Paulette and I wrote the lyrics to this song, which topped the UK Soul Charts. Marko, a stroke survivor, said Joy Enterprises hosts a Soul Train Tribute every year to celebrate Don Cornelius‘s legacy of Don and the artists who appeared on Soul Train. Past honorees include superstars Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.

“I grew up on Soul Train,” says Marko. “It was a Saturday morning staple in our households.” When I asked Marko why he chose Luther as this year’s featured artist, he said, “Luther had strong ties to the Apollo, starting with ‘Listen My Brother.'” A teenage Luther Vandross was part of Apollo’s musical ensemble, Listen My Brother, which performed several times on Sesame Street during its early seasons.

Every year, there’s an independent film tied into the celebration, along with multiple mini-concerts featuring local independent artists performing songs by their legends.

“I’ve always been into radio,” adds Marko. His company, Rhythm, and Soul Radio was born from his weekly Tuesday night WHUR radio show on City College, which follows our friend Alyson Williams’ program.

Like the upcoming Luther Celebration in Harlem, Marko’s internet-based Rhythm and Soul Radio channel celebrates independent artists.

On this Divabetic podcast, writer Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

In the documentary, I discuss the traumatic moment when I discovered Luther after he suffered a stroke related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Luther’s recovery was short-lived; he passed away in 2005.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence and Marko’s stories are excellent reminders of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

I styled one of Luther’s outfits for the “I Know” album uncredited. At the time, Luther had gained considerable weight and was not interested in clothes or being photographed.

By this time in my tenure with Luther, I knew I had to bring some clothes (in his sizes) to supplement what the stylist had brought to shoots. I found a navy blue Polo Anorak jacket with a white stripe down the sides at Bloomingdale’s that camouflaged his size. Much to Luther’s dismay, the photographer shot Luther on the back of the set piece. It was a bare wood wall. I think I kept the jacket 🙂 George Corsillo, who designed Luther’s album covers starting with the Night I Fell In Love, was involved in the shoot. If I recall, Luther loved the cover design from the first minute he saw it.

09/15/2023

How Many Albums Did Luther Vandross Sell?

According to the Insider.Com‘s List of the 20 R&B artists who have sold the most albums, Luther Vandross placed seventh. He has sold 27 million albums.

With thirteen studio albums, seventeen compilation albums, and fifty-nine singles to his credit, he has outsold Mary J. Blige, Prince, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Usher, and Stevie Wonder, among others.

Luther’s biggest-selling album, Give Me The Reason, was released in 1986 and sold over 2,600,000 copies.

Divabetic’s Luther Vandross Tribute podcast features Lisa Fischer, Jason Miles, Jeff James, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES, and Chuck Flowers and music from Luther’s Give Me The Reason album.

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.

For Luther Vandross’ fifth album, Give Me the Reason, the album comprised nine tracks, including the hits So Amazing, There’s Nothing Better Than Love, Stop To Love and Give Me The Reason.

The top three R&B artists by record sales are #1. Michael Jackson, #2. Mariah Carey, and #3. Whitney Houston.

06/22/2023

Divabetic Dances to Jody Watley’s Beat

“If I’ve learned anything in this business, it’s that you have to be fearless,” says Grammy winner Jody Watley.

Let Jody Watley’s music and attitude inspire you to live your best diabetes life. She’s guaranteed to make you get up and move with many of her iconic hit songs.

A former Soul Train dancer, Jody Watley started as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with The Second Time Around in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was Looking for a New Love.

When asked about her musical influences at the beginning of her career, she said, “Starting out, it was the music of Motown and of course, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.”

Many people have speculated about what caused the group, Shalamar to break up. According to Howard Hewitt, “There was a point right when we were breaking up and [Benny Medina] said, ‘[Watley] said you guys got into an argument in front of this hotel in the UK, in London where you used to stay.’”

During this argument, Jody remembers that Howard told her, “that she would never be s–t without Shalamar.’”

Those hurtful words are partly responsible for why Jody decided to distance herself from Shalamar while embarking on her own solo career.

“The music business is very hard on women over 22. You really have to prove yourself every time you make a record,” she said. “Are you as vibrant as you used to be? Are you as sexy? So I really want to prove that a woman in her 30s can be all those things and more.”

She released a Number One Fitness video, Dance to Fitness 1999. Jody directs this workout to the beat of her own music, reminding viewers to complete street-style choreographed steps with a few positive reinforcements.. She considered the project more of a breakthrough than a marketing move. “There wasn’t one black person in a fitness video,” she recalls, “and I thought it would be great if I opened that door.”

When traveling, Jody says finding healthy options can be challenging. However, it is on her show riders that she can make these requests, mainly because of the variety of dietary lifestyles her band members have.

“My dad was a big salad person, and I love salads to this day. My love of vegetables and salads comes from my dad,” she said.

“If I wasn’t traveling, I would cook because I have never been a big fast food person. I cooked meals,” says the mother of two.

In the face of adversity, Jody Watley has overcome obstacles and succeeded. Her career spans over forty years, with nine solo studio albums, four worldwide tours, and several accolades, including a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1988, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Music Awards in 2008, and seven Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits.

This year, Jody Watley’s sixth album, Flower album celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its release. The album departed from the typical music her fans expected her to release. Reflecting on her new musical direction, she said, “I didn’t want to make another record that felt specifically more R&B at that point,” in a Fly Global Music interview fifteen years ago. “I felt happy and wanted something groovy to reflect where I was, as always. I (had) wanted to make a cutting-edge, international dance record, with soul and excitement, modern! But, I said, ‘perhaps you should compromise more,’ and subsequently, the A&R (of Atlantic Records) had more of its way. Flower wasn’t the record I wanted to make at all, but I did the best with what I was presented with

She chose to work with select members of Organized Noize (Ivan Matias), Masters at Work (Louie Vega, Kenny Gonzalez), Tony! Toni! Toné! (D’Wayne Wiggins and Randall Wiggins) and Groove Theory (Bryce Wilson) as well as Rahsaan Patterson, Malik Pendleton, Cassandra Lucas, Phil Galdston, Deric Angelettie, and Derrick Edmonson to get down to the business of record making.

Our favorite song from her Flower album is Rahsaan Patterson’s Lovin’ You So.

Currently, Jody Watley hosts The Jody Watley Show, a 2-hour monthly show airs every second Sunday exclusively on SiriusXM’s The Groove at 6 PM (EST) / 3 PM (PST) and on the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online. Enjoy contemporary R&B and classics from the ’70s and ’80s, including Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Isley Brothers, the Gap Band, along with host Jody Watley, and more.

Jody Watley’s story is one of overcoming the odds, the power of positivity, and defying expectations. She recently added a line of candles and an interior fragrance to her product line, Sanctuary, inspired by the song of the same name on her Paradise album. She is also exploring a wellness box that complements her focus on self-care and well-being.

Need some inspiration to get back on track with your diabetes health goals? Tune in to Divabetic’s latest podcast on Healthy Swap suggestions.

With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly. Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat? If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

03/30/202203/30/2022

QuestLove’s Amazing Weight Loss

Questlove won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) on Sunday, but his weight loss journey is also an impressive accomplishment.

Questlove and I were motivated to change our lifestyles after seeing friends experience debilitating strokes.

Luther Vandross‘s stroke, at the age of 52 related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, motivated me to stay active and eat and drink in moderation. For the past nineteen years, his stroke and untimely death inspired me to start Divabetic and encourage others to keep their house a home by learning to prevent diabetes health-related complications.

Questlove’s motivation came from seeing many of his friends die from strokes in their 40s.

‘I was starting to hear the word ‘stroke’ just a little too much,’ Questlove said, as per Black American Web.

‘Friends of mine have died of strokes at 40, and peers of mine have died of strokes in their 40s, and it was disturbing me.’

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America. Stroke is a “brain attack” that occurs when blood that brings oxygen to your brain stops flowing and brain cells die.

High blood pressure and obesity are two of the biggest risk factors for stroke, and the number of African-Americans with these medical conditions is on the rise.

Questlove used to eat everything without consideration for his health and was not very active before his weight-loss journey. He admitted it was easy for him to fall into bad habits by drinking and partying all night on regular occasions. He gained weight as time passed, and at his heaviest, he reached 488 pounds of body weight.

Questlove’s own weight and the death of his friends were a warning to him. So he made up his mind to change his lifestyle. He began by completely changing his diet. Next, he started consuming a healthy and balanced diet, primarily vegan foods. He also avoided those items high in carbohydrate content, such as gluten, wheat, and most dairy products.

He focused more on eating green vegetables and fresh fruits.

‘That’s another thing I’ve learned relaxin’, sleep, yoga,’ Questlove says. ‘I didn’t know that that’s as crucial as going hard, as working’ hard, as exercising hard…And what my yoga instructor, what my trainer, what they’re trying to teach me is that, ‘No, it’s sleep.’

That’s important. That’s just as important as working’ out.’

And that has helped him both lose and maintain his weight effectively.

Summer of Soul, directed by Questlove, tells the unjustly forgotten story of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which included performances from Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson and more iconic artists operating in the ’60s, making the case that had this not been a primarily Black festival, it would have been as well-remembered and celebrated as Woodstock, which took place in New York that same year.

“It’s not lost on me that the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival should have been something that my beautiful mother and my dad should have taken me to when I was five years old,” Questlove said, saluting his late father while his mother watched from the audience in tears. “This is such a stunning moment for me right now. But it’s not about me. It’s about marginalized people in Harlem that needed to heal from pain.”

07/24/202007/24/2020

Paula Abdul Doesn’t Let Osteoarthritis Stop Her From Dancing!

Paula Abdul says that as a performer, she never lets anything get in her way, and certainly not arthritis.

Five years ago, Abdul’s doctor told her she had osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can cause stiffness and pain, reports PEOPLE magazine. The common condition common affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The diagnosis came as a relief to Abdul.

“I kept thinking, at least it wasn’t something in my head,” she tells PEOPLE. “There was a reason attached to what I was feeling.”

Teaming up with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for the launch of its over-the-counter offering, Abdul says she uses the gel on her ankles, knees and other joints when they feel tight.

“I’m not going to let pain keep me down,” she says.

The singer also encourages other arthritis patients to stay active and says she likes to mix up her workout routine with low-impact strength exercises and online Zumba classes.

“Every day I try to wake up and think, ‘What can I do today that’s going to make me happy?’ ” she says.

“Walking is very underrated. I’ll put on my AirPods and listen to Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake — and just sing at the top of my lungs and swing to the beat.”

05/26/201805/26/2018

A Yellow That’s Anything But ‘Mellow’

Rafael Nadal’s epic win at the Italian Open (Rome Masters) last week not only means that he will move back to the top of the tennis rankings for the sixth time in his glorious career, it also served as the tipping point for yellow trending in fitness fashion.

Let canary yellow clad Rafael Nadal & Divabetic inspire you to brighten up your diabetes wellness routine with these sunny ideas in fitness, fashion and food!

While you might not have an excuse to wear a designer ball gown that often, we’ll bet you wear fitness clothes all the time. Take some inspiration from your favorite movie star, musician and/or athlete and look Red Carpet-worthy while you’re working out in canary yellow!

Actress and fitness fanatic Renee Zellweger’s canary-yellow Jean Desses gown’s sweetheart neckline comes with this moisture-wicking workout top: Lole Women’s Central Tank Top in Solar Power, $70 BUY NOW

Milani’s limited edition Fantastical Plumage Collection has a dazzling array of colors to choose from including canary yellow! Milani’s limited edition Fantastical Plumage Collection. $4.49 LINK: https://www.milanicosmetics.com/products/color-statement-nail-lacquer

Trek’s Shift 1 WSD! The lightweight aluminum frame’s seating position is rider-friendly and places you in a relaxed, upright stance. It’s also incredibly stable and confidence inspiring, perfect for all types of riders, especially beginners. Take the long way home, you’ve got a super-soft saddle and a 7-speed drivetrain that allows you to pedal longer, with more comfort than you ever thought possible. Plus, the Shift sports durable Bontrager wheels, sandal-ready pedals as well as a high-rise handlebar with soft grips. Get to work, get in shape, get coffee and have a great time doing it. $439.00 BUY NOW

Garmin vívofit 2 is an activity tracker that shows steps, calories, distance and monitors sleep. It comes in many colors including canary yellow. Garmin Vivofit 2 Energy-Themed Bands, 3-Pack l $22.33 BUY NOW

Salomon Sense Pro – SS15 Trail Running Shoes Womens – Canary Yellow/Black/Black. $55.16 BUY NOW

Yellow Mustard features in most fast foods. This might make the condiment seem unhealthy, but it does offer certain health benefits according to Cure Joy. Potassium and phosphorous in the sauce promote heart health. READ MORE

Yellow Squash, also called yellow zucchini or summer squash, is a hot weather vegetable picked in its immature stage to ensure a thin, edible skin and sweet, soft flesh. This squash typically ranges in size from 6 to 8 inches long, although it can be smaller, depending on when you pick the fruit. You can eat yellow squash raw, as well as stir-fried, baked, grilled or sauteed, and you can substitute it for any green summer squash since the taste is similar. One cup of raw, sliced yellow squash contains 18 calories. This low-calorie vegetable is an ideal side dish if you wish to lose weight according to Live Strong.

“The egg is one of those nutrient-dense foods that generates a lot of debate about its healthfulness, “ says Best-Selling Author Jill Weisenberger RD, CDE . “Because eggs are high in cholesterol, which has historically been linked to heart disease, the public has long been warned about eating too many eggs, especially the cholesterol-rich yolk. People with diabetes may have even greater concerns because their risk of developing heart disease is quite high.” READ MORE

Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE compared prediabetes to a yellow light in a traffic signal. The basic concept that a yellow light signal means proceed with caution while driving is also applicable to your diabetes health. You can either choose to either stop, slow down and/or speed up a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It’s up to you.

Eating healthy foods, incorporating physical activity in your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal. Yet if these people don’t take steps to control their blood sugar now, a diagnosis of diabetes within the next few years is highly likely. READ MORE

84.1 Million people are considered to have pre diabetes according to the Center of Disease Control. The trouble is, many of them don’t know it. Prediabetes often has no symptoms at all.. It’s a diagnosis made when your blood glucose is higher than it should be, but not high enough to be called diabetes. “Prediabetes is this kind of grey zone,” says Dr. Stewart Harris, a professor in family medicine at the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine who specializes in diabetes. “Your body is metabolically losing the ability to manage blood sugars after eating, and they start to creep up.”

Divabetic presents Diabetes Awareness Day featuring a Dog Fashion Show, Health Screenings, Healthy Food Tours, Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstrations, Poetry Readings, Art Displays & More on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA

Here’s a complete listing of Events & Activities:

9AM -12 PM Lions Free Sight & Hearing Screenings for Adults & Children: Lions Club District 24A Sight and Hearing Van hosts free sight (including glaucoma) and hearing screenings for all visitors (men, women, and children). They will also offer a paper screening test for diabetes and blood pressure testing.

10 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

10:30 AM Dog Fashion Show Registration & Rehearsal: Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome to compete on the red carpet for fabulous prize awards compliments of Mosaic Central Farm Market vendors. REGISTER NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/WWxkBrs7ugpfK38P2

10:45 AM Healthy Food Tour of Mosaic Central Farm Market with Dietitian Nadine Young RD, CDE with Virginia Hospital Center: Learn how the season’s best fruits, vegetables and artisanal foods can fit into your meal plan. Visit different booths to pick up tips on preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate.

11:30 AM Dog Fashion Show: See the best dressed dogs pose on the red carpet at our 2^ndAnnual Dog Fashion Show. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic:

12 PM Diabetes Alert Dog Demonstration & Talk: Find out how dogs help people manage their blood sugar high’s and low’s, answer your questions and share resources for purchasing a diabetes alert dog and/or training your own pet. Presented by internationally known Scent Detection Dog Expert, Debby Kay and Health Educator, Kathy Gold RN, CDE

1 PM Plate Poetry Project & Workshop: What’s Eating You? Fine Artist Susan McCaslin’s Plate Poetry Project explores the conservations that people have with themselves while eating. Poet Lorraine Brooks helps adults and kids to express their mealtime thoughts and concern after reading aloud several of her poems. Generous donation provided by Onieda.

Don’t miss the Capital Jazz Fest featuring Luther Vandross’ longtime collaborator, renowned bassist, producer and songwriter Marcus Miller. Marcus Miller hosts the Late-Night Jam Session on Friday, June 1, 2018, 11:30 PM – 2 AM. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, located at 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, Maryland. The venue is 28 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. and 18 miles southwest of Baltimore.