I’m excited to be Toni B’s Special Guest on her upcoming show this Wednesday, December 11, on UG-ONE! I can’t wait to share stories from my incredible experience working with Luther Vandross.
I started working with Luther in 1993 on the Never Let Me Go project in the wardrobe department and eventually became his assistant until he sadly passed away in 2005.
In the Luther: Never Too Much documentary, I discuss my traumatic moment of finding Luther after he had a devastating stroke due to complications from mismanaged type 2 diabetes. It was a wake-up call for me that inspired the creation of Divabetic, a national nonprofit aimed at diabetes outreach.
I truly believe in empowering Luther’s fans and their families to keep their homes healthy and happy by learning to prevent complications like strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and more.
At Diabetic (Divabetic.org), we take a unique approach to traditional diabetes education, offering fun, upbeat, engaging makeovers, music, and games. I’m thrilled that our resources—like podcasts, videos, and online support—are free!
I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with my talented musical family from Luther’s world. With Ivan Hampden Jr. and Paulette McWilliams, I’ve written songs like Mama’s Kitchen Table and Pink Champagne.
I’ve worked with incredible artists like Cindy Mizelle and Brenda White-King on That Man Of Mine and Pat Lacy with Lisa Fischer on I Wish At Christmas I Could Bring You Home.
A couple of my singles, Mama’s Kitchen Table and Standards by Crystal Penny, even charted on the UK Soul and BCFM Soul Charts! That Man of Mine was a big hit on the Billboard Dance Charts in the 90s and was especially popular in Provincetown.
I can’t wait to share more on the show! I hope you all tune in!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“I wanted to put British soul music on the map,” says Mica Paris, who first tantalized US audiences with her “My One Temptation” in the late 80s.
She discovered her love of music when she was five or six and began singing in church. “I became this prodigy and [my grandmother] took me around all the churches around the UK. Kids are good. They know what people like. Every time I held a really long note, they’d go crazy,” she told the Irish Times.
By her teens, Mica Paris performed with the gospel choir “The Spirit of Watts.” She then began working as a session singer and landed a job as a background singer for the Brit-pop group Hollywood Beyond. At 17, Mica Paris signed on with 4th & B’way and worked on a debut album titled “So Good.” Her debut single, “My One Temptation,” was released in ’88 and became her biggest hit, reaching #7 on the UK chart. And the album platinum.
Kris Kirk from Melody Maker described “My One Temptation” as “haunting.”
But after her initial success, she seemed to disappear from American audiences. “I had everything—the money and the fame—and I was like, ‘ Is this it?'” Mica Paris told the Standard in an interview.
She admits she was disillusioned by the substance abuse surrounding her, so she married and walked away from her fledging career. Years later, she had to file for bankruptcy.
“Last year, someone sent me an article in Smash Hits from when I was 18,” she said in the Standard interview. “It was titled The Making of a Pop Star. And I’m still trying to be successful. This is the joke. That was ’88. I’m still exploring.”
Her four-decade career includes Eighties pop superstardom, hosting a radio show, and acting on TV ( in EastEnders) and the West End Stage. “All I care about is that whatever you have of mine – a book or album or a TV or radio thing – that you’re inspired. That’s my job.” she said.
Mica Paris became an anti-gun crime advocate, lending her voice to the initiative Operation Trident after her brother, Jason Phillips, was shot dead on the street. “I’m 5ft 10in, I’m a black woman, I’m loud. But because I believe that what I’m doing is going to touch you and inspire you, that’s gonna open doors for me. And so you don’t get focused on all that negative stuff. Let that go.”
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.
