Divabetic Salutes Natalie Cole

“I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life,” Natalie Cole said.


When she was a girl, Natalie Cole started singing with her father, crooner Nat King Cole. She made her first recording at age 6; by 11, she was performing on TV alongside her dad.

She won two Grammy Awards, Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Performance, for her debut album, “Inseparable” in 1975. 

Her third — and first platinum — album, “Unpredictable,” spawned another No. 1 R&B hit: “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.”

Her fourth album, “Thankful,” features one of my favorite songs, the smooth and sultry ballad “Our Love.” It was written by Cole’s regular team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy, both former members of the R&B group the Independents.

In 1979, Natalie Cole received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, signifying and solidifying her prowess as a performer.

But her ongoing recreational use of substances turned into a heavy, crippling drug addiction. 

In her autobiography, “Angel on my Shoulder,” she wrote, “I never got to make the transition from little girl to young woman … and that really screws you up.”

Her addiction became so prominent in her life that, on more than one occasion, it nearly killed her. She overcame her addiction after checking into rehab. 

Our friend, Jennifer Jacobs, who worked with Natalie Cole on several of her music tours, shares her memories of working with this extraordinary woman on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast inspired by Adele.

After becoming sober, Natalie Cole returned in the 1990s with “Unforgettable… with Love”, featuring renditions of songs previously sung by her father. 

When Natalie Cole began her career, she admitted she was determined not to capitalize on her father’s name and wanted to forge her separate identity. In an interview, she said, “My father led by example. He wasn’t much of a talker—he walked life.” For many years, she also found the prospect of recording her late father’s songs too painful on a personal level. But overcoming her fears certainly paid off. 

The album’s breakout single, “Unforgettable,” features a track dubbed over a previous Nat King Cole recording to create a father-daughter duet. The album sold over 11 million copies and garnered several honors, including seven Grammys, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

One of my other favorite moments from Natalie Cole’s career is when you replaced Whitney Houston at the Oscars and performed “Run To You” and “I Have Nothing” from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 

In 2008, Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a disease of the liver. She received a kidney transplant after her kidneys began to fail. 

I just wanted to say a big thank you for checking out my Women & Music series for Women’s History Month. I had a blast creating artwork for each of my favorite performers and learning more about their amazing lives. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did creating it!

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.

Reflections of a Unicorn with Type 1 Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES, Part 3

The Middle Years of Living with Diabetes

By the mid-80’s my insulin regimen involved four shots per day: 3 fast-acting insulin shots (bolus) to be taken prior to each meal and 1 long-acting insulin shot (basal) taken before bed. I was now using a blood glucose meter to help manage my blood sugar. However, pregnancy presented new challenges for me. Insulin demands tripled over the course of nine months. I took extremely good care of my diabetes in order to keep my unborn baby safe. In 1988, I gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a healthy son weighing under 9 pounds. In 1990, I was pregnant again but I experienced a miscarriage in my 11th week of gestation. It was devastating to me (and I rarely talk about it to this day). My gynecologist claimed that the miscarriage was the result of my poor diabetes management. My diabetologist*, Dr. Henry Dolger, disagreed with that assessment. He told me that 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and it was totally unrelated to my diabetes self-care. In 1992, I was pregnant again and gave birth (via C-section delivery) to a beautiful baby girl weighing under 9 pounds. I happily devoted the next decade to exclusively raising my children.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

*A diabetologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of diabetes.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler PhD, CDCES has published two books which include insightful lessons of empowerment written by successful men and women with diabetes. Available for purchase.

 

MY SWEET LIFE: Successful Women with Diabetes by Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDCES and Friends is a collection of life stories – each chapter written by a highly respected successful woman with diabetes. This group of diverse women share their stories how they find balance between managing their careers and/or family AND managing their diabetes.

The book is compiled by Dr. Beverly S. Adler who is also one of those women. “Dr. Bev” as she is better known, is a clinical psychologist and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice, specializing treating patients with diabetes and also has had type 1 diabetes for 37 years. All those years ago when she was diagnosed, there were no role models with diabetes for her. This book is geared for women with diabetes who need role models who can inspire them. The book is written for the newly diagnosed woman with diabetes who is overwhelmed with her diagnosis. Or, for the woman who has had diabetes for a while, but can also benefit from uplifting, inspirational stories to encourage and motivate self-care (especially if they already are trying to cope with some complications).

Dr. Bev is joined by 23 contributing authors who are all women of exceptional accomplishments! Each story is unique and heartwarming, as these very special women share their triumph over diabetes. The reader can learn how the women’s experiences with diabetes helped to shape them into who they are today. The theme running through the book is that “diabetes is a blessing in disguise.”

 

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic and very special guest, Dr. Beverly S. Adler,PhD, CDCES on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast. Known as “Dr. Bev,” to her patients, this Baldwin, NY, self-proclaimed “Diabetes Diva” is uniquely qualified to treat patients with diabetes. Dr. Bev has firsthand experience living with Type 1 diabetes for 35+ years. Hear her personal philosophy and learn how she empowers the lives of others living with diabetes. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, find inspiration in “herstory!”