Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle: An Icon of Rock and Soul Music

Patti LaBelle, an esteemed actress and singer, is widely recognized as the queen of rock and soul music. With a remarkable repertoire, her most acclaimed songs include “Lady Marmalade,” “When You Talk About Love,” and “New Attitude.” LaBelle’s illustrious career began in 1959 with the Ordettes, which later evolved into the Bluebelles in 1961. Her journey as a solo artist took off in 1983 with the release of her hit album I’m in Love Again.

The Bluebelles

The Bluebelles achieved national prominence through their performances at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, where they earned the affectionate title of “Apollo Sweethearts.” They garnered modest success with remakes of classics such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” while their original ballad “Down the Aisle (The Wedding Song)” climbed into the top 40. However, by 1967, the group faced challenges when Cindy Birdsong departed to join Diana Ross and the Supremes. The remaining members struggled to regain their former glory, leading to their eventual dismissal from their label in 1970 and a split from their management.

In search of reinvention, LaBelle turned to promoter Vicki Wickham, who helped the group modernize their image. Under Wickham’s guidance, they rebranded themselves as “LaBelle,” embraced the glam rock aesthetic of the 1970s, and explored more provocative themes in their music. The release of their 1974 album Nightbirds marked a significant turning point, with the single “Lady Marmalade” becoming their first No. 1 hit in over a decade.

This resurgence in popularity prompted a whirlwind tour, including performances at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera House and the historic cover of Rolling Stone magazine as the first Black vocal group. However, underlying tensions regarding the group’s musical direction led to their eventual breakup in 1977, allowing members to pursue solo endeavors.

Solo Success

LaBelle launched her solo career with a self-titled debut in 1977, earning critical acclaim. Following a series of moderately successful albums, including Tasty (1978) and Released (1980), she achieved significant acclaim with the ballad “The Best is Yet to Come,” which reached No. 14 on the R&B chart and earned her a Grammy nomination. In 1982, her collaboration with Michael McDonald on “On My Own” became a No. 1 hit.

The 1980s saw LaBelle continuing to release chart-topping hits, including “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up,” both of which became staples on pop radio, along with “If You Asked Me To” in 1989. In 1991, her album Burnin’ achieved gold status and secured her first Grammy Award. LaBelle was later honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993. Throughout the 1990s, she released several popular albums, including Gems (1994), Flame (1997), and Live! One Night Only (1998), the latter earning her a second Grammy.

Later Career

In 2008, LaBelle reunited with former LaBelle members Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash to release Back to Now, their first album together in 32 years. The project featured a blend of new songs and previously recorded singles, leading to a successful reunion tour. In June 2009, she was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame.

In 2017, LaBelle expanded her musical repertoire with the release of her first jazz album, Bel Hommage, showcasing her interpretations of standards made famous by legends such as Frank Sinatra and Nina Simone.

Television, Film, and Theater

LaBelle’s talents extend beyond music into various stage and screen productions. She has appeared in notable films such as A Soldier’s Story (1984) and Beverly Hills Cop (1984), as well as the Broadway gospel musical Your Arm’s Too Short to Box with God (1982). She also had a recurring role in the television series A Different World (1990) and made a guest appearance on American Horror Story in 2014.

In 2015, LaBelle participated in the reality competition show Dancing With the Stars, pairing with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, and later took on recurring roles in Greenleaf and Star. She returned to reality competition in 2019 as the Flower in season 2 of The Masked Singer.

Books and Culinary Ventures

In addition to her musical career, LaBelle has authored several books, including her autobiography Don’t Block the Blessings (1997), the diabetic cookbook LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About (1998), and Recipes for the Good Life (2008). She has also launched a range of food products, including sauces, sweet potato pies, and a frozen soul food line, further diversifying her contributions to the culinary world.

Personal Life

LaBelle married her manager, Armstead Edwards, in 1969, and they have three children together. The couple divorced in 2000 after 30 years of marriage.

Patti LaBelle’s remarkable career continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, solidifying her legacy as a true icon in the music industry.