The Great Patti Labelle

Patti style in Greenville, South Carolina @ The Peace Center!!!

2011-03-31T10:51:00.002+08:00

Patti singing the Star Spangled Banner

2011-03-31T10:50:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Picture

2011-03-31T10:49:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Picture

2011-03-31T10:45:00.002+08:00

Patti Labelle Picture From Old Day

2011-03-31T10:43:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Picture From Old Day

2011-03-31T10:40:00.000+08:00

From : Robert Hilyer
You are still as beutiful as ever. an not wait to see you Saturday in Tuscaloosa!! Love You!!

Patti LaBelle at the Saks unveiling

2010-12-02T10:08:00.003+08:00

The department stores recently unveiled their holiday windows, and our photographer Katie Sokoler dropped by the big ones, including the Saks unveiling (which was a whole big production that Patti LaBelle performed at—video below); click through to check them all out. A few notes on the displays: Bloomingdale's also had a performance to celebrate theirs, but they put John Legend in the window—so perhaps trapping celebrity performers in confined glass areas is the future look of Christmas. But it looks like despite that forward-thinking design tactic, Barneys outdid everyone once again. This year they created visually stunning, dark world with inspiration courtesy of the foodie culture. For more, check out WNYC's analysis of the windows, here.

Patti LaBelle, Brooke Shields and a whole lotta bubbles—can you think of a better way to kick off the holiday season? Yeah, we didn't think so.

"On My Own" singer LaBelle and Lipstick Jungle actress Shields were just two of the celebrities on hand to add some sparkle to the Snowflake and Bubble Spectacular at Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York on Monday. The event was a treat for the eyes and ears, featuring a performance by LaBelle as a dramatic light show and bubble display combined to create a stunning visual effect that appeared to transform the appearance of the building itself.

Saks also commissioned the talents of 10 top designers, including Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta, to create create one-of-a-kind dresses for the event.

Check out video from Saks' Snowflake and Bubble Spectacular below:

Patti LaBelle On The Nate Berkus Show

2010-11-22T10:29:00.000+08:00

Members of the audience get to swap items they brought in with each other and Patti Labelle.
see the video here

Patti Labelle Brings It In "Fela" On Broadway

2010-11-12T11:20:00.001+08:00

NEW YORK - It's not until halfway through the first act of the musical Fela! that we get a peek at its newest addition, Philadelphia singer Patti LaBelle. And then we're not even really sure it's her. But there's something familiar about the flickering image projected on a screen of a woman with her hair wrapped in a gele. Then we hear the soul-stirring signature moan. And it becomes clear. Mmm-hmm, that's Patti. In September, LaBelle, 66, joined the cast of Fela!, Bill T. Jones' Tony Award-winning Broadway musical biography of the real-life Nigerian singer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. She plays the ghost of Fela's mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. LaBelle doesn't get a lot of stage time, but her performance still has haunting impact: She doesn't sing her parts; she cries them.

Throughout the play, Funmilayo periodically and painstakingly paces across the balcony, wailing with each step. It's absolutely chilling - and not at all the Patti we know. "Patti LaBelle doesn't live here," said LaBelle, of Wynnewood, after a recent performance. "Some people get it twisted. It's like when I'm up there, they want me to sing "Over the Rainbow," and they clap in the wrong places. But that's OK, because these are my followers . . . and people who love me will come and see the play." Have they ever. Since LaBelle took over the role of Funmilayo from Lillias White, attendance has increased from about 60 percent capacity to 80 percent.

During the same time, ticket sales have been up an average of 30 percent, said publicist Billy Zavelson; the show sold about $549,000 in tickets - the most in the run so far - the week ending Oct. 10. "We are so very happy to have her as part of the production," said Zavelson, who attributes some of the jump in sales to the discontinuation of discounted tickets - a move the show could make once LaBelle was on board. Backstage, LaBelle sits at her dressing table dotted with pictures of her close friend, the late crooner Luther Vandross.

She wears a flowing floral top with matching wide-legged pants. Back here, she embodies Patti: On her feet are Prada alligator pumps - "these are 10 years old." Her natural nails, albeit short for her, are manicured, painted a sage green. A black, bobbed wig with bangs sits securely on her head. Mr. Cuddles, her feisty, furry shih tzu, circles her ankles. But she is happy to leave her Patti persona behind on this stage, where she is bespectacled and serious. "I'm not allowed bling-bling. No hair. No wigs. No pumps.

I just strip down and put on that muumuu and that gele." Fela! debuted in November 2009 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York, opening to major fanfare with backing from entertainers Jay-Z, Will Smith, and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. LaBelle saw Fela! in the spring while sitting next to the playwright. It was the first she had heard of Fela's story, and when the show was over, she turned to Jones and told him she wanted the role of Funmilayo. Four weeks later, LaBelle said, Jones' people called her people and she was cast in the role.

LaBelle, who last appeared on Broadway in the 1982 revival of Your Arm's Too Short to Box With God, had two weeks of rehearsal. "It's a wonderful thing to come to work with someone new and right away she snatches it up, figures it out, and puts her own spin on it," said Kevin Mambo, who plays the lead of Fela. "This is real, real artistic professionalism and I get the best seat in the house. I sit at her feet and watch her work every night." The real Funmilayo, born in 1900, was known as the doyenne of women's rights in Nigeria.

She was a teacher who worked on political campaigns and was the first woman in the country to drive a car and ride a bike. Her son Fela, inspired by Funmilayo's fight for justice, rebelled through music, and in the process created a new sound in the late 1960s known as afrobeat. He created a commune and a recording studio called the Kalakuta Republic, which he declared independent of Nigeria. He also founded a nightclub called the Shrine. I

n 1977, Fela's album Zombie became a hit in Nigeria, but it also angered the government. Consequently, the Kalakuta Republic was attacked by 1,000 soldiers, leaving Fela severely beaten along with many of the commune's members. Funmilayo was thrown out of a window, and she later died of her injuries at 77. The musical is set in the Shrine after the attack; Fela is about to give his last performance. He sings about his history, how he pioneered afrobeat, how he loves marijuana and women.

At one point in his life, Fela claimed 27 wives. But the ghost of Funmilayo is Fela's conscience. She haunts him, reminding her son of his purpose as a revolutionary. Funmilayo comes to life in the second act, and it is here that LaBelle takes the liberty of putting the Patti back in what is the production's most poignant performances. "I changed the lyrics in some points there," LaBelle said. "I added the words 'my son.' I also added 'drip drop let the rain fall' . . . I added a Patti LaBelle swirl." You can't, after all, completely disguise a diva. Gathering up Mr. Cuddles, LaBelle wraps herself in a black full-length fur coat, and makes her way to the Escalade waiting for her outside.

Patti LaBelle BET Honors 2010

2010-01-17T09:21:00.000+08:00

WASHINGTON - JANUARY 16: Patti LaBelle performs during the 2010 BET Honors at the Warner Theatre on January 16, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)Content © 2010 Getty Images All rights reserved.

Patti LaBelle BET Honors 2010 video of their performances in tribute to Media honoree Queen Latifah in the 3rd annual awards ceremony broadcast Feb. 1, 2010. She was among those receiving honors at the Warner Theatre on Jan. 16, 2010 in Washington, DC. with host Gabrielle Union.

Sullivan performed Unforgettable and Rock Steady, followed by LaBelle’s performance.

The video is below.

jaz & patti
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - Explore international webcam videos.

Patti LaBelle headlining Dinner with the Stars gala

2010-01-11T11:39:00.002+08:00

Soul songstress Patti LaBelle is the headline entertainment at Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis' 2011 Dinner with the Stars Annual Fundraiser.

It'll take place May 7, 2011 at the Chase Park Plaza's Khorassan Ballroom.

New this year, Variety is thanking its Facebook fan base with an opportunity to receive two free tickets to Dinner with the Stars. If Variety reaches 3,000 "likes" on Facebook by the kickoff of Variety Week (marked by the beginning of the Variety Parade in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, April 30, 2011), Variety will randomly select one fan to receive two tickets to the event, a $1,000 value.

As of this morning, the organization needs just over 1,700 more "likes" in the next six months to reach the 3,000 mark.

Facebook users are eligible by visiting www.facebook.com/varietystl and "liking" Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis.

The black-tie event is expected to raise more than $1 million to help local children with physical and mental disabilities.

Tickets will be available at www.varietystl.org beginning in January 2011.

In a statment, Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis' Jan Albus said: "Dinner with the Stars is annually St. Louis' premier charity gala and 2011 will be no different with musical legend Patti LaBelle gracing the Variety stage with her talent. This year we want to thank our most loyal supporters on Facebook for their dedication to Variety's cause by offering them an exclusive opportunity to see Patti LaBelle at the Chase Park Plaza, while celebrating the impact Variety has made in the St. Louis community."

Remembering Micheal Jackson

2009-06-26T10:34:00.001+08:00

I am realy shock hearing the new that Micheal Jackson Has die today.May He Rest In Peace

Patti Labelle Pay Tribute To Micheal Jackson Singing I Just Can't Stop Loving You

Written and Composed by Michael Jackson.

I Just Want To Lay Next To You For Awhile
You Look So Beautiful Tonight
Your Eyes Are So Lovely
Your Mouth Is So Sweet
A Lot Of People Misunderstand Me
That's Because They Don't
Know Me At All
I Just Want To Touch You
And Hold You
I Need You
God I Need You
I Love You So Much

[Michael]
Each Time The Wind Blows
I Hear Your Voice So
I Call Your Name . . .
Whispers At Morning
Our Love Is Dawning
Heaven's Glad You Came . . .

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I'm So Proud To Say I Love You
Your Love's Got Me High
I Long To Get By
This Time Is Forever
Love Is The Answer

[Siedah]
I Hear Your Voice Now
You Are My Choice Now
The Love You Bring
Heaven's In My Heart
At Your Call
I Hear Harps,
And Angels Sing

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I Can't Live My Life
Without You

[Michael]
I Just Can't Hold On

[Siedah]
I Feel We Belong

[Michael]
My Life Ain't Worth Living
If I Can't Be With You

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop . . .
Then Tell Me Just What
Will I Do

[Siedah]
'Cause I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Michael]
At Night When The
Stars Shine
I Pray In You I'll Find
A Love So True . . .

[Siedah]
When Morning Awakes Me
Will You Come And Take Me
I'll Wait For You

[Michael]
You Know How I Feel
I Won't Stop Until
I Hear Your Voice Saying "I Do"

[Siedah]
"I Do"
This Thing Can't Go Wrong

[Michael]
This Feeling's So Strong

[Siedah]
Well, My Life Ain't
Worth Living

[Both]
If I Can't Be With You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop . . .
Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do

[Michael]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
We Can Change All The World Tomorrow

[Michael]
We Can Sing Songs Of
Yesterday

[Siedah]
I Can Say, Hey . . .Farewell To Sorrow

[Michael]
This Is My Life And I,

[Both]
Want To See You For Always
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
No, Baby

[Michael]
Oh!

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Siedah]
If I Can't Stop!

[Both]
And If I Stop . . .

[Siedah]
No

[Michael]
Oh! Oh! Oh . . .Oh . . .

[Siedah]
What Will I Do? Uh . . .Ooh . . .
(Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do)

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Michael]
Hee! Hee! Hee! Know I Do
Girl!

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

[Michael]
You Know I Do
And If I Stop . . .

[Both]
Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do

[Both]
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

I Also Found From You Tube a Video Where Patti LaBelle and Daryl Coley sing for the NAACP special Entertainer of the year awarded to Michael Jackson.

Patti LaBelle & Friends - "What A Wonderful World/Sing The Rainbow"

2009-06-25T14:58:00.001+08:00

Video By : Back To Labelle

Back To Labelle Quote : This is Patti LaBelle taking a very easy approach to the rainbow, while not trying to get over it she still is trying to sing the whole thing! This was from a 1990's special entitled "For the Childen".

Patti Labelle : What A Wonderful World & Sing A Rainbow

Spoken: I'm so happy to be here.

Oooo, oh

I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you

And I say to myself
Oh, I say to myself
It's a wonderful world

Hey
Red and yellow
Pink and green
Purple and orange
And blue, baby baby

I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
I can sing
I can sing a rainbow too

Oh, listen with your eyes
Listen with your eyes
And sing everything
You see

Oh, I can sing a rainbow
Sing a rainbow
Sing a long
Sing a long with me

Oh, the colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also
On the faces of the people
Passing by, oo

I see friends shaking hands
Saying how do you do?
They're really saying
I love you
I love you
Hey, I love you

I see baby's cry
And I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Then you and I
Will ever know
Whew, baby

And I say to myself
Oh, I say to myself
It's a wonderful world
Oh, baby
Oh, baby

We can sing together
Everybody
Everybody sing
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
It takes many colors
To make a rainbow
Yes it does
And all kinds of people
All kinds of people
To make a wonder rainbow

Picture Of The Day - Patti LaBelle attends the Apollo Theater 75th Anniversary Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 8, 2009 in New York City.

2009-06-24T14:47:00.001+08:00

Patti LaBelle attends the Apollo Theater 75th Anniversary Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 8, 2009 in New York City.

Patti LaBelle - If You Asked Me To

2009-06-20T10:33:00.002+08:00

1989: "If You Asked Me To" (#79 US pop, #10 US adult contemporary, #10 R&B)

Used to be that I believed in something,
Used to be that I believed in love,
It's been a long time since I've had that feelin',
I could love someone,
I could trust someone.
I said I'd never let nobody near my heart again, darlin',
I said I'd never let nobody in,
But, If you asked me to I just might change my mind,
And let you in my life forever,
If you asked me to I just might give my heart,
And stay here in your arms forever.
If you asked me to,
If you asked me to,
Somehow ever since I've been around you,
Can't go back to being on my own Can't help feelin',
darlin', since I've found you,
That I've found my home,
That I've found my home.
I said I'd never let nobody get to close to me, darlin',
I said I needed, needed to be free,
But, If you asked me to I just might change my mind,
And let you in my life forever,
If you asked me to I just might give my heart,
And stay here in your arms forever.
If you asked me to
If you asked me to
Ask me to I will give my world to you baby
I need you now (I need you now)
Ask me to and I'll do anything for you, baby,
For you, baby.
If you asked me to,
I'll let you in my life forever,
If you asked me to,
All you gotta do is ask me to,
All you gotta do, All you gotta do
All you gotta do is ask me to
If you ask me to (I'll give you my word, I'll give you my heart)
Everything, Everything Baby
If you ask me to, just ask me to

Patti Labelle Duets With Michael Bolton - We're Not Makin' Love Anymore

2009-06-17T09:00:00.006+08:00

Patti Labelle Duets With Michael Bolton
We're Not Makin' Love Anymore
Songwriters: Bolton, Michael; Warren, Diane
lyrics

Patti: here we are going through the motion one more time you look into my eyes and you don't see.

micheal: and here I am feeling like a stranger in your arms I touch you I hold but lately I don't know you.

patti: something is wrong but we go from day to day and we just pretend it all away.

micheal: we act like nothing's changed when in our hearts we know it's not the same.

(chorus)

cause we're not making love any more baby we're not making love like before we may hold each other tight and say that eveythings alright but we're not making love.

patti: remember when you couldn't wait to run into my arms when the love inside my heart was all you needed.

micheal: remember when you'd make me wish the nights would never end the fire the thunder we lived to love each other.

patti: if ever two hearts were one then it was yours and mine but that was another place and time.

micheal: now all we have to show our memories are the dreams we use to know.

(chorus)

(bridge)

oh can we get it back again or is it too late can we just try one more time cause darlin we're not making love no baby we're not making love like before but can we find a way and try to fall in love one more time cause we're not making love.

(chorus)

PATTI, QUINCY HONORED AT THE APOLLO: Prince, Mariah Carey Among Celebs In Attendance.

2009-06-11T14:23:00.004+08:00

*A number of A-list celebrities crowded into Harlem's Apollo Theater Monday night to honor the historic venue's 75th Anniversary, which doubled as an all-star tribute to music greats Patti Labelle and Quincy Jones.

Per the New York Daily News:

The usually reclusive Prince came out of hiding to applaud the soul diva, calling her, "My mother, my teacher, my cook and my stylist" at the Monday night bash. He added, "She taught me so much. I love her with all my heart, and I'm here for her."

Mariah Carey, who took a break from finishing up her new CD, broke down in tears as she spoke about LaBelle - the woman she calls her "godmother." "I'm sorry [I'm crying], but she just makes me so emotional," she said. Turning to the singer, Carey sobbed, "I am so honored to know you, and I thank you for always sharing your gift of love and friendship with me."

LaBelle was clearly moved by the lovefest. After making her way to the podium, the legend admitted, "I was sitting up there and Prince snuck up behind me and said he wouldn't miss this for anything, and I was shocked. When I heard Mariah was giving me this award, I was shocked. I'm shaking."

Not shaking, but equally emotional, was Quincy Jones, who was also inducted into the Apollo's Hall of Fame. Jamie Foxx did the honors, and revealed his favorite Quincy memory before going on stage. "It was just being at his house," the Oscar winner said. "One party, he had Sidney Poitier there; Oprah Winfrey was hosting and a slew of actors and actresses from his era came. He just brought family together. And that's what we're really missing today."

Onstage, Foxx praised his "Ray" dialogue coach, stating proudly: "Quincy taught me not to settle for mediocrity. He has connected us all."

Jones was equally impressed with his young pal, and not just as an actor/musician. "Jamie is an amazing person, and I love him. He's such a serious artist, but he's also a maniac!" he exclaimed. "We do it together. We are two party animals."

But Foxx was the only party animal we found scampering around Mr. West later in the evening, having morphed from respectable presenter to club king. The "Blame It" singer danced, performed and poured shots down the throat of birthday girl DJ Sky Nellor with a little help from Jay-Z into the wee hours of the morning."

Picture Of The Day

2009-06-05T14:49:00.000+08:00

Picture Of The Day

2009-06-01T14:45:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle & Mary J Blige - Aint No Way

2009-05-18T14:14:00.003+08:00

Ain't no way

Ain't no way for me to love you,
if you won't let me.
It ain't no way for me to give you all you need,
if you won't let me give all of me.
I know that a woman's duty is to help and love a man,
and that's the way it was planned.
Oh, but how can I, how can I, how can I
give you all the things I can,
if you're tying both of my hands?

Oh, it ain't no way (ain't no way).
It ain't no way (ain't no way).
It just ain't no way, baby (ain't no way).
Ain't no way baby (ain't no way).
It ain't no way for me to love you,
if you won't let me.

Stop trying to be someone you're not.
How cold and cruel is a man
who pay too much for what he got?
And if you need me to love you, say, say you do.
Oh, then baby, baby, baby don't you know that
I need you.
Oh, Oh, it ain't no way.
I'll tell you that it ain't no way,
It ain't no way.
It ain't no way, baby, no.
It just ain't no way.
It sure ain't no way
It ain't no way for me to love you,
if you won't let me...

(Ad lib to fade)no way...if you won't let me...ain't no way

Patti Labelle & Frank sinatra - Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

2009-05-18T12:37:00.004+08:00

Lyrics by: Lorenz Hart
Music by: Richard Rodgers
Arranged By: Nelson Riddle - Nelson Riddle - Nelson Riddle - Patrick Williams
From the Album: Sinatra the Television Years-1957-1965
From the Film: Pal Joey (1957)
Label: Columbia - Capitol - Reprise - Capitol
Recorded: 7/25/57 - 8/13/57 - 2/20/63 - 5/17/94 (with Patti LaBelle)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After one whole quart of brandy
Like a daisy, I'm awake
With no Bromo-Seltzer handy
I don't even shake

Men are not a new sensation
I've done pretty well I think
But this half-pint imitation
Put me on the blink

I'm wild again, beguiled again
A simpering, whimpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

Couldn't sleep and wouldn't sleep
When love came and told me, I shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

Lost my heart, but what of it
He is cold I agree
He can laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me

I'll sing to him, each spring to him
And long, for the day when I'll cling to him
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

He's a fool and don't I know it
But a fool can have his charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms

Love's the same old sad sensation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this half-pint imitation
Put me on the blink

I've sinned a lot, I'm mean a lot
But I'm like sweet seventeen a lot
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

I'll sing to him, each spring to him
And worship the trousers that cling to him
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

When he talks, he is seeking
Words to get, off his chest
Horizontally speaking, he's at his very best

Vexed again, perplexed again
Thank God, I can be oversexed again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - am I

Wise at last, my eyes at last,
Are cutting you down to your size at last
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - no more

Burned a lot, but learned a lot
And now you are broke, so you earned a lot
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - no more

Couldn't eat, was dispeptic
Life was so hard to bear
Now my heart's antiseptic
Since you moved out of there

Romance, finis. Your chance, finis.
Those ants that invaded my pants, finis.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered - no more

Patti Labelle In The Nanny

2009-05-18T12:35:00.000+08:00

Picture Of The Day : Patti Labelle And Labelle perform at the 15th Annual OUT 100 Awards at Gotham Hall on November 14, 2008 in New York City

2009-05-14T14:43:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Album : It's Alright with Me (1979)

2009-04-05T12:30:00.001+08:00

1979 It's Alright with Me (#145 US)

"It's Alright with Me"
"My Best Was Good Enough"
"What Cha Doin' to Me?"
"Love Is Just a Touch Away"
"Love and Learn"
"Deliver the Funk"
"Come What May"
"You and Me"
"Music is My Way of Life"

Patti Album : Tasty

2009-04-03T12:18:00.001+08:00

Tasty

by Patti LaBelle, album published in 1978

"Save the Last Dance for Me" (Pomus/Shuman) (5:05)
"Monkey See Monkey Do" (M. Franks) (5:12)
"Little Girls" (A. Willis) (6:46)
"You Make It Hard to Say No" (Scaggs) (5:35)
"Teach Me Tonight (Me Gusta Tu Baile)" (Edwards/Ellison/LaBelle) (5:21)
"Quiet Time" (Edwards/Ellison/LaBelle) (5:05)
"Don't Let Go" (J. Stone) (4:06)
"I See Home" (A. Willis/D. Lasley) (5:57)
"Eyes in the Back of My Head" (5:25)

Patti Album : Patti Labelle

2009-04-02T12:09:00.001+08:00

Patti Labelle

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Oct 13 1977

"Joy to Have Your Love" (Jeffrey Cohen, Ray Parker, Jr., Budd Ellison)
"Funky Music" (Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield)
"Since I Don't Have You" (Wally Lester, Joe VerScharen, Joseph Rock, James Beaumont, Jackie Taylor)
"Dan Swit Me" (Jeffrey Cohen, Ray Parker, Jr., David Rubinson, Armstead Edwards)
"You Are My Friend" (Patti LaBelle, Budd Ellison, Armstead Edwards)
"You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" (Willie Dixon)
"I Think About You" (Angelo "Funky Knuckles" Nocentelli)
"Do I Stand a Chance?" (Patti LaBelle, Budd Ellison, Armstead Edwards)
"Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)" (Bob Dylan)

Patti Album : Miss Patti's Christmas

2009-04-01T11:53:00.001+08:00

Miss Patti's Christmas

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Oct 2007

Christmas Jam
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?
Holidays Mean More To Me
It's Going To Be A Merry Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Nativity
Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child featuringThe Soul Seekers
Every Year, Every Christmas
Away In A Manger

Patti Album : Gospel According to Patti Labelle

2009-03-15T11:48:00.001+08:00

Gospel According to Patti Labelle

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Nov 2006

Did You Pray Today
Where Love Begins
Anything
Walk Around Heaven
More Than (He Loves You)
God Aint Through
I Just Love Him So
Walking Away
My Everything - Wynonna Judd

Patti Album : The Definitive Collection

2009-03-03T11:39:00.001+08:00

The Definitive Collection

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Aug 2006

Best Is Yet to Come - Patti LaBelle, Grover Washington, Jr.
Right Kind of Lover
Don't Block the Blessing

Patti Album - Gold

2009-02-20T16:13:00.001+08:00

Gold

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Nov 2005

Down The Aisle (The Wedding Song)
I'm Still Waiting
Isn't It A Shame
The Best Is Yet To Come
Still In Love
Call Me Gone
When A Woman Loves
Love Will Lead You Back
New Day

Patti Album - Classic Moments

2009-02-10T16:09:00.001+08:00

Classic Moments

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Jun 2005

Ain't No Way featuring Mary J. Blige
He's Out Of My Life
Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
Love Don't Live Here Anymore
I Keep Forgetting
Love Ballad
I Can't Make You Love Me
Your Song featuring Elton John
I'll Write A Song For You
Silly
I'll Stand By You
You're Gonna Make Me Love Someone Else

Patti Album - Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

2009-02-08T16:04:00.001+08:00

Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Sep 2004

This Christmas
'Twas Love
Nothing Could Be Better
I'm Christmasing With You
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
If Everyday Could Be Like Christmas
Reason For The Season
Country Christmas
Born In A Manger
O Holy Night
Wouldn't It Be Beautiful
Angel Man

Patti Album - Greatest Love Songs

2009-02-04T15:58:00.001+08:00

Greatest Love Songs

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Jan 2002

Joy To Have Your Love - single version
I'm in Love Again
The Best is Yet to Come - Grover Washington, Jr. With Patti Labelle
If You Only Knew - single version
I Don't Go Shopping

Patti Album - 20th Century Masters: The Best Of Patti LaBelle (Millennium Collection)

2009-02-01T15:53:00.001+08:00

20th Century Masters: The Best Of Patti LaBelle (Millennium Collection)

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Apr 1999

Kiss The Pain Away
Yo Mister
If You Asked Me
The Right Kind Of Love

UNCF Tribute to Patti LaBelle - A Change Is Gonna Come

2009-01-30T12:06:00.001+08:00

Sep 16, 2008 20:17 ET

The Stars Come Out to Pay Tribute to Patti LaBelle and Remember Ray Charles at 30th Anniversary of "An Evening of Stars®" UNCF Launches Star Power Campaign

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - September 16, 2008) - An all-star line-up of performers and presenters showed up Saturday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of UNCF's annual television special, "An Evening of Stars®." Patti LaBelle, who was presented with the organization's prestigious Award of Excellence, was praised for her artistry and her longtime commitment to UNCF. "An Evening of Stars® (AEOS) Tribute to Patti LaBelle Presented by Target" was taped before a live audience at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California and will air nationwide January 24 and 25, 2009 on BET and WGN America and on selected network stations across the country.

This year's roster of presenters and performers included Yolanda Adams, Big Daddy Kane, Wayne Brady, Kobe Bryant, WGN's Merri Dee, Fantasia, Vivica A. Fox, "Entertainment Tonight's" Kevin Frazier, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Joyner, BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee, Le Toya Luckett, Mario, Duane Martin, LisaRaye McCoy, Brian McKnight, Chrissette Michelle, Mo'Nique, Shemar Moore, Holly Robinson Peete, Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club's" Dr. Ian Smith, Raven Symoné, and Essence Cares founder, Susan L. Taylor.

Former LaBelle group members Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash made a surprise appearance singing the LaBelle favorite, "Somebody Somewhere." Beyoncé, Wyclef Jean and Mariah Carey appeared in special taped messages to the "Lady of Soul."

"It's such an honor to receive this award from UNCF," said Patti LaBelle. "I'm honored to join stars like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones and Smokey Robinson who have received UNCF's Award of Excellence, and I'm honored to be able to contribute to UNCF's mission of helping kids get a college education. If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's UNCF's motto: A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

The 30th anniversary celebration also included the presentation of the UNCF Founders Award to The Ray Charles Foundation in recognition of the late singer's longstanding support of the nation's largest minority scholarship fund. Ray Charles Foundation president, Valerie Ervin, accepted the award.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by UNCF. Ray was a great believer in and supporter of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and this was always one of his philanthropic priorities," said Ervin.

Jazz stylist Nancy Wilson became the first recipient of the UNCF Founders Award last year. The award is given each year to an individual whose work and service reflect a commitment to UNCF and the importance of minority higher education -- the kind of commitment that led to the founding of UNCF more than sixty years ago.

This year, UNCF also launched "STAR POWER," its first "AEOS" online campaign. STAR POWER invites its donors and friends to create or join online teams to help raise funds to support minority education. With a fundraising goal of $1 million, the campaign will run from September 14, 2008 to February 15, 2009. Participants can upload photos, send invitation and thank you emails, and much more through their individual or team web pages and are encouraged to post their links on Facebook and MySpace as well. The captains of the three teams that raise the most money will be eligible to win an "AEOS" VIP package which includes tickets to the taping of "An Evening of Stars," transportation to and from the event, luxury accommodations and VIP passes to all "AEOS" activities and more. To learn more visit www.aneveningofstars.org and click on the Star Power icon.

"STAR POWER is an easy way for people who believe in the power of education to come together and shape the future of tomorrow's leaders," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "Anyone can create a STAR POWER team and inspire their own personal network of friends, family and colleagues to help put a college education within reach of every child. It's simple: Just visit UNCF.org and click on STAR POWER."

"An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Patti LaBelle" is presented by Target. National sponsors are AT&T, McDonald's and Toyota. American Airlines is the official airline of "An Evening of Stars®" and Wachovia is the VIP Hospitality sponsor. BET and WGN Superstation are official media partners.

Returning for his 12th year as executive producer and director of "An Evening of Stars®" is five-time Emmy® winner Louis J. Horvitz. Horvitz and his team received an NAACP Image Award for "An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Stevie Wonder" benefiting UNCF in 2007. Also, returning for their 12th year as producers are Cort Casady and Bill Urban.

For more information on "AEOS," visit www.aneveningofstars.org. For more information on UNCF, visit www.uncf.org. Click on the STAR POWER icon from either website to help deserving minority students go to college.

About "An Evening of Stars®"

"An Evening of Stars®" ("AEOS"), originally known as "The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars®," first aired in 1979 and, since that time, has become one of the longest-running and most successful televised events in U.S. history. Lou Rawls, a spokesperson for UNCF and champion for "AEOS" for more than 25 years, is credited with helping raise more than $200 million to help UNCF scholarship recipients, member institutions and their students pay the cost of higher education. In recent years, "AEOS" has featured a Who's Who of recognizable talent, including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Ne-Yo, Nancy Wilson, Beyoncé, Anita Baker, Jill Scott, Whoopi Goldberg, Fantasia, Joss Stone, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley, Maroon 5, and scores of others. "An Evening of Stars®" received an NAACP Image Award for its 2006 tribute to Stevie Wonder.

About UNCF

UNCF -- the United Negro College Fund -- is the nation's oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization. Its mission is to increase minority degree attainment by providing financial support to its 39 member institutions, reducing financial barriers to college and serving as a national advocate for minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF's recently redesigned logo and brand identity feature UNCF's torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

Patti Album - Live! One Night Only

2009-01-16T15:43:00.001+08:00

Live! One Night Only

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Sep 1998

I Believe
He Doesn't Love You
You Are My Friend
Lord's Side
The Bells
Is It Still Good To You
Don't Make Me Over
If You Love Me
Sparkle
Got To Be Real
Patti Talk
A Change Is Gonna Come
Hold On
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
I Believe I Can Fly

Patti Album - Flame

2009-01-12T15:40:00.000+08:00

Flame

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Jun 1997

Someone Like You
I Like The Way It Feels
You Are My Solid Ground
Flame
Let Me Be Your Lady
Does He Love You
Shoe Was On The Other Foot
Addicted To You
When You Talk About Love
Love Is Just A Whisper Away
If By Chance
Let Me Be There For You
You Saved My Life
Don't Block The Blessings

Patti Album - Patti LaBelle - Greatest Hits [MCA]

2009-01-10T15:32:00.001+08:00

Patti LaBelle - Greatest Hits [MCA]

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Dec 1996

Over The Rainbow
Lady Marmalade
What Can I Do For You?
Moon Shadow
Going On A Holiday
If Only You Knew
Love, Need And Want You
New Attitude
Stir It Up
If You Asked Me To

Picture Of The Day : Patti Labelle & Labelle In Concert At The Apollo Theater On December 19 2008 In New York City

2009-01-10T15:03:00.001+08:00

Patti Album - Winner in You

2009-01-08T15:27:00.000+08:00

Winner in You

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Jan 1995

Oh, People
On My Own
Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight)
Kiss Away The Pain
Twisted
You're Mine Tonight
Finally We're Back Together
Beat My Heart Like A Drum
Sleep With Me Tonight
There's A Winner In You (From The Play, 'Pipes')

Patti Album - Gem

2009-01-06T15:23:00.000+08:00

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Jun 1994

I'm In Love
All This Love
The Right Kinda Lover
This Word Is All
Too Good To Be Through
I Never Stopped Loving You
Stay In My Corner
If I Didn't Have You
I Can't Tell My Heart What To Do
Time Will Tell
Our World
Come As You Are

Patti Album - Burnin'

2009-01-05T15:11:00.001+08:00

by Patti LaBelle, album published in Oct 1991

Feels Like Another One
Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)
When You Love Somebody (I'm Saving My Love For You)
I Don't Do Duets
Temptation
When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)
Burnin' (The Fire Is Still) Burnin' For You
I Hear Your Voice
We're Not Makin' Love Anymore
Release Yourself
Love Never Dies
Crazy Love

Patti Labelle - With Labelle - What Can I Do For You

2008-12-27T10:11:00.001+08:00

What Can I Do For You? by Labelle

People want true things
Or nothing at all
People want sincerity
And nothing more
People need happiness as land needs rain
We need rain we need light we need love
Yes you'll find it so hard
To live without love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Whoa just say yeah (oh yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

People want to live (uh huh)
Not merely exist
People want to enjoy

Not suffer and fear no no no
People need understanding
Not tensions or confusion no no
Oh I wonder should the people who present us this solution talk about love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Oh yeah
Just say yeah (oh yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Say yeah
Ooh yeah

We need power
We need power
We need peace
Peace
Peace
Peace

I think we'll all agree
I think we'll all agree
That's not fighting (fighting)
That's not fighting
Because this ain't war
This ain't war
This ain't war
This ain't war
I know it's not too late to love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Love love love
Love love love

What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you
What can you do for me
What can I do for you

Patti Labelle Duet With Tony Bennett - I've Got Rhythm

2008-12-17T10:01:00.003+08:00

She Can Sing Any kind Of Song......
Patti Labelle Appear For CBS Entertainment (Network) At The Tony Bennett Special: Here's to the Ladies: A Concert of Hope 1995. Sing Duet Song With Tony Bennett "I've Got Rhythm".Tony Bennett headlines this concert also featuring duets with Brandy, Mary Chapin Carpenter,Liza Minelli and Roseanne.

Patti Labelle Live (The Lords Prayer)

2008-11-21T11:23:00.001+08:00

This is Patti Labelle singing live at the Health Partners benefit on 15 Nov 08.

Patti LaBelle - When You Wish Upon A Star

2008-11-20T12:12:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle Sing When You Wish Upon A Star From 'Pinocchio' on the special "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLYWWOD"

Patti LaBelle - Look To The Rainbows (live)

2008-11-20T12:11:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle sings in the 80's Look To The Rainbow. Spontaneous, powerfull, and fierce like only Patti can do! An untouchable perfomance with incredible high notes 6!

Patti LaBelle - Finale We Are The World

2008-11-20T12:10:00.000+08:00

"We Are The Children (World" finale that included Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Tina Turner, Cher and many many others; and the unbelievable Patti Labelle basically turns the song into her Own.

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-14T10:18:00.001+08:00

America' Veterans: A Musical Tribute - Patti LaBelle
sings New Attiude & I'll Stand By You

Patti LaBelle - You Dont Walk Alone

2008-11-13T12:08:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Al Green Mavis Staples Little Richard - You'll Never Walk Alone [Live at Apollo Theatre 1985]
Mavis Staples, Little Richard & Al Green open the perfomance with I've got Joy in my heart. Empress Of Soul Patti Labelle bring the house down with the spiritual, powerhouse and untouchable rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, Patti Labelle Al Green Mavis Staples Little Richard join Patti in the end of the song!

Patti LaBelle - You Dont have to say

2008-11-13T12:06:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle at UK music hall of fame singing cover of Dusty Springfield.

Patti LaBelle - You are so beautiful & You've got a friend

2008-11-13T12:05:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle sing medley of You are so beautiful & You've got a friend tribute to Elizabeth Taylor live.The songs originaly by Joe Cocker James Taylor & Carole King.

Patti LaBelle - You Are My Friend

2008-11-12T12:04:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle Sing You Are My Friend Fiercely...emmm what a Voice

Patti LaBelle - Lady Marmalade (Live @ Fashion Rocks 07)

2008-11-12T12:03:00.000+08:00

On October 20, 2007 LaBelle appeared as a surprise guest (with Whitney Houston, who introduced Patti) on the Swarovski Fashion Rocks for the Princes Trust Concert, singing a unique rendition of "Lady Marmalade" alongside the Sugababes for the finale of the concert in London, England. This was her first televised UK show since the early 70's

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-12T10:32:00.000+08:00

Travis Tritt Duet Patti Labelle - "When Something is Wrong"

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-12T10:30:00.001+08:00

Patti Labelle Duet With Liel Kole - "For the love of God"

Patti LaBelle - With LaBelle

2008-11-12T09:07:00.003+08:00

LABELLE TELLS ALL

Patti LaBelle - With LaBelle

2008-11-12T08:57:00.003+08:00

Win a chance to see
Labelle in concert in 2009!

Visit Labelle Official Website
http://www.labelleisback.com

Patti LaBelle - Lady Marmalade (World Music Awards)

2008-11-11T12:02:00.000+08:00

On November 4, 2007, the World Music Awards paid tribute to 63-year-old LaBelle for her enduring contribution to R&B. LaBelle sang a rendition of "Lady Marmalade" at the event with Shaggy. "I love this show because it unites the world with music; we need peace in the world," LaBelle said.

Patti Labelle - On My Own

2008-11-11T12:01:00.000+08:00

Patti Labelle Duet With Michael McDonald sing "On My Own",

Patti LaBelle - Duet With Michael Bolton

2008-11-11T12:00:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle Duet With Michael Bolton sing
-"Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", -"Heaven Must Have Sent You", and -"You're All I Need" ( Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrelle ).

Patti LaBelle - Lady Marmalade

2008-11-11T11:59:00.001+08:00

Patti LaBelle With Labelle _Lady Marmalade (Voulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi
Great classic 70s song from Patti,Nona and Sarah - extremely funky

Patti LaBelle - Duet With Joe Cocker

2008-11-10T11:57:00.001+08:00

Patti Labelle and Joe Cocker and Billy Preston on piano performing You are so beautiful at motown returns to the apollo.

Patti LaBelle - Glayds And Dionne - Superwomen

2008-11-10T11:57:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle,Glayds And Dionn Sings "Superwomen" On Oprah Winfrey Show.

Patti LaBelle - With Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick

2008-11-10T11:55:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle,Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick Together Sings At the hbo special sisters in the name of love

Patti LaBelle - Motown Returns to the Apollo - 1985

2008-11-10T11:54:00.000+08:00

Diana Ross Sing "What Is Love " With Patti LaBelle And Friends At Motown Returns to the Apollo - 1985

Patti LaBelle - Imagine

2008-11-10T11:52:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle performs the classic hit Imagine with singer Anna Oxa on Fantastico. This is from 1989.

Patti LaBelle - Walk Around Heaven

2008-11-09T11:46:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle - Tribute To Aretha Franklin

2008-11-09T11:41:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle Pay Tribute To Aretha Franklin sing "Ain't No way"

Patti LaBelle - Tribute To Smokey Robinson

2008-11-09T11:39:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBell sing Along With Luther Vendross And Glayds Knight Pays Tribute To Smokey Robinson

Patti LaBelle - Her Story

2008-11-08T10:25:00.003+08:00

Labelle Reunion Succeed

Hot off the comeback wire (I know that's what this blog has become lately, regular programming to return soon) - the return of Labelle is evidently fully official now. While this has been in the works for some time now, and even before this, the ladies have reunited on regular occasions, a new album, their first in 32 years (although the press release says 33, either their off with their math, or maybe they just thought 33 sounded better) is now in the pipeline. Set to be released on Verve Records the record is set to feature production from Gamble & Huff and Lenny Kravitz.

Although I'm still missing some of their albums, I can definitely say that together and individually Patti, Nona & Sarah released some stellar records in their careers. Their final album, "Chameleon" (1976, Epic) is an all time favourite of mine, not to mention Sarah's disco classic "Sinner Man," Nona's "Busting Out" with Material and her excellent 1983 album ("B-Boys," "Transformation" - written by Canadian rock icons Rough Trade, no less) and Patti's career goes without saying, obviously... Although I'm not sure theyll be able to fit in to them old space suits and feathered frocks and what not (well maybe Nona can), but I've no doubt the ladies can still deliver. Vocally, the three of them together are practically explosive..

Here's a copy of the recent press release:

Labelle Reunites on Verve Records for First Album of Original Songs in More Than Three Decades
Music's Most Revolutionary Female Trio Hits Studio With Rock Icon Lenny Kravitz and R&B Giants Gamble & Huff Producing

NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- There are reunions and then there are reunions ...

Embodying one of music's most enduring one-word brand names, and boasting a genre-defying legacy that has successfully spanned three generations, our era's most influential female powerhouse is about to show a stifled music industry how to really turn it out.

Labelle is back!

Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash, R&B's most original and formidable trio are reuniting via Verve Records to deliver their first full-length studio album in more than 33 years.

The new recording, to be completed in June and on course for a global unveiling in the fall of 2008, is being produced by a trio of icons equally up to the task: cutting edge funk rocker Lenny Kravitz and longtime Labelle collaborators and 2008 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, Gamble & Huff.

Transforming themselves from the classic-style 1960s girl group The Bluebelles into what one writer coined as 'the genre-bending rock supernova' of the 1970s, the innovative trio deftly combined glam rock, soul, funk, pop and gospel into a brash amalgam of breakthrough recordings such as "I Believe I've Finally Made It Home" from their pivotal second album Moonshadow (1972), and the groundbreaking "Lady Marmalade" from Nightbirds (1974)."

Labelle redefined the creative arc of the girl group, celebrating their three distinct personalities by donning outrageous costumes and addressing controversial issues in song and demeanor, shunning the cookie-cutter stereotypes that plagued most female singers of the era.

The group (which included Elton John on piano in its earliest incarnation) continually pushed gender boundaries in music of black origin, opening up for rock icons such as The Who and the Rolling Stones as they revolutionized the roles women played in R&B, rock'n'roll, and even fashion.

Often cited as a key influence for a new generation of female trailblazers such as Erykah Badu and Christina Aguilera, (the 2001 Missy Elliott-produced remake of "Lady Marmalade" featuring Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim snagged MTV's Video Of the Year, among other awards) the new songs crafted by Labelle also reflect the growth, wisdom and healing that exemplifies their individual storied paths after going their separate ways more than 32 years ago (though there have been several special events and live reunions since).

Braced, as always, by their trademark vocal firepower, the 2008 version of the supergroup still relies on their expansive range, show-stopping sense of theatricality, and as Nona puts it, their innate ability to "pull together as sisters and 'Labelle-ize' the music and the vibe and the spiritual side of what we do like nobody else on the planet."

Concocting an energized blend of uptempo songs and heart-wrenching ballads, the new recording includes the mesmerizing "Candlelight," the driving "System," the scorching "Superlover," and the old school/Gamble & Huff-helmed "Living Without You," resulting in an edgy but fan-pleasing album that once again finds Labelle embarking on a riveting musical narrative.

"The thread that always runs through is that we're sisters and we'll always be sisters," declares Patti. A connection between the three that may have frayed now and then over the years, but always remained unbreakable "The timing for us getting together was perfect," says Nona. "About a year and a half ago we met in the studio to record a tribute to civil rights icon Rosa Parks (the song "Dear Rosa" has yet to be released) and we just felt in our bones it was time to do this." It was Nona who tapped eclectic rocker Lenny Kravitz for initial production duty on the new disc. "We're friends and admirers of each other's work. We talked to him about the idea of us getting together and invited him to a session. He showed up that day at 5:00 and we haven't stopped working since."

Where Kravitz represents the next-generation appeal of the Labelle magic, legendary songwriters/producers Gamble & Huff were part of the Philadelphia/New Jersey nexus that helped launch the careers of the famous trio and give birth to the most popular soul sounds of the 1970s (O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and others). In fact, Kenny Gamble and Patti Labelle grew up on the same street in Philadelphia, and Gamble was instrumental in helping to launch Labelle's career.

Such foundational strengths anchor the new album, eliciting the same kind of confidence that enabled Labelle to break the mold back in the 70s, with each member eventually taking flight in inspired solo careers that accentuated their respective gifts. Patti went on to sign with Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records in the early '80s, releasing the seminal album I'm In Love Again that cemented her long and acclaimed solo career. Her subsequent duet with Michael McDonald, "On My Own," soared to #1 on the charts, with scores of hits and an impeccable live reputation rounding out more than two decades of acclaimed releases, television and film appearances, sold-out shows across the globe, and multiple awards, including her April 2008 Humanitarian Award presented in New York by the We Are Family Foundation chaired by Nile Rodgers.

Nona and Sarah (both hailing from Trenton, NJ) have also sustained compelling and highly successful individual careers. Sarah Dash has collaborated with such notable artists as Nile Rodgers and the Rolling Stones, (she even sang back-up on the Steel Wheels tour). Sarah also drew raves as a celebrated fixture of Keith Richards' solo outfit The Expensive Winos. She too, has written for the stage and is currently penning her autobiography, as well as staying involved in local Trenton community endeavors. Her recent appearance in San Francisco's hit interactive theatre presentation, Teatro Zinzanni, seamlessly blended her commanding performing style with European cirque, opera, and musical theatre.

Nona's songwriting and production ventures have led her to work with everyone from Dusty Springfield to the Talking Heads to Keith Richards, among dozens of other stars. A renowned tastemaker of both the rock and R&B worlds, she's contributed to the Showtime series Sleeper Cell soundtrack, working with Paul Haslinger, produced and written plays, and even launched her own label, Rhythm Bank, enjoying "sitting on the other side of the table for a change."

Labelle's long-awaited return to the studio signifies yet another chapter in the historic legacy of the group. But all three members are quick to assert it's not the final one. There will be a tour. After all, the live component of Labelle has often been cited as their most unforgettable dynamic.

"We're going to bring to the fans everything they've been asking for. We haven't lost our edge," assures Nona. "I feel we're better because of everything we've gone through," seconds Sarah. For a group whose roots indeed go all the way back to opening up for icons such as James Brown and Otis Redding, leave it to Patti to wrap it up -- true Labelle style. "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."

2008-11-08T10:16:00.003+08:00

LABELLE: Reunited and It Feels So Good

Patti Labelle, Nona Hendrix, and Sarah Dash formerly known as the singing group Labelle are reportedly working on a reunion album. The group that became famous in the 70s with hits like Lady Marmalade and Messin With Your Mind are working with the talented Lenny Kravitz on their first recording since 1976's Chameleon. This should be one hot album, that is, if they find a record label. "Patti LaBelle has reportedly been in discussions with Island Def Jam chief Antonio 'L.A.' Reid about re-joining the roster."An album is quietly being recorded in New York City bringing back together the talents of vocalists Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, respectively.

A source close to the project has confirmed exclusively to us that Grammy Award rocker Lenny Kravitz has recorded three tracks, thus far, for the yet-to-be-titled opus, which will mark the trio's first recording since 1976's 'Chameleon.'

But those are the only details that have come forth. While there is no record company attached to this eagerly anticipated project, LaBelle has reportedly been in discussions with Island Def Jam chief Antonio 'L.A.' Reid about re-joining the roster. On the heels of her 2005 covers project 'Classic Moments,' she was abruptly dropped from the label.

LaBelle's longtime publicist Patti Webster declined to comment on the negotiations confirmed there are serious discussions being had. Formed in 1971 -- as a spin-off of the 1960s soul quartet Patti LaBelle & the BlueBelles -- Labelle juxtaposed glam-rock influences with contemporary soul to create a force of nature that the music business never saw before. British TV producer Vicki Wickham is credited with giving the fledgling act just the shot in the arm it needed. Making their official debut in 1971 with the eponymous titled Warner Bros. album, the group didn't strike gold until 1974 with the critically acclaimed 'Nightbirds' project.

It was the album that yielded Labelle's most popular song 'Lady Marmalade' -- recorded in New Orleans with soul veteran Allen Touissant. The track -- an ode to a bawdy New Orleans prositute -- wound up catapulting the R&B and pop charts. Other memorable Labelle standouts include 'Get You Somebody New,' 'Messin With My Mind,' 'What Can I Do For You,' 'Moonshadow,' the Hendryx-penned 'Turn Me On' and the tear-jerker 'Isn't It a Shame?'

In 1974, the group made history as the first black group to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House. Since disbanding in 1976, the trio has reunited for special occasions -- but never on record. With Kravitz on board -- and maybe even Reid -- the sky could be the limit this go round for incomparable talent of Labelle.

Patti LaBelle - Her Story

2008-11-08T10:06:00.004+08:00

"Lady Marmalade"

Labelle
Epic 50048
March 1975 • Billboard: #1

hen "Lady Marmalade" deposed "My Eyes Adored You" from the top of the charts in March 1975, composers Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan became the third songwriting team to succeed themselves at number one. The only collaborators who had accomplished this feat before were John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1964 and Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland in 1965.

Nolan and Crewe had written "Lady Marmalade" in 1974, and recorded it on an album by "The Eleventh Hour," a studio group fronted by Kenny's vocals.

The song was written in pieces, Kenny explains. "I had one part of the song here and one part there, and it still needed something. Bob and I came up with the idea of 'Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir.' It was like a puzzle that finally fit together."

"Lady Marmalade" was from New Orleans, and so was producer Allen Toussaint, who heard the Eleventh Hour track and decided to record it on Labelle. Labelle wasn't a New Orleans group; Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash were from Philadelphia, where they formed the group in 1962 with New Jersey native Cindy Birdsong, who left in 1967 to replace Florence Ballard in the Supremes.

Patricia Holt and Cindy Birdsong were friends in high school. "We used to listen to records on the radio and think, hey, we could do that," Patti told Tony Cummings in The Sound of Philadelphia. "So we got together with this high school group called the Ordettes. We'd sing at parties, things like that. That was around '59 or so. The other girls in the Ordettes weren't serious about music... In about '60 this promoter called Bernard Montague took two girls from the Del Capris, another local group -- that was Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx -- and we formed a new group. That's when we met Bobby Martin and became the Blue Belles."

They signed with Newtown Records, and took their name from a subsidiary label, Bluebelle Records. Martin had produced a song called "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" for a group called the Four Sportsmen on Newtown. It had failed, so Martin recorded the Blue Belles' vocals over the same instrumental track and released it. It went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1962.

We enjoyed recording with Bobby," Patti told Cummings. "He tried to show us how to get a professional attitude to our music, but we were just young kids. We did a pile of records for Newtown and we worked real hard trying to get another hit." In 1963, the group changed its name to Pattie LaBelle and the Blue Belles and made the Top 40 with an R&B ballad, "Down the Aisle." They recorded for Parkway and Atlantic, but during the latter half of the '60s they were best known as the group Cindy Birdsong left.

Their fortunes changes in the '70s when they worked in England and met Vicki Wickham, who offered to manage them. After transforming their image and shortening the group name to a more contemporary Labelle, they released an album on Warner Brothers in October, 1971, that met with great critical acclaim. There was more praise for the second album, Moonshadow, which featured six songs written by Hendryx.

The rave reviews did not translate into hit records and they moved on to RCA. Their fusion of rock with R&B must have confounded radio station music directors, and their songs still failed to get airplay. They recorded an album with Laura Nyro, Gonna Take a Miracle, which included cover versions of Motown hits like "Jimmy Mack" and "You Really Got a Hold on Me." Then Labelle signed with Epic Records in June, 1974. Their first project for the label was Nightbirds, an album recorded with producer Toussaint and his studio band, the Meters.

Released as the first single from the album, "Lady Marmalade" broke in the discos and then spread to radio. It entered the Hot 100 on January 4, 1975, and went to number one 12 weeks later.

Labelle adapted a whole new space-age image but did not have another Top 40 hit. After one more album, Phoenix, the three members couldn't agree on a musical direction and split the group. Patti LaBelle and Nona Hendryx pursued solo careers, with Patti achieving massive solo success nearly a decade later with an eponymously-titled album of sassy funk and yearning ballads for Columbia. In 1982, she initiated an acting career, co-starring with Al Green in the Broadway revival of "Your Arm's Too Short to Box with God" and also appeared in the movie A Soldier's Story and on the television sitcoms A Different World and Out All Night. She won a Grammy in 1991 for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance for her album Burnin' and was honored with the Martin Luther King Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ebony Acheivement Award, and the NAACP Entertainer of the Year Award. Nona Hendryx, meanwhile, became prominent in New York's new-wave scene, singing backup on Talking Heads' Remain in Light and forming her own bands Zero Cool and Propaganda. She has recorded with and collaborated with such artists as Peter Gabriel, George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Prince and Yoko Ono, and her music was used in the films Perfect and Coming to America.

In 2001, a remake of "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott and Mya reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the #24 single on the magazine's year-end chart. It was also the world's best-selling single of 2001, moving 5.2 million copies internationally. At the 44th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February 2002, the five young singers were joined onstage by Lady Marmalade herself, Patti LaBelle, for a show-stopping rendition of the tune.

Patti LaBelle - Her Story

2008-11-08T09:26:00.012+08:00

Born the fourth of five children including three sisters and a brother, Patti began singing at the age of 14 in church. A shy girl, Patti had a voice of a torch diva. A school teacher advised her to start a singing group.

As Patsy Holte, LaBelle formed a four-member girl group called the Ordettes in 1958. In 1959, when two of the original Ordettes left, Holt and fellow Ordette Sandra Tucker brought in singers Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. When Tucker's family made Sandra leave the group, she was replaced by Cindy Birdsong. With her mother's blessings, Patti left high school to tour with the Ordettes. The group was managed by Bernard Montague, The group toured from local nightclubs to honky tonks and truck stops.

Two years passed until the girls auditioned for Blue Note Records. The president at the time nearly passed on the group upon hearing the lead singer was Patti, or "Patsy" as friends and family called her, whom he had said didn't fit the traits of a traditionally beautiful lead singer. His mind was changed, however, when Patsy began singing. The president signed them to the label under two conditions: The Ordettes were now the Bluebelles and Patricia "Patsy" Holte would be given a new name: Patti LaBelle. For a woman that didn't have classic beauty traits by Eurocentric standards, the last name meant "beautiful" in French. The name was changed again to Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles after the manager of the group who had the same name sought to sue.

Success with The Bluebelles

In 1962, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles scored their first Top 40 pop hit with the release of the doo-wop single, "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.That same year, they began wowing audiences at New York's Apollo theater later given them the name "The Apollo Sweethearts." Throughout the '60s, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles were one of the hottest touring acts on the chitlin' circuit while the hits continued: in 1964, they scored again with songs like "Danny Boy" and "Down the Aisle."

In 1966, the group signed to Atlantic Records and scored what later became Patti's signature song with their version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Her gospel-inspired, sometimes overly dramatic rendition ends each of her shows and climaxes with her throwing a microphone stand into the wings of the stage as she belts the final note. Around this time, LaBelle was engaged to be married to Temptations member Otis Williams, but the couple called off the engagement because of their conflicting touring schedules. The next year, LaBelle, Dash & Hendryx received a shock when Cindy Birdsong left to join The Supremes, replacing Florence Ballard. It would be years before Birdsong and the group began to speak again. After Cindy Birdsong left the group, Patti, Nona, Sarah found themseleves in a holt, But the group continued to tour around the country.

Labelle

In 1970, Patti and the Bluebelles moved to England where they met promoter Vicki Wickham, formerly Janis Joplin's promoter. The next year when the girls returned to America, they came out with a different name - simply Labelle - and a new attitude, vocal style, and a new wardrobe. Wearing casual clothing and African adornments, Labelle often sung of racism, sexism and politics. Their sound was not taken to heart by consumers.

In 1974, however, learning of a cult following, the women changed their looks again now adorning space-like, rockish and uniforms, they began to sing about sex, space, politics, and things that many funk and rock bands were singing about at the time -- but with an exception; no female groups had dared up until now to broach this type of controversial material. In October of that year, they were the first African-American contemporary act to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. That December, they released their greatest record, Nightbirds, featuring their breakout hit, "Lady Marmalade," which hit #1 on the Hot 100 in 1975, helping Nightbirds to go gold. None of their subsequent albums would have quite the same success, although Phoenix and Chameleon were hailed by music critics as experimental and groundbreaking.

Solo career The 70's

In 1976 during a performance in Baltimore, Nona suffered a nervous breakdown, forcing the band to separate abruptly. LaBelle released her self-titled debut in 1977 on Epic Records, where she recorded 3 more albums in the years to come. The debut album became an important hit for Patti at least on the R&B charts and was notable for the stand-out ballad, "You Are My Friend" and for the funkier "Joy To Have Your Love," which demonstrates Patti's large range with a typical Philadelphia Soul orchestrated arrangement with heavy bass. In the next year she released one of her most acclaimed albums, Tasty, featuring the salsa hit "Teach Me Tonight (Me Gusta Tu Baile)." The next step was the album It's Alright With Me featuring the disco classic "Music Is My Way Of Life" and the last album she recorded for Epic was Released, which did better than the previous one chartwise but didn't generate any important hits nor received the same critical acclaim. On July 21, 1979, she appeared at the Amandla Festival along with Bob Marley, Dick Gregory and Eddie Palmieri, amongst others.

The 80's

Success eluded LaBelle until early 1981, when she released the classic ballad, "I Don't Go Shopping." In 1983, she released her first charted hit album, I'm In Love Again. The album featured LaBelle's first #1 R&B hit with "If Only You Knew" and a radio hit with "Love, Need and Want You." In 1984, after an eighteen-year estrangement, she reconciled with Cindy Birdsong while she was on stage in Los Angeles. By 1985, LaBelle was on her way to pop stardom after her songs, "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up" (recently re-recorded by Patti and Joss Stone) from the soundtrack for Beverly Hills Cop (1984), which peaked at #17 and #41 on the pop charts respectively.

By the time of her rise to pop stardom in the mid-1980s, LaBelle was infamous for her wild hairdos, kicking off her shoes in a "Holy Ghost"-like rage, rolling over the floor while singing, putting the microphone stand down and then yielding it up in the air and choreographing the famous "spread my wings" move that she incorporated during her performances of "Over the Rainbow." Patti's appearance at the Motown Returns to the Apollo and Live Aid concert in 1985 introduced her to a whole new audience. During the finale of Live Aid, Patti took to the microphone for "We Are the World," during some points of which Patti's voice is the only one audible. As a result, Patti was often accused of grandstanding. In 1986, she released her best-selling album to date with Winner in You. The album yielded her first solo #1, "On My Own" with pop balladeer Michael McDonald, the Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit, "Oh, People," the moderate pop chart hit, "Kiss Away The Pain" and the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart hit, "Something Special Is Gonna Happen Tonight."

The 90's

By the end of the 1980s, she scored a moderate R&B and pop chart hit with the Diane Warren ballad, "If You Asked Me To," in 1989. The song peaked at #10 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was later covered by Céline Dion in 1992 when it peaked at #1 on both the Pop & A/C charts. In an interview with the online magazine Monaco Revue., Patti said racism in the music industry was responsible for the difference in sales, and revealed that accepting this was the most difficult obstacle she had to face in her career.

Patti entered the 1990s on a high but not without tragedy. In July 1989, she lost her third sister Jackie to cancer. Patti's two elder sisters had similar fates, with her oldest sister Vivian dying in 1977 (at the height of LaBelle's success) and the second-eldest sister Barbara, dying in 1982 from colon cancer. Her brother, father and mother also passed away around the same time, making Patti the only living member of her extended family while being the mother of six kids - one of her own, three of one of her sisters' children and two adopted - and wife of Armstead Edwards (married since 1969), who had become her manager.

LaBelle herself was diagnosed with diabetes in 1995. She is a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association, and has published two cookbooks targeted at people with diabetes, containing low-sugar and low-fat recipes. In 2005, LaBelle began appearing in advertisements for OneTouch Ultra and later for OneTouch Ultra2, a manufacturer of blood glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes.

In 1991, Patti released the Gold selling Burnin' album, which helped her win her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance. Burnin' featured the hits "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)", "When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)" and "Feels Like Another One." That album is also notable because it includes the first Labelle reunion recording with Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, on the track "Release Yourself". That success continued onto subsequent albums like 1994's Gems (featuring the hit "The Right Kinda Lover"), 1997's Flame (featuring the hit "When You Talk About Love"), and 1998's Live One Night Only (which won her a second Grammy).

2000s

In 2000 she divorced her husband, Armstead. The same year she released When A Woman Loves, an album mostly of heartbroken-toned Adult Contemporary songs by Diane Warren. The album did not score an Adult Contemporary chart hit with the title track. LaBelle's musical legacy would be heard on several tracks by younger R&B and hip hop artists, such as "Lady Marmalade", which was resung by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Pink and Mya on the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge!, and became a #1 hit again 26 years after the original topped the charts. She also appeared, though briefly, in a performance of the song at the 2002 Grammy Awards. "Love, Need & Want You" was sampled by rapper Nelly and Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland in their #1 hit, "Dilemma" and later by Outkast, who featured LaBelle re-singing parts of the song on their hit, "Ghetto Musick". "If Only You Knew" has also been covered and sampled in recent years.

On February 6, 2003, she performed "Way Up There" at a memorial service in honour of the astronauts lost in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, which was held at the Washington National Cathedral and attended by Vice President Dick Cheney among others. Patti was nominated for a Grammy for this tune, but lost to her friend Aretha Franklin. On July 22 of the same year, she sang the "Ave Maria" at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral during the funeral of the Cuban salsa singer Celia Cruz.

The year 2004 saw the release of Timeless Journey, which debuted at #16, making it LaBelle's highest charting album in eighteen years. Songs on the album include "2 Steps Away" and "When You Smile", a tribute song for Celia Cruz featuring Spanish language artists Carlos Santana, Andy Vargas, and La India. She scored modest hits with "New Day", "More Than Material" and, "Gotta Go Solo", a duet with Ronald Isley which peaked at #31 on the R&B chart. Patti has had her own reality show on TV1, Living It Up with Patti Labelle, since April 30, 2004.

In mid-2005, she released Classic Moments, a cover album featuring tracks made popular by other artists. LaBelle has often performed some of her favorite songs by other singers in her concerts. The album featured such songs as "I Can't Make You Love Me", the lead single, "Ain't No Way" (featuring Mary J Blige), "I'll Stand By You", "Land of the Living" (with singer-songwriter Kristine W.), and "Your Song" (featuring Elton John). Shortly after the release of the album, Labelle was dropped from her label. Reports of conflicts with label head Antonio "L.A." Reid were blamed for the dissolution, as well as an event where several high-profile stars abruptly backed out of appearances at a televised 60th birthday celebration for LaBelle.

On November 21, 2006, The Gospel According To Patti LaBelle was released.As a promotion, all copies sold at Wal-Mart have a bonus track, "The Lord's Prayer". The Gospel According To Patti LaBelle debuted at #86 on the Billboard 200, #17 on the R&B chart and #1 on the Gospel Albums chart. The unit sales of the first week tallied up to 18,000 units sold. Earlier in 2006, LaBelle performed at the 2006 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

LaBelle is also said to be recording a new album with Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, together as the reformed LaBelle, with help from Lenny Kravitz. They will be in the recording process this year and will possibly be on the road next year.

On June 26, 2007, Patti LaBelle gave a teary eulogy on the late Gerald Levert. Patti LaBelle along side Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams and Eddie Levert paid tribute to Levert at the 2007 BET Awards singing "Wind Beneath My Wings", a favourite song of his which he sang often in his own concerts.

According to a message Ms. LaBelle posted on her official website, she has currently re-signed with Def Jam after being dropped by L.A. Reid in 2005. Reid decided he had made a mistake and offered her another deal, which she took a few months to decide upon but eventually accepted. She has since released a Christmas album produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and James "Big Jim" Wright. The album, titled "Miss Patti's Christmas", was released October 9, [2007] and was due to feature a guest appearance from Mariah Carey; however, this Mariah Carey track did not make the CD.

On November 4, 2007, the World Music Awards paid tribute to 63-year-old LaBelle for her enduring contribution to R&B. LaBelle sang a rendition of "Lady Marmalade" at the event with Shaggy. "I love this show because it unites the world with music; we need peace in the world," LaBelle said.

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-07T17:33:00.001+08:00

The House I Live In

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-07T16:34:00.000+08:00

Patti LaBelle - 2 Steps Away

Patti LaBelle - Video Clip

2008-11-07T16:24:00.001+08:00

New Attitude

Patti LaBelle - Nickname

2008-11-07T16:05:00.002+08:00

THE PHILLY
SONGBIRD

Patti LaBelle - Trivia

2008-11-07T15:47:00.002+08:00

The emotional ballad "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" was written especially for Patti. She decided not to record it. Deborah Cox didn't turn the song down. The song went platinum shortly after it was released and spent weeks at the top of the charts.
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Patti can't sleep if there is any light anywhere. She has special black-out drapes in her bedroom at home. On the road, she stuffs towels at the bottoms of doors, tapes garbage bags on the windows, and then puts on a sleeping mask before she can drift off.
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As a teenager, Luther Vandross, cofounded the first Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles fan club. ----------
"Priscilla" is the name she has given to the mean, selfish diva-bitch who lives inside her. ----------
She has a high-heel shoe fetish and owns over three thousand pairs of pumps.
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Whoopi Goldberg got the part Patti was auditioning for in Ghost."
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Patti had already recorded the number-one pop and R&B single "On My Own" by herself when it was decided it would sound better as a duet. Michael McDonald was brought in later to blend his voice with her recording. They even shot the video on separate coasts. Patti and Michael would not meet until they performed the song together on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." ----------
Bette Midler calls herself the "White Patti LaBelle."
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Patti is the only entertainer in the History of "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson to be asked to sing twice in the same week.
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She is the only entertainer to have a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that was paid for by her fans, not her record label.
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Patti has appeared on Oprah more times than any other guest in the history of the show, a record 10 times.
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Was given the name LaBelle (which in French translates to The Beautiful) by a record executive who originally thought she was too dark and unattractive to head the then all girl group called The Blue Belles.
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Often takes off her shoes while performing.
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Was once engaged to Otis Williams of the long time R&B singing group, The Temptations. ----------
She's the Godmother of Cyndi Lauper's son, Declyn (born November 19, 1997).
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LaBelle has won just about every honor and award that can be bestowed upon an entertainer: 10 Grammy award nominations; the 1998 Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Vocal and the 1992 Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance; 7 NAACP Image Awards (including "Entertainer of the Year"); 3 Emmy nominations; 2 American Music Awards; 1 Cable Ace Award; Essence magazine Triumphant Spirit Award; an honorary doctorate from Boston's Berklee College of Music and a star on Hollywood's "Walk of Fame."
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Laura Randolph Lancaster is a writer and editor-at-large at Ebony magazine, where she originated the "Sisterspeak" column. She has co-authored each of LaBelle's books.
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Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. Her three sisters all died of cancer before the age of 45.
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She has four sons and one daughter (one biological son, four adopted children).
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As an actress, she starred in her own sitcom-series, "Out All Night."
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She serves as a spokeswoman for the National Medical Association that administers a scholarship in her name, the National Minority AIDS Council's “Live Long, Sugar” campaign and the American Diabetes Association. Patti also serves on the Boards of the National Alzheimer Association and the National Cancer Institute and the University of Miami's prestigious Sylvestri Comprehensive Care Center dedicated a special research laboratory in her honor for her work on behalf of cancer awareness.
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Patti has three Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Cambridge University, Drexel University and the Berklee School of Music, among a host of other accolades.
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She was diagnosed with diabetes eleven years ago, is vociferous about her disorder and a welcome spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). She found out she had diabetes when she had a fainting attack on stage. Patti is a type 2 diabetic.
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Talking to her son is what brings her the most joy.
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She likes to cook and arrange flowers and she loves to clean.
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She doesn't smoke, doesn't swim and doesn't drive.
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Snow turns her on.
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She owns four rottweilers and two cane corsos.
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She has been known to give her devoted fans one of her fake eyelashes when performing in concert.
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She's the owner of Chez LaBelle dinner theater in Philadelphia, PA.
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Patti LaBelle - Personal Quotes

2008-11-07T15:41:00.003+08:00

"Today is a precious gift, that's why they call it the present."

"If you want an unhappy life-- and this is a guarantee-- get involved with a man merely for the sake of having one."

"You have to pray as if everything depends on God, but work as if everything depends on you."

"I haven't stopped looking for the good in people. I've just accepted the fact that I'm not always going to find it."

"The ability to live fully in the moment-- in the time and place we are right now-- is one of the greatest secrets I know of living joyfully."

"Nothing kills the dream or the possibility of a good relationship quicker than the realities of a bad one. Or a settled-for, second-rate, time-to-let-it-go one."

"There is nothing more personal than your values."

"Know God, know peace; no God, no peace."

"Barbie is a doll, not a goal."

"Look at life through the windshield, not the rearview mirror."

"Don't try to change the wind, change the sails."

"You preach a better sermon with your life than you do with your lips."

"You can't be a doormat if you don't lie down."

"A thousand mistakes are an education if you learn something from every one."

"They're the Ten Commandments, not the Ten Suggestions."

"A girl never really becomes a woman until she loses her mother."

"When you share love, it's like a boomerang. Every time you throw it out there, it comes right back to you."

"I don’t worry about age, but I always worry about color. In America, a White woman is always going to come before the Black woman. That’s just the way it is."

"My ex wasn’t the enemy; the marriage was the enemy."

"I'm just trying to be an upfront woman, I don't want to be a behind..."

"My biggest accomplishment is my son, Zuri. Hair, clothes, music... all that other stuff makes me feel good temporarily, but they come at a cost, financial or otherwise. Not my son... his love is free."

"My motivation is having a public waiting for my music because it makes me feel better about what I’ve done."

"If you’re feeling what you’re doing, if you have that soul, spirit and motivation you can do anything."

"I’m always moving and trying to discover something new to entice me."

"I believe that less is more. I like the plain look."

"You know, having diabetes is like having to treat your body like a temple, not an amusement park."

"I’m ready for greatness-- I am ready for the world."

"What we are is God's gift to us: what we become is our gift to God."

"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward."

"Not saying no, is saying yes."

"If you wait until your hands stop shaking, you will never open the door. You can't steal second base by keeping your foot on first. You have to go out on a limb. Because that's where all the fruit is."

"In love, it is always better to want something you don't have than to have something you don't want."

Patti LaBelle - Her Story

2008-11-07T15:29:00.003+08:00

Soul Diva Patti LaBelle enjoyed one of the longest-lived careers in contemporary music, notching hits in a variety of sounds ranging from girl group pop to space-age funk to lush ballads. Born Patricia Louise Holt in Philadelphia on May 24, 1944, she grew up singing in a local Baptist choir, and in 1960 teamed with friend Cindy Birdsong to form a group called The Ordettes. A year later, following the additions of vocalists Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, and the group was rechristened The Blue Belles. With producer Bobby Martin at helm, they scored a Top 20 pop and R&B hit in 1962 with the single "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," subsequently hitting the charts in 1964 with renditions of "Danny Boy" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

In 1965, the quartet - now known as Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles - signed to Atlantic, where they earned a minor hit with their version of the standard "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The group's Atlantic tenure was largely disappointing, however, and in 1967 Cindy Birdsong replaced Florence Ballard in The Supremes. The remaining trio toured the so-called Chitlin Circuit for the remainder of the decade before signing on with British manager Vicki Wickham in 1970. Wickham renamed the group simply Labelle and pushed their music in a more funky, rock-oriented direction, and in the wake of their self-titled 1971 Warner Bros. debut they even toured with The Who. (The trio also collaborated with Laura Nyro on her superb R&B-influenced album Gonna Take a Miracle.)

By 1973, Labelle had gone glam, taking the stage in wildly theatrical, futuristic costumes; a year later they became the first African-American act ever to appear at New York's Metropolitan Opera House, a landmark performance which also introduced their lone chart-topping single, the Allen Toussaint-produced classic "Lady Marmalade." However, after two more albums - 1975's Phoenix and the following year's Chameleon - Labelle disbanded, and its namesake mounted a solo career, issuing her eponymous debut in 1977. In addition to subsequent releases including 1979's It's Alright with Me and 1980's Released, LaBelle also turned to acting, co-starring in a 1982 Broadway revival of Your Arms to Short to Box with God.

Upon signing with the Philadelphia International label, LaBelle scored a number one R&B hit with "If You Only Knew," from 1983's I'm in Love Again. Two years later, she reached the pop Top 20 with her Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack contribution "New Attitude." Her subsequent MCA debut, 1986's Winner in You, went platinum on the strength of the Burt Bacharach-penned "On My Own," a duet with Michael McDonald, while the follow-up, 1989's Be Yourself, featured a pair of cuts written by Prince. 1991's Burnin' earned a Grammy for Best Female R&B Performance. LaBelle recorded less and less frequently in the years to follow, however, in 1995 publishing her autobiography Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime. She returned five years later to release When A Woman Loves. Three more books would follow. Her latest album is entitled Timeless Journey.

(mini-biography by J. Ankeny)