Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle
U.S. Department of the Interior · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Patti LaBelle
Birth name	Patricia Louise Holte
Birth date	May 24, 1944
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation	Singer, actress
Genre	R&B, soul, gospel
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	1960s-present
Label	Epic Records, Philadelphia International Records, MCA Records

Patti LaBelle is a renowned American singer, actress, and entrepreneur, known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, which has been compared to that of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Tina Turner. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, LaBelle began her music career in the 1960s, performing with local groups such as The Ordettes and Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, alongside Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. LaBelle's early influences included Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Mahalia Jackson, who inspired her to pursue a career in music. She has also cited James Brown and The Supremes as major influences on her style and sound.

Early Life and Career

LaBelle was born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Henry Holte and Bertha Holte. She grew up in a musical family and was exposed to various genres, including Jazz, Blues, and Gospel music, which were popularized by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Mahalia Jackson. LaBelle attended John Bartram High School and began singing in local talent shows and competitions, where she was discovered by Bernie Woolfe, who became her manager. She later formed The Ordettes with friends Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, and the group was later renamed Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, performing at venues such as the Apollo Theater and Harlem's Cotton Club.

Music Career

LaBelle's music career spans over five decades, during which she has released numerous albums and singles, including Lady Marmalade, On My Own, and New Attitude, which were produced by David Foster, Narada Michael Walden, and Prince. She has worked with various artists, such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, and has been influenced by Funk, soul, and R&B genres, which were popularized by Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Isley Brothers. LaBelle has performed at numerous music festivals, including Woodstock, Live Aid, and Glastonbury Festival, and has toured with artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Aerosmith. Her music has been featured in various films and television shows, including The Cosby Show, Soul Food, and Waiting to Exhale, which were produced by Bill Cosby, George Tillman Jr., and Forest Whitaker.

Acting Career

In addition to her music career, LaBelle has also acted in various films and television shows, including A Soldier's Story, The Cosby Show, and American Horror Story: Freak Show, which were produced by Norman Jewison, Bill Cosby, and Ryan Murphy. She has worked with actors such as Adolph Caesar, Phylicia Rashad, and Jessica Lange, and has appeared in stage productions, including Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God and Fela!, which were directed by Vinnette Carroll and Bill T. Jones. LaBelle has also made guest appearances on television shows, such as The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and Dancing with the Stars, which were hosted by Dan Castellaneta, Lorne Michaels, and Tom Bergeron.

Personal Life

LaBelle has been married twice, first to Otis Williams and then to Armstead Edwards, and has five children, including Zuri Edwards and Stanley Edwards. She has been open about her struggles with Diabetes and has become an advocate for Diabetes awareness and Health education, working with organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and The National Institutes of Health. LaBelle has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including UNICEF, The American Red Cross, and The NAACP, and has performed at benefit concerts for AIDS research and Cancer awareness, alongside artists such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones.

Awards and Legacy

Throughout her career, LaBelle has received numerous awards and accolades, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, which were presented by The Recording Academy, Dick Clark Productions, and The NAACP. She has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the SoulMusic Hall of Fame, alongside artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Ray Charles. LaBelle has also received honorary degrees from Temple University, Drexel University, and Berklee College of Music, and has been recognized for her contributions to music and entertainment by The Kennedy Center Honors and The National Medal of Arts, which were presented by The Kennedy Center and The National Endowment for the Arts. LaBelle's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys, who have cited her as an influence and have performed with her on stage. Category:American singers