Black Music Month, Spotlight : Patti Labelle

Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards (born May 23, 1944), better known under the stage name Patti LaBelle, is a renowned Grammy Award-winning American singer, author, and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry. LaBelle spent 16 years as lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, who changed their name to Labelle in the early 1970s and released the iconic disco song "Lady Marmalade". Labelle are also noted for being the first African American group to play at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House and the first African American vocal group to land the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Her solo career began shortly after the group disbanded in 1977 with the release of her self titled and critically acclaimed debut album. In 1982 Labelle achieved her first #1 RnB hit with If Only You Knew, while in 1984 she crossed over to pop music with singles such as New Attitude and Stir It Up, both becoming pop radio staples. Labelle continued her success with the number single "On My Own" which was taken from Labelle's platinum selling album Winner in You as well as 1989's If You Asked Me To. Live! One Night Only C.D. Her 2004 release Timeless Journey earned her another top 5 RnB album, while in 2008 Labelle reunited as a group after over 32 years releasing the acclaimed Back To Now which was followed by a successful reunion tour.
With the release of her 10th album Burnin' in 1991 Labelle earned her first Grammy. Labelle maintained commercial appeal and gained a younger audience with albums such as 1994's Gems and 1997's Flame. In 1998 Patti Labelle earned her second Grammy award for her

Due to Patti Labelle's musical legacy and influence, she has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Apollo Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. The World Music Awards presented her with the coveted Legend Award. LaBelle has sold over 50 million records worldwide.


Today the song "On My Own" by Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. (1986)

 

 
Rolling Stones Magazine includes LaBelle in its 100 Greatest Singers List, citing her as an influencing factor to "generations of soul singers" including Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige and Christina Aguilera.