Rock On The Net: Patti LaBelle (original) (raw)

Patti LaBelle was born (Patricia Holt) May 24, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA. Although the word "diva" is used to characterize an abundance of singers, a precious few actually live up the title. A diva can be viewed in terms of stature, femininity, extreme soul, a flaunting attitude, and an overwhelming presence. Patti LaBelle is one of only a select few women in history that can truly be called a diva. Patti began singing in the church in the 50s as part of the Beulah Baptist Church choir. The next logical step was singing as a career, and formed the Ordettes which evolved into Patti LaBelle & The Blue Belles and included Patti, Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash, and Cindy Birdsong. When Birdsong left the group to join The Supremes in 1967, the remaining trio shortened their name to LaBelle. Both group configurations had modest success on pop and R&B radio including the #1 hit, "Lady Marmalade" in 1975. In 1977, the trio disbanded and Patti went solo. Patti said of the split, "It was time for us to part as singing partners while remaining friends... I was afraid of being blamed for the group's breakup, and I didn't know how people would respond to me as an artist on my own..." Patti's solo career has allowed her to tap into her gospel roots, soulful vocal range, and even dance tunes. Fans that have witnessed Patti live know that her LPs have only skimmed the surface of Patti's ability to deliver a song.

Patti's debut solo LP, Patti LaBelle, was released in 1977 with the favorite "You Are My Friend." With Epic Records, Patti scored several R&B hits including "I Don't Go Shopping" and "Little Girls" and 3 more LP releases: Tasty, It's Alright With Me, and Released. Patti then signed with Philadelphia International Records in 1981 and released 3 more LPs: The Spirit's In It(1981), I'm In Love Again(1983), and Patti (1984).Patti topped the R&B charts with "If Only You Knew" and had more success on the R&B charts with "Love Has Finally Come At Last" (with Bobby Womack) and "Love, Need And Want You." Patti also released The Best Of Patti LaBelle. In September, 1982, Patti made her Broadway debut with Al Green in Your Arm's Too Short To Box With God.

Patti signed with MCA Records and found pop success with two hit from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack: "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up." Patti's flamboyant look and screaming vocals had crossed over once again to pop radio and video channels.

December 31: Patti topped the Billboard Year-End Chart-Toppers as the Top Black Albums Artist - Female.

# 63 Singles Artist of the Year

Patti was nominated for a Grammy Awardfor Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female ("New Attitude").

Patti released her first solo LP with MCA, The Winner In You.

Patti had her first #1 pop single and LP: "On My Own" (a duet with Michael McDonald) and first solo platinum LP. Patti also had success with the tracks "Oh, People" and "Kiss Away The Pain."

Patti was nominated for an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.

Patti was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group ("On My Own" with Michael McDonald) and Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female (The Winner In You).

Patti released Be Yourself and had hits with "If You Asked Me To" and "Yo' Mister" (written by Prince).

A holiday LP, This Christmas, was released.
Patti won an Essence Award.

Patti was nominated for a Grammy Awardfor Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female for "I Can't Complain."

Patti released Burnin' . Patti hit the Top 5 on the R&B charts with "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)," "Feels Like Another One," and "When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)."

Patti won her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female (Burnin' ) (in a rare tie with Lisa Fischer in that category) and was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group ("Superwoman" with Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick).

Burnin'was certified gold.

Patti rewarded her fans with a live LP: Live!.

Patti won an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist and was nominated for Favorite Soul/R&B Single ("Somebody Loves You Baby").

Patti was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female ("All Right Now").

Patti released Gems with the hits "The Right Kinda Lover" and remake of "All This Love."

Patti hit the Top 40 with "The Right Kinda Lover."

Patti topped the Billboard Hot Dance Music Club Play chart for a week with "The Right Kinda Lover."

For a short time, Patti also had her own TV series, Out All Night.

"Patti the Songstress" became "Patti the Author" when she wrote her autobiography, Don't Block The Blessings. Her book details many of stories Patti talks about between songs in her live performances. Stories about her family, her losses, cancer, AIDS, becoming empowered by music...emotional survival.

Patti could be heard on the hugely successful soundtrack to the film, Waiting To Exhale, with "My Love, Sweet Love."

Patti's complete discography of recordings has included an impressive list of collaborations including Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Gladys Knight, and many more. The warmth and heart that Patti expresses in her music has also been demonstrated in her numerous charity involvement including: Big Sisters of America, United Negro College Fund, National Minority AIDS Council, American Cancer Society, and Save The Children.

Patti released her Greatest Hits.

Patti released You Are My Friend: The Ballads.

Patti released Flame.

Patti hit the Top 40 with "When You Talk About Love."
Patti won an NAACP Image Award.

"When You Talk About Love" topped the Billboard Dance Music Club Play chart for a week.

Patti was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards for Best R&B Vocal Performance - Female ("When You Talk About Love") and Best R&B Album (Flame).

Patti LaBelle In Concert On Broadway aired on PBS in August, and a live LP was released in September: Live! One Night Onlyas a video and 2CD set.
, Patti talked with Daily News about her fans: "My fans come up to me at the restaurant and they say, 'we're sorry for disturbing you,' but they're not disturbing me... I make enough noise so that they will want my autograph... when they don't, that's when I worry."
Patti talked with CNN about recording vs. live performances: "I hate recording... I love to sing, but going into a studio is like going to prison. You have a producer who makes you do (the song) in a particular way and I know he's right... but sometimes he may keep you on a song too long and sometimes you can go in and do it in 1 take. It's those 100 takes that I can't handle girlfriend, whereas on stage, I can just be myself."

Patti won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (Live! One Night Only) and was nominated for 2 NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding News, Talk or Information Special for Intimate Portraits, and Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special and Outstanding Female Artist (Live! One Night Only).

VH1: 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll includes Patti at # 41.

Patti released a cookbook during the year.

Patti released her next LP When A Woman Loves.

Love Songs was released.

Patti was honored at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards with the Lena Horne Award for Outstanding Career Achievement.

Greatest Love Songs was released.

At the Grammy Awards, performed "Lady Marmalade" along with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and Pink.

Patti could be heard on DMX's LP, Grand Champ, on the track "Thank You."

Patti was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance ("Way Up There").

Patti was featured on VH1's Divas Live.

Patti released Timeless Journey.

# 401 on the Top Pop Artists of the Past 25 Years chart.

Patti topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart with "Gotta Go Solo."

Patti was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance ("New Day").

Patti could be heard on the soundtrack for Diary Of A Mad Black Woman with the track "I Wanna Be Free."

Patti released Classic Moments.

Patti could be heard on the Ray Charles LP Genius And Friends with the duet "Shout."
Patti could be heard on the compilation LP So Amazing... An All-Star Tribute To Luther Vandross with "Here And Now."

Patti could be seen in the filmIdlewild.

Patti could be heard on the Happy Feetsoundtrack with "I Wish."

Patti released the gospel LP T he Gospel According To Patti LaBelle.

Patti topped the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart with T he Gospel According To Patti LaBelle.

Patti released the holiday LP Miss Patti's Christmas.

Patti reunited with Labelle for the LP Back To Now.

Rolling Stone: 'The Greatest Singers' includes Patti at # 95.

• May 5: Patti released Bel Hommage.

	Patti LaBelleReleased: 1977 Billboard peak: # 62 Tracks: "Joy To Have Your Love" - "Funky Music" - "Since I Don't Have You" - "Dan Swit Me" - "You Are My Friend" - "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover" - "I Think About You" - "Do I Stand A Chance" - "Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)"
	The Spirit's In ItReleased: 1981 Billboard peak: # 156 Tracks: "The Spirit's In It" - "Here You Come Again" - "Love Lives" - "I Fell In Love Without" - "Boats Against The Current" - "Rockin' Pneumonia" - "Family" - "Shoot Him On Sight" - "Over The Rainbow"
	The Best Of Patti LaBelleReleased: June, 1982 Rolling Stone review: Tracks: Tracks: "Lady Marmalade" - "You Are My Friend" - "Joy To Have Your Love" - "Little Girls" - "Music Is My Way Of Life" - "I Don't Go Shopping" - "It's Alright With Me" - "Come What May"
iTunes Amazon.mp3	I'm In Love AgainReleased: 1983 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 40 Rolling Stone review: Tracks: "I'm In Love Again" - "Lover Man (Oh Where Can He Be?) " - "Love, Need And Want You" - "If Only You Knew" - "Body Language" - "I'll Never Never Give Up" - "Love Bankrupt" - "When Am I Gonna Find True Love"
	PattiReleased: 1984 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 72 Tracks: "Love Symphony" - "Living Double" - "Where I Wanna Be" - "Shy" - "Look To The Rainbow" - "I Can't Forget You" - "What Can I Do For You" - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
	The Spirit's In It /I'm In Love Again / Patti Released: 1985 Tracks: "The Spirit's In It" - "Here You Come Again" - "Love Lives" - "I Fell In Love Without" - "Boats Against The Current" - "Rockin' Pneumonia" - "Family" - "Shoot Him On Sight" - "Over The Rainbow" - "I'm In Love Again" - "Lover Man (Oh Where Can He Be?) " - "Love, Need And Want You" - "If Only You Knew" - "Body Language" - "I'll Never Never Give Up" - "Love Bankrupt" - "When Am I Gonna Find True Love" - "Love Symphony" - "Living Double" - "Where I Wanna Be" - "Shy" - "Look To The Rainbow" - "I Can't Forget You" - "What Can I Do For You" - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
	The Winner In YouReleased: 1986 US: Platinum Billboard peak: # 1 (for 1 week) Tracks: Tracks: "Oh People" - "On My Own" (with Michael McDonald) - "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"
	Be YourselfReleased: June, 1989 Billboard peak: # 86 Rolling Stone review: Tracks: Tracks: "If You Asked Me To" - "I Can't Complain" - "Be Yourself" - "Yo Mister" - "I Got It Like That" - "Love 89" - "Still In Love" - "I'm Scared Of You" - "Can't Bring Me Down" - "Need A Little Faith" - "I Can Fly"
	This ChristmasReleased: 1990 Tracks: "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" - "Would'nt It Be Beautiful" - "Angel Man"
iTunes Amazon.mp3	Burnin' Released: October, 1991 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 71 Rolling Stone review: Tracks: Tracks: "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"
	Live!Released: November, 1992 Billboard peak: # 135 Tracks: "All Right Now" - Live Tracks: "Release Yourself" - "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)" - "New Attitude" - "If Only You Knew" - "You Are My Friend" - "Lady Marmalade" - "Feels Like Another One" - "Wind Beneath My Wings" - "When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)" - "I Don't Like Goodbyes / Over The Rainbow" - "Up There With You"
	GemsReleased: June, 1994 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 48 Tracks: "I'm In Love" - "All This Love" - "The Right Kinda Lover" - "The 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"
	Greatest HitsReleased: December, 1996 Tracks: "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" - "Kiss Away The Pain" - "Stir It Up" - "If You Asked Me To" - "Feels Like Another One" - "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)" - "On My Own" (with Michael McDonald) - "Oh People" - "When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)"
	You Are My Friend: The BalladsReleased: February, 1997 Tracks: "Love And Learn" - "Come What May" - "Find The Love" - Don't Make Your Angel Cry" - "Isn't It A Shame" - "You Are My Friend" - "Little Girls" - "Do I Stand A Chance" - "Last Dance" - "Quiet Time" - "You Turn Me On" - "I Don't Go Shopping" - "Love Has Finally Come" (with Bobby Womack)
	FlameReleased: June, 1997 US: Gold Billboard peak: # 39 Tracks: "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"
	Live! One Night OnlyReleased: September, 1998 Billboard peak: # 182 Live Tracks: "I Believe" - "When You Talk About Love" - "Flame" - "He Doesn't Love You" - "New Attitude" - "If You Asked Me To" - "If Only You Knew" - "You Are My Friend" - "Lord's Side" - "The Bells" - "Is It Still Good To You" - "Don't Make Me Over" - "If You Love Me" - "On My Own" - "Sparkle" - "Got To Be Real" (with Mariah Carey) - "Lady Marmalade" - "A Change Is Gonna Come" - "Hold On" - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" - "I Believe I Can Fly"
	When A Woman LovesReleased: October, 2000 Billboard peak: # 63 Tracks: "When A Woman Loves" - "Make Tonight Beautiful" - "If I Was A River" - "Why Do We Hurt Each Other" - "Too Many Tears, Too Many Times" - "Call Me Gone" - "Time Will" - "Tell Me Where It Hurts" - "I'll Still Love You More" - "Love Will Lead You Back" - "When A Woman Loves" (Reprise)
	Love SongsReleased: January, 2001 Tracks: "I Think About You" - "Joy To Have Your Love" - "Teach Me Tonight (Me Gusta Tu Baile)" - "I Don't Go Shopping" - "Come Into My Life" - "Love And Learn" - "Come What May" - "You Are My Friend" - "Do I Stand A Chance" - "Little Girls" - "The Bells" - "Quiet Time" - "Find The Love" - "Love Has Finally Come" (with Bobby Womack) - "Lady Marmalade"
	Greatest Love SongsReleased: January, 2001 Tracks: "Someone Like You" - "The Right Kinda Lover" - "Joy To Have Your Love" (Single Version) - "Love, Need And Want You" (Single Version) - "If You Asked Me To" - "You Are My Friend" (Single Version) - "Love Is Just A Whisper Away" - "I'm In Love" - "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)" - "I'm In Love Again" - "The Best Is Yet To Come" - "You Are My Solid Ground" - "The Word Is All" - "I Never Stopped Loving You" - "When You Talk About Me" - "If Only You Knew" (Single Version) - "I Don't Go Shopping"
	Timeless JourneyReleased: May, 2004 Billboard peak: # 18 Tracks: "More Than Material" - "It's Time" - "New Day" - "Something More" - "Sometimes Love" - "Hear Me Cry" - "Good Lovin'" - "MM, MM, MM" - "Not Right But Real" - "2 Steps Away" - "Finally Got The Nerve" - "Unpredictable" - "When You Smile"
	Classic MomentsReleased: June, 2005 Billboard peak: # 24 Tracks: "Ain't No Way" (with 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 Forgettin'" - "Love Ballad" - "I Can't Make You Love Me" - "Your Song" (with Elton John) - "I'll Write A Song For You" - "Silly" - "I'll Stand By You" - "You're Gonna Make Me Love Someone Else"
	T he Gospel According To Patti LaBelleReleased: November, 2006 Billboard peak: # 86 Tracks: "Did You Pray Today" - "Where Love Begins" - "Anything" - "Walk Around Heaven" - "More Than (He Loves You)" - "God Ain't Through" - "I Just Love Him So" - "Walking Away" - "My Everything" - "Anything" (with Kanye West) - "You Are My Friend"
	Miss Patti's ChristmasReleased: December, 2007 Tracks: "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" - "Every Year, Every Christmas" - "Away In A Manger"
iTunes Amazon.mp3	Bel HommageReleased: May 5, 2017 Tracks: "The Jazz In You" - "Wild Is The Wind" - "Moanin" - "Till I Get It Right" - "Moody's Mood" - "Softly As I Leave You" - "Peel Me A Grape" - "Don't Explain" - "I Can Cook" - "Folks On The Hill" - "Go To Hell" - "Song For Old Lovers" - Here's To Life"