“Beautiful” simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets, LaBelle has created the unique platform of versatility that she is known and revered for.
It’s a small wonder that LaBelle has time for anything else in between recording and touring, but she makes time, and the world is oh so happy that she does! She has written six books, Don’t Block the Blessings, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About, Patti’s Pearls, Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, Recipes for the Good Life, and Desserts LaBelle. Recently, Patti released a 20th-anniversary edition of her New York Times bestselling cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine, featuring three new recipes.
Additionally, LaBelle has been featured in popular films and television programs including A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, American Horror Story, Empire, Star and The Kominsky Method, and she has starred in her own TV series, Out All Night. She’s also wowed television audiences with unforgettable performances on the hit shows, Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer and starred in Broadway productions of Your Arms are Too Short to Box with God, Fela, and After Midnight.
Although she is an award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur, LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is just as noteworthy. She remains an advocate for adoption, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and many other causes and non-profit initiatives. While she has reached the heights of success throughout her 60-plus-year career, Patti has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. In 1994, she was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly thereafter became a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.
The same motivation that had Patricia Louise Holte blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and later Labelle, to a solo artist, is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at 78 years young. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it … it’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.” And the world is thankful that LaBelle’s voice sounds so good to our ears.
