Patti Labelle: The Ultimate Diva

Patricia Holte is one of the most famous women in the world but most people do not know her by that name. To the world, she is Patti LaBelle. Ms. Labelle has worn several hats including singer, actress and author. She has won countless awards and has been in the industry for over half a century. She was a diva before the late Whitney Houston burst onto the scene and before Beyoncé was even a twinkle in her mama’s eye.

Labelle got her start in a singing group called “The Ordettes,” in 1959. “The Ordettes,” became The Bluebelles in 1961 but they eventually became the edgy LaBelle in the 70s. After several setbacks, Labelle shot to fame thanks to their hit single “Lady Marmalade,” a track from their album “Nightbirds.” After touring and recording with the group throughout the decade, Patti decided to breakout on her own and released her first solo album in 1977. The album was a hit and it was the stepping stone for her successful solo career. The group split up the same year due to creative differences and to focus on solo projects. However, like many girl group alums, she maintained a good relationship with the other members of Labelle and in 2008, they released an album called Back to Now,”, their first in 32 years.

Over the course of her career, LaBelle has earned countless accolades including thirteen Grammy awards, an induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an honorary doctorate from Berkley School of Music.

Labelle is known for her over-the-top performances which have included her kicking off shoes and animated arm movements. She insists that it isn’t an act. Sometimes she’s just in the moment, other times she’s just being practical. “I’m feeling pressure now to keep hope alive, stay alive, not to try and outdo myself. Not to out dress, not to out hair — it doesn’t matter. I’m about ready to go to on stage with jeans and a shirt. Those heels are killing me!” she said when asked if she feels pressure to be animated. “I have the pumps, I just bought three pairs today, six-inch pumps that I don’t really need. I have to stop acting like I’m twenty — I’m sixty-three! I get a little weak when I have on the six-inch pumps. I can’t do what I used to do; I never try to outdo myself anymore.”

In addition to her singing career, Labelle is an accomplished actress with over 20 roles since the early 1980s. She has also written two books: an autobiography titled “Don’t Block the Blessings” and a diabetic cookbook, “Labelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About.”

Although she has obviously lived a charming life, she has had some setbacks. Labelle was recently sued for a profanity-laden tantrum she directed at a mother and her child back in 2010.  Labelle allegedly began shouting at the mother because she was allowing her child to run around the lobby of a Manhattan hotel. The mother sued after Labelle refused to apologize and has claimed the incident left her child emotionally scarred. The case had been settled but Labelle has taken the mother back to court because the mother allegedly violated the terms of the agreement by talking about the incident on television.

She is also facing a lawsuit from a former manager who claims she owes him over $33,000 and two pieces of real estate. Despite her hardships, Patti Labelle will always be a diva. What her fans see is what they get  is something special. “You get what I got to give you, but it’s always going to be fabulous!”

Spoken like a true icon.

–Ashleigh Atwell