Biography
Who is Patti LaBelle?
Early life and real name
Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards was born on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, United States. She grew up in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia as one of several children born to her parents. During her childhood, she joined a local church choir at the Beulah Baptist Church at age ten and performed her first solo two years later. Growing up, she listened to various musical styles including R&B and jazz.
As a teenager, she won a talent competition at John Bartram High School. This success led her to form her first singing group, the Ordettes, in 1960 with schoolmates. The group eventually transitioned through several name changes and member updates, eventually becoming the Blue Belles and later Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles.
Rise with Labelle and hits
In the 1960s, the group experienced moderate success with songs such as Down the Aisle and You'll Never Walk Alone. After signing with Atlantic Records and experiencing further shifts, the trio changed their name simply to Labelle under the guidance of Vicki Wickham. They adopted a progressive soul sound that blended rock, funk, and gospel rhythms.
Their album Nightbirds produced the proto-disco single Lady Marmalade, which became a major chart success and sold over a million copies. The group made history in 1974 by becoming the first rock and roll vocal group to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House. Following creative differences among members, the group separated in 1976.
Solo career and acting
Following the split, Patti began a solo career with Epic Records, releasing her self-titled debut album in 1977. Her breakthrough recording came with her sixth solo album, I'm in Love Again, in 1983. In 1986, she achieved a number-one album with Winner in You and a number-one single with On My Own, a duet with Michael McDonald.
Patti also expanded her career into acting, appearing in the film A Soldier's Story and television shows such as A Different World and American Horror Story. She starred in her own sitcom Out All Night and hosted the lifestyle show Living It Up with Patti LaBelle. Throughout her career, she has released numerous albums and earned multiple Grammy Awards.
Birthday and age
Patti LaBelle was born on May 24, 1944, which makes Patti 82 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Patti shares the date with 38 other famous people.
Explore more
