Patti LaBelle

Patricia Louise Holte, born on May 24, 1944, is an iconic American R&B singer and actress, widely celebrated as the "Godmother of Soul." LaBelle's musical journey began in the early 1960s when she took the helm as the lead singer of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. The group later rebranded as Labelle, achieving monumental success with their chart-topping hit "Lady Marmalade" in the 1970s.

After the disbandment of Labelle in 1977, Patti LaBelle embarked on a remarkable solo career, reaching new heights in the 1980s with memorable singles such as "If Only You Knew," "New Attitude," and "Stir It Up." Her album, Winner in You, topped the US charts in 1986, and she scored a number-one single with the duet "On My Own" alongside Michael McDonald. LaBelle's talent earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1992 for her album Burnin', followed by another Grammy in 1999 for the live album Live! One Night Only.

In addition to her musical achievements, LaBelle has made a significant mark in the acting world. She appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film A Soldier's Story and had notable roles in television series such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. LaBelle also starred in her own sitcom, Out All Night, in 1992 and hosted the lifestyle show Living It Up with Patti LaBelle on TV One in 2002. Her participation in the dance competition Dancing with the Stars in 2015 showcased her versatility beyond music.

Throughout her illustrious career, which spans seven decades, Patti LaBelle has sold over fifty million records globally. She has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. Recognized for her powerful voice and emotive delivery, LaBelle is a dramatic soprano who has earned a place on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singers. Beyond music and acting, she has ventured into branding with products like Patti's Sweet Potato Pie, which gained viral fame in 2015.