Patti LaBelle (born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur whose career has stretched from early-1960s girl-group rhythm and blues to soul, funk, pop, gospel, and contemporary R&B. Known for her powerful yet emotionally flexible voice, she has often been called the "Godmother of Soul."
LaBelle began performing as a teenager and became the lead singer of the vocal group the Ordettes, which later developed into Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. The group earned attention with dramatic ballads including "Down the Aisle (The Wedding Song)," "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Over the Rainbow." LaBelle's singing, marked by a strong upper register and gospel-rooted phrasing, quickly established her as the group's defining presence.
Following changes in the lineup and the departure of Cindy Birdsong, who joined the Supremes, the group adopted the name Labelle in the early 1970s. Guided by manager Vicki Wickham, LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash moved away from conventional girl-group pop. Their new music combined soul, funk, rock, gospel, and theatrical presentation, with glam-inspired costumes designed by Larry LeGaspi. Labelle's collaboration with Laura Nyro on the album Gonna Take a Miracle further demonstrated the trio's sophisticated vocal blend.
The group's major breakthrough came with the 1974 album Nightbirds, produced in part by Allen Toussaint. Its centerpiece, "Lady Marmalade," became a number-one hit in the United States and remains one of the best-known recordings in funk and disco history. Labelle's bold image and progressive sound helped broaden the public idea of what a female vocal group could represent. The group also made history with a performance at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. After further albums including Phoenix and Chameleon, Labelle disbanded in 1976.
LaBelle launched her solo career with the album Patti LaBelle in 1977. Her early solo records showed her continuing search for a distinct musical identity, but she achieved a major breakthrough with I'm in Love Again in 1983. The album produced the R&B number-one single "If Only You Knew" and helped establish her as a major solo performer. Her appearance on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack produced the crossover hits "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up," bringing her voice to a wider pop audience.
Her commercial peak arrived with the 1986 album Winner in You. The record included "On My Own," a duet with Michael McDonald that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the enduring ballad "Oh People." Later recordings such as Burnin', Flame, Timeless Journey, and The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle reflected her continuing movement between polished R&B, adult contemporary music, and gospel. She won Grammy Awards for Burnin' and the live album Live! One Night Only.
LaBelle has also acted in film, television, and on Broadway. Her screen work includes A Soldier's Story, and she appeared in series such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. She has hosted television programs, published cookbooks, and developed food and lifestyle businesses. A reunion with Hendryx and Dash produced the 2008 album Back to Now, reaffirming the lasting importance of Labelle's place in popular music. Through her vocal authority, stylistic range, and commanding stage presence, Patti LaBelle remains one of the most influential American R&B performers of her generation.