Patti LaBelle is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born in 1944 in Pennsylvania. LaBelle rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, and later as a solo artist. Her music is characterized by her powerful vocals, her ability to convey emotion through her performances, and her diverse range of musical styles.
LaBelle’s hits include “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude,” and “On My Own,” among others. Her music has influenced a generation of R&B and soul singers and continues to be celebrated today.
In addition to her music career, LaBelle has also acted in films and on television, including appearances on “American Horror Story” and “Star.” She is also known for her philanthropic work, including her support of organizations such as the American Diabetes Association.
LaBelle’s impact on music and culture is significant, and she has won numerous awards over the years, including Grammy Awards and BET Lifetime Achievement Awards. She was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as a member of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles in 2002, and her legacy as a pioneering artist and a master of R&B and soul music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
1. Got To Be Real (1998)
This song from Patti Labelle has become a classic. It was released in 1978 and still retains its popularity today. Its disco beats and catchy lyrics make it a must-listen for any music fan. The song's legendary status has been bolstered by the fact that it was used in a number of films, commercials and television shows over the years.
The upbeat melody of "Got To Be Real" is accompanied by Labelle's soulful voice, which perfectly complements the track's energetic vibe. The song's lyrics speak about getting on with life and acknowledging that each person should be true to themselves. This message resonated then and continues to do so today.
Patti Labelle's vocal range is one of the reasons she is celebrated as an iconic musician. With this song, she showcased her undeniable talent, paving the way for female artists who continue to follow in her footsteps.
The success of "Got To Be Real" was also instrumental in establishing disco as a musical genre in its own right. History has shown that it deserves its spot among the best songs of all time, always ready to make people dance, sing along and feel good.
More like '1966: A Space Odyssey' – Patti Labelle venturing into a whole new dimension of soulful sound.
2. More (1966)
This trendsetting soulful singer released her album titled 'More' in 1966, which stands out as a classic example of R&B/soul music, breaking records and leading the charts worldwide.
| Year | Album |
| 1966 | More Today Than Yesterday |
Labelle’s exceptional style and captivating voice set her apart from the rest in this album. She introduced amazing new tunes with versatile melodies and an outstanding blend of sound that makes 'More' lend its name to one of her most popular compilations.
In 1966, Patti Labelle's outstanding album "More" reached high levels on various platforms and managed to stay there for seven consecutive weeks. This hit was written by Norman Newell- Ronald Arthur Simpson, and gave another level of fame to Patti Labelle.
Listen to Patti Labelle's 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and feel like you can conquer the world, or at least your morning commute.
3. You’ll Never Walk Alone (1963)
This timeless classic was amongst the standout tracks of Patti Labelle's music career. It was released back in 1963 and has since remained a hit, loved by fans from all walks of life. The song is often regarded as a source of encouragement for those in dire situations, with its lyrics implying that no matter what life throws at them, they are never alone.
'You'll Never Walk Alone' features a beautiful melody and harmonies that blend well with Patti's powerhouse vocals. The slow and emotional pace sets the mood for deep reflection, making it ideal for moments when you need to get in touch with your inner self or seek solace.
What sets this track apart is its universal appeal – regardless of religion, race or ethnicity – its message resonates with everyone on a personal level. And it also became popular following its inclusion on "Motown Comes Home" live album in 1963.
Listening to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, reminding you that things will always get better. It serves as an inspiration to keep going no matter how tough life may seem.
Don't ask me to choose my favorite Patti Labelle song, it's like asking a parent to pick their favorite child – impossible and slightly cruel.
4. If You Asked Me To
This iconic song, popularly known as "If You Asked Me To," is one of the best Patti Labelle songs of all time. It was written by Diane Warren and originally recorded by Patti Labelle for her studio album "Be Yourself" in 1989. The song genre is R&B pop ballad with a heartfelt message about loyalty and commitment. Its impressive range demonstrates Patti Labelle's vocal prowess as she effortlessly belts out the high notes throughout the song. In its successful career, it has also been covered by Celine Dion and scored a top ten position on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
On My Own? More like On My Repeat Playlist, am I right?
5. On My Own (1986)
This iconic song, originally written for the Broadway musical "Chess," features Patti LaBelle's soaring vocals alongside Michael McDonald's soulful delivery. The 1986 hit was a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It won a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Its timeless melody and catchy hook still make it a crowd-pleaser today. With its emotive lyrics and powerful performances from both LaBelle and McDonald, "On My Own" has become one of LaBelle's most beloved hits and an enduring classic of pop music history.
In "On My Own," LaBelle channels feelings of independence and empowerment, singing about moving on after a failed relationship and finding strength within oneself. The song's chorus, with its refrain of "Now I'm stronger than yesterday," is often seen as an anthem of self-determination, making it an enduring favorite among fans of all ages.
LaBelle's rendition was so memorable that many forget that it was originally intended as a duet between Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross. But when their version faltered in the marketplace, LaBelle stepped in to sing both parts herself – no small feat given the song's complexity. Her ability to convey deep emotion while retaining her trademark vocal power marks her out as one of the great voices of her generation.
It is said that Patti initially hesitated to record this track since she had already been featured on two other songs from the “Chess” soundtrack. However, she eventually decided to go for it and ended up producing a hit that cemented her place in music history forevermore.
Before Christina, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink sang it, Patti had already made 'Lady Marmalade' a sultry classic.
6. Lady Marmalade (1992)
This song by Patti LaBelle, released in 1992, became one of her most iconic and memorable tunes. It is a thrilling and energetic number that features French lyrics that add international flair to the track's overall sound. The song also boasts an incredible group vocal performance that involves several artists from different genres.
Looks like Patti Labelle has a heart of gold – she sold it to the junkman and it's still a hit in 2006!
7. I Sold My Heart To the Junkman (2006)
This Patti Labelle classic from 2006 is one of her finest compositions, featuring soulful lyrics and memorable melodies. 'I Sold My Heart To the Junkman' soundly showcases Labelle's gripping vocal range and magnetizes the listeners with its energetic flair. The song has a melodic structure highlighting orchestral instrumentation mixed exquisitely with vintage beatboxing, making it a timeless classic beyond generations.
Labelle started her career in the 1960s and remained relevant for over five decades with a string of hit songs like 'Lady Marmalade' and 'If Only You Knew'. Despite all the success, she never stopped experimenting with different genres. Her performance in this song shows why her voice remains just as exceptional today as it was when she started singing.
'I Sold My Heart To the Junkman' was originally written by Leon René as a bluesy tune before being covered by various artists throughout history, but no other rendition captures its emotional depth quite like Labelle. This song is an excellent example of how Labelle's unique vocal style can transform any melody into something extraordinary that only she can deliver.
Listeners looking to discover more about Patti Labelle should explore her catalog further. She is undoubtedly one of the greatest R&B singers ever, leaving an unforgettable impression on both music enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike.
Even though this song is about heartbreak, listening to Patti Labelle sing it will make you feel all the emotions except sorrow.
8. Isn’t It a Shame (1998)
This soulful ballad, released in 1998, showcases Patti LaBelle's vocal range that has made her a legendary performer. The song "Isn't It a Shame" resonates with listeners as it speaks about the difficulties of love and heartbreak. The emotional depth of the lyrics is matched by LaBelle's passionate and powerful vocals, making it one of her most memorable tracks.
LaBelle's ability to convey raw emotions through music is evident in "Isn't It a Shame." The slow beat of the song creates a somber atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics about lost love. The chorus features LaBelle's captivating voice, belting out lines like "Isn't it a shame we never made it?" The heartfelt performance strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
It is noteworthy that Patti LaBelle was on top of her game even after decades in the music industry when she released this track. She had already established herself as an icon and delivered yet another powerful song to add to her already impressive discography.
If you are looking for an emotionally charged track that hits close to home, "Isn't It a Shame" should be at the top of your list. Its slow melody mixed with Patti LaBelle's unforgettable vocal performance creates an experience that will leave you with goosebumps. This track proves once again why Patti Labelle is one of the greatest voices in soul music history.
Even Dorothy couldn't have sung 'Over the Rainbow' better than Patti Labelle.
9. Over the Rainbow (1966)
This iconic 1966 rendition of a classic song is one of Patti Labelle's most beloved performances. With powerful vocals and soulful emotion, this version of "Over the Rainbow" captures the spirit of the original while adding her own unique touch. The arrangement showcases Labelle's impressive vocal range and highlights her ability to express deep emotion through music.
Labelle's interpretation of "Over the Rainbow" was featured on her debut album, which helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry. The track remains a favorite among fans and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Labelle's version stands out for its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners.
One interesting detail about this song is that it was originally written for the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" and quickly became one of its most memorable moments. Over time, it has been reinterpreted by countless performers, but few have captured its magic quite like Patti Labelle. Through her powerful performance of "Over the Rainbow," she has cemented her place as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Stir It Up may have been about cooking, but Patti Labelle's vocals were hot enough to set fire to any kitchen.
10. Stir It Up (1984)
One of Patti Labelle's most notable hits, this song has a vibrant energy that is hard to resist. Released in 1984, "Stir It Up" fuses infectious grooves with Labelle's powerful vocals to create a timeless classic that remains popular even today. The upbeat tempo and the memorable chorus make it an iconic party tune worthy of inclusion on any playlist.
Labelle sings about letting loose and enjoying life to the fullest, urging her listeners to shake off their worries and join in the fun. Her magnetic charisma shines through as she delivers each line with gusto, making it impossible not to get caught up in the infectious rhythm.
Interestingly, "Stir It Up" was actually written by rock legend Dan Hartman, who had previously worked with artists like Edgar Winter and Joe Cocker. In Labelle's hands, however, the song takes on a life of its own, becoming a seamless blend of disco, funk, and R&B that showcases her immense talent as a performer.
Ultimately, "Stir It Up" is a standout track amongst Patti Labelle's impressive discography. Its undeniable charm has ensured its longevity over the decades since its release, making it a true classic that always manages to get people dancing.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
