Patti LaBelle is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of the R&B vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. She has an extensive career spanning over 50 years with hits like “Lady Marmalade” and “New Attitude”. Known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, LaBelle is renowned as the “Godmother of Soul”.
Attribute Details Full Name Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards Also Known As Patti LaBelle, The Godmother of Soul Profession(s) Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Entrepreneur Date of Birth May 24, 1944 Age 79 years old (As of 2023) Place of Birth Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Nationality American Zodiac Sign Gemini Ancestry & Heritage African-American with French roots
Attribute Details Height 5′ 5″ (165 cm) Weight 73 kg (161 lbs) Body Measurements 38-30-40 in Eye Colour Dark Brown Hair Colour Black
Family & Relationships Attribute Details Parents Henry Holte (Father), Bertha Holte (Mother) Siblings Jacqueline Holte, Barbara Holte, Vivian Holte, Claudette Grant Affairs Married and divorced from Armstead Edwards (1969-2003) Relationship Single Children Zuri Kye Edwards (Son)
Education & Early Life Attribute Details Schooling Philadelphia High School for Girls Higher Education Dropped out of Temple University Early Life Grew up in Philadelphia’s housing projects with 3 sisters. Started singing gospel music in church choir. Early Influences Mahalia Jackson, Sarah Vaughan
Career Attribute Details Debut Formed The Bluebelles vocal group in 1960, had early hits like “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman” Significant Works Solo hits “Lady Marmalade”, “On My Own”, “New Attitude”; Acted in films like A Soldier’s Story (1984) Awards & Nominations 2 Grammys, American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement (1995), BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2005) Filmography Appeared in films like A Soldier’s Story (1984), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) Discography Released over 50 albums including Patti LaBelle (1977), Winner in You (1986), Flame (1997) Voice Work Voice of Dutchess in Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) Music Videos Featured in Michael Jackson’s “Bad” and Janet Jackson’s “Come Back To Me” videos Tours & Live Shows Headlined solo tours through the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Performed at Obama’s Neighborhood Inaugural Ball (2009). Collaborations Worked with artists like Elton John, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Cindy Lauper, Gloria Estefan Documentaries Subject of documentary Patti LaBelle: The Eternal Songstress (2006)
Net Worth & Assets Attribute Details Net Worth Estimated $50 million Properties Homes in Philadelphia and Los Angeles Business Ventures LaBelle Cuisine food company, wig line Investments Investor in Living Homes startup
Trivia & Miscellaneous Attribute Details Hobbies & Interests Cooking, Interior Design, Gardening Controversies Sued by West Point cadets over obscene gestures during performance (2000) Philanthropy & Activism Works with Americares, Elton John AIDS Foundation, STOMP Out Bullying Public Image Considered Billboard’s ultimate crossover diva, praised for vocal prowess and theatrics Personal Challenges Diabetes diagnosis in the 90s, loss of fiancé Otis Williams to cancer Notable Interviews Appeared on Oprah Winfrey Show (2006), The View (2015) Publications & Books Autobiography Don’t Block the Blessings (1996) Personal Anecdotes Mentored by Mahalia Jackson as a teen, lifelong friendship with Elton John Quotes “It’s not about the cooking it’s about passion”; “Age ain’t nothing but a number”
Social Media & Online Presence Attribute Details Instagram Handle @mspattilabelle Twitter Handle @MsPattiPatti Facebook Handle OfficialPattiLaBelle Youtube Channel ThePattiLaBelle TikTok @therealpattilabelle
Legacy & Influence Attribute Details Cultural References Referenced in TV shows like The Simpsons, RuPaul’s Drag Race Achievements First African-American woman to appear on Great American Baking Show (2017) Mentorship Inspired and mentored singers like Mary J. Blige and Fantasia Barrino Legacy Musical icon who helped define R&B and soul, paved way for future divas
