Career Timeline of Patti LaBelle: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Patti LaBelle built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Patti LaBelle, the "Godmother of Soul," is a celebrated American R&B singer and actress. She launched her career in the early 1960s as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. The group later became Labelle in the 1970s, achieving a number-one hit with "Lady Marmalade." The group disbanded in 1976, after which LaBelle continued with a successful solo career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1987: Spokesperson for National Minority AIDS Council

In 1987, Patti LaBelle became a spokesperson for the National Minority AIDS council and promoted the "Live Long, Sugar" campaign to encourage people of color to seek treatment for AIDS. She raised awareness around the AIDS crisis and supported the LGBT community.

1991: Collaboration and Album Release

In 1991, Patti LaBelle recorded a duet version of "Superwoman" with Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick. The same year, she released the solo album, Burnin', featuring collaborations with various artists and went gold with three top five singles on the R&B charts.

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1992: Grammy Award Win

In 1992, Patti LaBelle won her first Grammy Award in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category at the 34th Annual Grammy Award Ceremony for her album Burnin'. She shared the win with Lisa Fischer, and was also nominated for "Superwoman."

1994: Album Release

In 1994, Patti LaBelle's album, Gems, went gold and featured the hit "The Right Kinda Lover".

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January 29, 1995: Super Bowl XXIX Halftime Performance

On January 29, 1995, Patti LaBelle performed at the Super Bowl XXIX halftime show in Miami with Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, and Miami Sound Machine.

1996: Release of Memoirs

In 1996, Patti LaBelle released her bestselling memoirs, Don't Block the Blessings.

Don't Block the Blessings

Check it on Amazon

1997: First Cookbook Release

In 1997, Patti LaBelle released the first of five bestselling cookbooks.

1998: Live Album Release and Essence Award

In 1998, Patti LaBelle released the live album, Live! One Night Only, and was honored with the Triumphant Spirit Award for Career Achievement at the Essence Awards.

February 1999: Second Grammy Win

In February 1999, Patti LaBelle won her second Grammy for her live album, Live! One Night Only.

2000: Final MCA Album

In 2000, Patti LaBelle released her final MCA album, When a Woman Loves.

2004: Signing with Def Soul Classics and Album Release

In 2004, Patti LaBelle signed with Def Soul Classics and released the album, Timeless Journey.

2005: Release of Covers Album and Label Departure

In 2005, Patti LaBelle released her covers album, Classic Moments, and left the label due to a rivalry with Antonio "L.A." Reid over her career direction. She also collaborated with Olivia Newton-John on Newton-John's album Stronger Than Before.

2006: Gospel Album Release and Book

In 2006, Patti LaBelle released her first gospel album, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle, which reached number one on Billboard's gospel chart. LaBelle also released the book, Patti's Pearls, during this period.

Patti's Pearls: Lessons in Living Genuinely, Joyfully, Generously

Check it on Amazon

2007: Return to Def Jam and Holiday Album Release

In 2007, Patti LaBelle returned to Def Jam and released her second holiday album, Miss Patti's Christmas.

2008: Labelle Reunion and New Album

In 2008, Patti LaBelle briefly reunited with Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash as Labelle for the group's first new album in more than 30 years, Back to Now.

September 14, 2010: Broadway Return in Fela!

On September 14, 2010, Patti LaBelle returned to Broadway after two decades to star in the musical Fela! as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

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January 2, 2011: End of Fela! Run

On January 2, 2011, Patti LaBelle concluded her performance run in the Broadway musical Fela!.

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May 23, 2011: Appearance on Oprah's Farewell Spectacular

On May 23, 2011, Patti LaBelle appeared on "Oprah's Farewell Spectacular, Part 1" singing "Over the Rainbow" with Josh Groban.

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June 26, 2011: Lifetime Achievement Award at BET Awards

On June 26, 2011, Patti LaBelle was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards.

2012: U.S. Tours

In 2012, Patti LaBelle appeared with Frankie Beverly & Maze on cross-country U.S. tours.

March 6, 2014: "Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House" Concert

On March 6, 2014, Patti LaBelle, along with Aretha Franklin, performed at the "Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House" concert hosted by President Barack Obama.

June 10, 2014: Return to Broadway in After Midnight

On June 10, 2014, Patti LaBelle returned to Broadway as a "Special Guest Star" in the musical After Midnight.

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2014: U.S. Tours

In 2014, Patti LaBelle appeared with Frankie Beverly & Maze on cross-country U.S. tours.

2015: Dancing with the Stars Competition and Empire Appearance

In 2015, Patti LaBelle competed on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in eighth place. She also made a guest appearance on Fox's television series Empire as herself.

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2015: Sweet Potato Pie Viral Video and Walmart Commercials

In late 2015, James Wright's (No Channel) enthusiastic YouTube review of Patti LaBelle's sweet potato pies went viral, causing them to sell out at Walmart stores across the country. She subsequently appeared in two Walmart commercials and an Old Spice commercial.

2016: VH1 Divas: Holiday Concert

In 2016, Patti LaBelle returned to the VH1 Divas stage, headlining a holiday-themed concert alongside Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams, and Mariah Carey.

2017: Jazz Album Release

In 2017, Patti LaBelle's first jazz album, Bel Hommage, was released.

2018: Recurring Television Roles

In 2018, Patti LaBelle began appearing in recurring roles on the television series Daytime Divas, Greenleaf and Star.

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September 2020: Verzuz Participation

In September 2020, Patti LaBelle participated in the American webcast series Verzuz, alongside Gladys Knight with a surprise appearance by Dionne Warwick, live from The Fillmore in Philadelphia.