Early Life and Education of Patti LaBelle: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Patti LaBelle. From birth to education, explore key events.
Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holte, is a highly acclaimed American R&B singer and actress, often called the "Godmother of Soul." She rose to prominence in the early 1960s as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. The group later rebranded as Labelle in the 1970s, achieving significant success with the chart-topping hit "Lady Marmalade" before their split in 1976. LaBelle's powerful vocals and captivating stage presence have solidified her as a prominent figure in music history.
1962: Dropped Out of High School
In 1962, Patti LaBelle dropped out of Philadelphia's John Bartram High School just a semester before graduating.
1964: Engagement to Otis Williams
Around 1964, Patti LaBelle was engaged to Otis Williams, founding member of The Temptations, for about a year.
July 23, 1969: Marriage to Armstead Edwards
On July 23, 1969, Patti LaBelle married Armstead Edwards, who later became her manager.
July 17, 1973: Birth of Son, Zuri Kye Edwards
On July 17, 1973, Patti LaBelle's son, Zuri Kye Edwards, was born. He is now her manager.
October 1975: Death of Sister Vivian Hogan Rogers
In October 1975, Patti LaBelle's eldest sister, Vivian Hogan Rogers, died of lung cancer at the age of 43.
October 1978: Death of Mother, Bertha Holte
In October 1978, Patti LaBelle's mother, Bertha, died from diabetes at the age of 62.
October 1982: Death of Sister Barbara Holte Purifoy
In October 1982, Patti LaBelle's elder sister, Barbara Holte Purifoy, died from complications of colon cancer at the age of 40.
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.
July 1989: Death of Sister Jacqueline "Jackie" Holte-Padgett
In July 1989, Patti LaBelle lost her youngest sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Holte-Padgett, to brain cancer at the age of 43.
October 1989: Death of Father, Henry Holte Jr.
In October 1989, Patti LaBelle's father, Henry Holte Jr., died from complications from emphysema and Alzheimer's disease at the age of 70.
1991: Burnin' album dedication
In 1991, Patti LaBelle dedicated her Burnin' album to her sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Holte-Padgett, who passed away in 1989
1996: Release of Memoirs
In 1996, Patti LaBelle released her bestselling memoirs, Don't Block the Blessings.
1997: Release of First Cookbook
In 1997, Patti LaBelle released the first of five bestselling cookbooks.
2000: Legal Separation from Armstead Edwards
In 2000, Patti LaBelle and Armstead Edwards legally separated.
2003: Divorce from Armstead Edwards Finalized
In 2003, Patti LaBelle's divorce from Armstead Edwards was finalized.
2008: Labelle Reunion
In 2008, Patti LaBelle briefly reunited with Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash as Labelle on the group's first new album in more than 30 years, Back to Now.
2010: Incident at Trump Place Apartments
In 2010, Patti LaBelle yelled at a woman and spilled water on her baby in the lobby of the Trump Place Apartments in Manhattan, resulting in a settlement.
2012: Cross-Country US Tours
In 2012 Patti LaBelle appeared with Frankie Beverly & Maze on cross-country U.S. tours.
November 12, 2013: Acquittal of Bodyguard
On November 12, 2013, Efrem Holmes, Patti LaBelle's bodyguard, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault stemming from a 2011 incident.
2014: Cross-Country US Tours
In 2014 Patti LaBelle appeared with Frankie Beverly & Maze on cross-country U.S. tours.
2015: Dancing with the Stars
In 2015, Patti LaBelle competed on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, and was eliminated on Week 6, finishing in eighth place.
2015: Sweet Potato Pie Viral Video
In late 2015, Patti LaBelle's sweet potato pies gained widespread attention after a vlogger's enthusiastic review went viral.
2017: Statement on LGBT Fans
In a 2017 interview, Patti LaBelle expressed her appreciation for her gay fans, acknowledging their support throughout her career.
July 2, 2019: Patti LaBelle Way
On July 2, 2019, Patti LaBelle was honored in Philadelphia with her own street name, Patti LaBelle Way.
2024: 80th Birthday, New Album, and Tour Announcement
In 2024, while celebrating her 80th birthday, Patti LaBelle revealed she was releasing a new album, 8065, and announced a tour of the same name.
