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 evolved into Labelle in the 1970s, achieving major success with the chart-topping hit "Lady Marmalade" before disbanding in 1976. LaBelle's career spans decades, marking her as an icon in the music industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

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: Engaged to Otis Williams

Around 1964, Patti LaBelle was engaged to Otis Williams, a founding member of The Temptations. The engagement lasted a year before LaBelle broke it off, fearing Williams would force her to move to Detroit and retire from her career.

July 23, 1969: Married Armstead Edwards

On July 23, 1969, Patti LaBelle married her longtime friend, Armstead Edwards, who was a schoolteacher.

July 17, 1973: Son Zuri Kye Edwards was born

On July 17, 1973, Patti LaBelle's son, Zuri Kye Edwards, was born. After his birth, LaBelle suffered from postpartum depression for a year.

October 1975: Sister Vivian Hogan Rogers died

In October 1975, Patti LaBelle's eldest sister, Vivian Hogan Rogers, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 43.

October 1978: Mother Bertha died

In October 1978, Patti LaBelle's mother, Bertha, passed away from diabetes at the age of 62.

October 1982: Sister Barbara Holte Purifoy died

In October 1982, Patti LaBelle's elder sister, Barbara Holte Purifoy, died from complications of colon cancer at the age of 40.

1987: Became 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 used her influence to raise awareness around the AIDS crisis and support the LGBT community.

July 1989: Sister Jacqueline Holte-Padgett died

In July 1989, Patti LaBelle lost her youngest sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Holte-Padgett, to brain cancer at the age of 43. The day after her sister was buried, Patti LaBelle shot the music video for "If You Asked Me To".

October 1989: Father Henry Holte Jr. died

In October 1989, Patti LaBelle's father, Henry Holte Jr., died from complications related to emphysema and Alzheimer's disease at the age of 70.

1991: Dedicated Burnin' album to sister Jacqueline Holte-Padgett

In 1991, Patti LaBelle dedicated her Burnin' album to her late sister, Jacqueline Holte-Padgett, who had passed away from brain cancer in 1989.

2000: Separated from Armstead Edwards

In 2000, Patti LaBelle and Armstead Edwards legally separated. Edwards had been LaBelle's manager since she started her solo career.

2003: Divorced Armstead Edwards

In 2003, Patti LaBelle's divorce from Armstead Edwards was finalized, marking the end of their marriage.

2010: Settled lawsuit regarding incident at Trump Place Apartments

In 2010, Patti LaBelle agreed to a settlement of $100,000 to avoid a trial after yelling at a woman and spilling water on her baby in the lobby of the Trump Place Apartments in Manhattan. The family donated the award to a charity.

June 2011: Civil suit filed against LaBelle by West Point cadet

In June 2011, a West Point cadet filed a civil suit against Patti LaBelle, alleging he was assaulted by her bodyguards at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. The cadet claimed the entourage attacked him, causing a concussion, while LaBelle's entourage said he provoked the attack.

November 12, 2013: Bodyguard acquitted of misdemeanor assault

On November 12, 2013, Efrem Holmes, Patti LaBelle's bodyguard, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault stemming from the incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, in June 2011.

2017: Spoke about LGBT support

In a 2017 interview, Patti LaBelle discussed her strong support from and relationship with her LGBT fans, acknowledging their role in her enduring career.

December 10, 2022: Christmas concert disrupted by bomb threat

On December 10, 2022, Patti LaBelle's Christmas concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was disrupted due to a bomb threat, leading to the venue's evacuation.

2024: Announced new album and tour

In 2024, while celebrating her 80th birthday, Patti LaBelle revealed the release of a new album, 8065, commemorating her 80 years of life and 65 years in music. Shortly after, she announced a tour of the same name, starting on July 7 in Los Angeles.