History of Patti LaBelle in Timeline
"Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holt, is an acclaimed American R&B singer and actress celebrated as the "Godmother of Soul". Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence have solidified her iconic status in the music industry."
1916: Birth of Bertha Robinson
Bertha Robinson, Patti LaBelle's mother, was born in 1916.
1919: Birth of Henry Holt
Henry Holt, Patti LaBelle's father, was born in 1919.
1930: Birth of Thomas Hogan Jr.
Thomas Hogan Jr., Patti LaBelle's older brother, was born in 1930.
1932: Birth of Vivian Hogan
Vivian Hogan, Patti LaBelle's older sister, was born in 1932.
1942: Birth of Barbara Holt
Barbara Holt, Patti LaBelle's older sister, was born in 1942.
May 24, 1944: Birth of Patti LaBelle
Patricia Louise Holt, who would become known as Patti LaBelle, was born on May 24, 1944.
1945: Birth of Jacqueline "Jackie" Holt
Jacqueline "Jackie" Holt, Patti LaBelle's younger sister, was born in 1945.
1960: LaBelle Wins Talent Show, Forms the Ordettes
At 16 years old, Patti LaBelle won a talent competition at John Bartram High School, leading to the formation of her first singing group, the Ordettes, in 1960.
1962: Left John Bartram High School
Patti LaBelle left John Bartram High School in Philadelphia just before her final semester in 1962. She returned to the school in her mid-thirties to complete her diploma.
1962: The Ordettes Evolve and Sign with Harold Robinson
The Ordettes underwent member changes, adding Cindy Birdsong, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendryx. They auditioned for and signed with local record label owner Harold Robinson in 1962.
1963: The Blue Belles Achieve First Hit with "Down the Aisle"
After a name change to Patti LaBelle and The Blue Belles, the group achieved their first hit single with "Down the Aisle" in 1963, a crossover success on both pop and R&B charts.
1964: Engagement to Otis Williams
Patti LaBelle was engaged to Otis Williams, a founding member of The Temptations, around 1964. The engagement lasted for a year before LaBelle ended it, fearing Williams would pressure her to relocate to Detroit and retire from touring.
1964: The Blue Belles Chart with "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Danny Boy"
The Blue Belles had success on the pop charts in 1964 with "You'll Never Walk Alone", originally released earlier and later re-released under Cameo-Parkway Records. They released another charted single that same year, "Danny Boy".
1965: The Blue Belles Sign with Atlantic Records
Following the closure of Cameo-Parkway, the group relocated to New York and signed with Atlantic Records in 1965.
1967: Cindy Birdsong Departs for The Supremes
Cindy Birdsong left The Blue Belles in 1967 to join another successful girl group, The Supremes.
July 23, 1969: Marriage to Armstead Edwards
Patti LaBelle married her longtime friend, Armstead Edwards, a schoolteacher, on July 23, 1969. Edwards became her manager when she launched her solo career, a role he maintained until 2000.
1970: The Blue Belles Part Ways with Atlantic Records
By 1970, The Blue Belles were dropped by Atlantic Records, marking the end of an era for the group.
1970: Vicki Wickham Becomes Manager, Group Becomes Labelle
In a significant change, Vicki Wickham took over management of the group, suggesting a name change to simply "Labelle". This marked a turning point towards a funkier, more rock-influenced sound.
1971: Labelle Provides Background Vocals for Laura Nyro
Demonstrating their vocal prowess, Labelle provided background vocals for Laura Nyro's album "Gonna Take a Miracle" in 1971.
1971: Labelle Opens for The Who, Releases Debut Album
Labelle opened for The Who during their US tour and released their self-titled debut album, showcasing their new sound, a blend of rock, funk, soul, and gospel.
1972: Release of "Moon Shadow" Album
Labelle released their second album, "Moon Shadow", in 1972, further exploring their unique blend of musical genres.
July 17, 1973: Birth of Son
Patti LaBelle and Armstead Edwards welcomed their son, Zuri Kye Edwards, on July 17, 1973.
1973: Labelle Adopts Glam Rock Aesthetics
Taking inspiration from glam rock icons like David Bowie and Elton John, Labelle embraced a more theatrical look in 1973, incorporating silver space suits and striking makeup into their performances.
October 1974: Labelle Makes History at the Metropolitan Opera House
In a historic moment, Labelle became the first rock and roll vocal group to perform at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House in October 1974.
October 1975: Death of Sister Vivian
Patti LaBelle's eldest sister, Vivian Hogan Rogers, died in October 1975 at 43 due to lung cancer.
1975: Phoenix and Chameleon Album Releases
Labelle released two albums, "Phoenix" and "Chameleon," in 1975 and 1976. These albums marked a period of critical success for the group, but the singles failed to achieve mainstream pop success.
1975: Labelle on the Cover of Rolling Stone
Labelle's success, including their hit "Lady Marmalade", was cemented with a coveted cover feature on Rolling Stone magazine in 1975.
1975: Death of Vivian Hogan
Vivian Hogan, Patti LaBelle's older sister, passed away in 1975.
December 16, 1976: Final Labelle Performance
On December 16, 1976, tensions within the group Labelle reached a breaking point during a show in Baltimore when Nona Hendryx experienced a breakdown, leading to the group's separation.
1976: Labelle Breaks Up, LaBelle Goes Solo
After the success of Labelle, the group split in 1976 and LaBelle started her solo career.
1977: Solo Debut and Early Success
In 1977, Patti LaBelle signed with Epic Records and released her self-titled debut album, featuring disco hits like "Joy to Have Your Love" and "Dan Swit Me." The gospel ballad "You Are My Friend" emerged as her first career-defining single.
October 1978: Death of Mother
Patti LaBelle's mother, Bertha, passed away in October 1978 at 62 from complications related to diabetes.
1978: Death of Bertha Robinson
Bertha Robinson, Patti LaBelle's mother, passed away in 1978.
1980: Continued Success with Epic Records
LaBelle released three more albums with Epic Records through 1980: "Tasty," "It's Alright with Me," and "Released." Notable songs from this era include "Eyes in the Back of My Head," "Little Girls," and "I Don't Go Shopping."
October 1982: Death of Sister Barbara
Patti LaBelle experienced the loss of another sister, Barbara Holte Purifoy, in October 1982. Barbara was 40 years old and died from complications related to colon cancer.
1982: Collaboration with Grover Washington Jr. and Broadway Debut
In 1982, Patti LaBelle collaborated with Grover Washington Jr. on the duet "The Best Is Yet to Come," which garnered her first Grammy Award nomination. She also received praise for her role in the Broadway musical "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God."
1982: Death of Barbara Holt
Barbara Holt, Patti LaBelle's older sister, passed away in 1982.
1983: Breakthrough with "I'm in Love Again"
LaBelle released her breakthrough album, "I'm in Love Again," in 1983. The album featured top ten R&B hits like "Love, Need and Want You" and her first number-one solo single, "If Only You Knew."
1984: Film Debut and Collaboration with Bobby Womack
In 1984, LaBelle made her film debut as Big Mary in "A Soldier's Story" and contributed two original songs to the soundtrack. She also collaborated with Bobby Womack on the hit song "Love Has Finally Come at Last."
1984: LaBelle Becomes a Mainstream Solo Star
In 1984, Patti LaBelle became a mainstream solo star with hits such as "If Only You Knew", "Love, Need and Want You", "New Attitude", and "Stir It Up".
1984: "New Attitude" and Crossover Success
LaBelle recorded "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up" for the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack in 1984. "New Attitude" became her first crossover solo hit, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying her signature sound.
1985: Rise to Pop Stardom
In 1985, LaBelle's performances on "Motown Returns to Apollo" and "Live Aid" catapulted her to pop stardom. She had her own television special and released a concert video. This success led to her signing with MCA Records.
1986: LaBelle Achieves Number-One Success
In 1986, Patti LaBelle released the number-one album "Winner in You" and the number-one duet single, "On My Own", with Michael McDonald.
1986: "Winner in You" and Chart-Topping Success
LaBelle released her bestselling solo album, "Winner in You," which topped the pop charts in 1986. The album featured the international hit "On My Own" and the popular ballad "Oh People."
1987: National Minority AIDS Council Spokesperson
In 1987, Patti LaBelle became a spokesperson for the National Minority AIDS Council, promoting the "Live Long, Sugar" campaign, which encouraged people of color to seek AIDS treatment. She used her platform to raise awareness about the AIDS crisis and advocate for the gay and lesbian community.
July 1989: Death of Sister Jacqueline
Tragedy struck again for Patti LaBelle in July 1989 when she lost her youngest sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Holte-Padgett, to brain cancer at the age of 43. The loss deeply affected LaBelle, who shot the music video for "If You Asked Me To" the day after Padgett's funeral. The video, shot on Padgett's 44th birthday, captures LaBelle's grief, with shots of her crying. LaBelle also dedicated her 1991 album "Burnin'" and her performances of "Wind Beneath My Wings" during her 1991-1992 concert tour to Padgett's memory.
October 1989: Death of Father
Patti LaBelle's father, Henry Holte Jr., died in October 1989 at 70 from complications related to emphysema and Alzheimer's disease.
1989: Death of Henry and Jacqueline Holt
Patti LaBelle's father, Henry Holt, and her younger sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Holt, both passed away in 1989.
1989: Release of "If You Asked Me To"
In 1989, Patti LaBelle released the song "If You Asked Me To", which would later be covered by Celine Dion.
1989: Collaboration with Prince and Acting Debut
In 1989, LaBelle released "Be Yourself," featuring the Prince-penned "Yo Mister" and the hit ballad "If You Asked Me To." She also performed as the Acid Queen in The Who's "Tommy" concert and began a recurring role on the sitcom "A Different World."
1991: "Superwoman" and Grammy Award
LaBelle collaborated with Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick on the hit duet "Superwoman." Her solo album "Burnin'" featured collaborations with prominent artists and led to her first Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1992.
1991: Release of the Album "Burnin'"
Patti LaBelle released the album "Burnin'" in 1991, which featured songs like "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)", "Feels Like Another One", and "When You've Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven)".
1991: Burnin' Album Release
Patti Labelle released her album "Burnin'" in 1991, dedicating it to her sister Jacqueline, who had passed away in 1989.
1992: Grammy Award Win and Recognition
In 1992, LaBelle shared a Grammy Award with Lisa Fischer for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, marking a rare tie in the award's history. She was also nominated for her collaboration on "Superwoman."
1992: LaBelle Stars in "Out All Night"
In 1992, Patti LaBelle starred in her own sitcom called "Out All Night".
1992: Grammy Win for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Patti LaBelle won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her album "Burnin'" in 1992.
1994: Release of "Gems"
LaBelle released the gold-certified album "Gems" in 1994, which featured the hit single "The Right Kinda Lover."
1994: Release of the Album "Gems"
Patti LaBelle continued her successful solo career with the release of her album "Gems" in 1994.
January 29, 1995: Super Bowl XXIX Halftime Performance
On January 29, 1995, Patti LaBelle performed at the Super Bowl XXIX halftime show alongside Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, and Miami Sound Machine.
1996: Publication of Memoirs
LaBelle released her bestselling memoir, "Don't Block the Blessings," in 1996.
1996: National Tree Lighting Ceremony Performance
Patti LaBelle's performance of "This Christmas" at the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony, broadcast live on C-SPAN, gained viral fame in the 2010s. Viewers were amused by LaBelle's reactions to technical difficulties and other performance challenges.
1997: Debut Cookbook Release
In 1997, LaBelle released the first of her five bestselling cookbooks.
1997: Release of the Album "Flame"
In 1997, Patti LaBelle released the album "Flame", further solidifying her popularity with R&B audiences.
1998: Release of "Live! One Night Only" and Essence Awards Tribute
LaBelle released the live album "Live! One Night Only" in 1998. That same year, she was honored with a tribute at the Essence Awards featuring performances by Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, SWV, and Luther Vandross.
February 1999: Second Grammy Award and Career Achievement Recognition
LaBelle's live album, "Live! One Night Only," earned her a second Grammy Award in February 1999. She received the Triumphant Spirit Award for Career Achievement at the 1998 Essence Awards.
2000: Final MCA Album
LaBelle released her last album with MCA Records, "When a Woman Loves," in 2000.
2000: Separation from Armstead Edwards
Patti LaBelle and Armstead Edwards legally separated in 2000 after years of marriage. Edwards also stopped managing LaBelle's career that year.
2002: LaBelle Hosts "Living It Up with Patti LaBelle"
Patti LaBelle hosted her own lifestyle television show, "Living It Up with Patti LaBelle", which premiered on TV One in 2002.
2003: Divorce from Armstead Edwards
Patti LaBelle's divorce from Armstead Edwards was finalized in 2003.
2004: Signing with Def Soul Classics and "Timeless Journey"
LaBelle signed with Def Soul Classics and released the album "Timeless Journey" in 2004. She also headlined VH1 Divas for the first time.
2005: Release of "Classic Moments" and Label Departure
In 2005, LaBelle released the covers album "Classic Moments." She later left Def Soul Classics due to creative differences with label executive Antonio "L.A." Reid.
2006: Gospel Album and Book Release
LaBelle released her first gospel album, "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle," which topped Billboard's gospel chart, and published her book "Patti's Pearls" in 2006.
2007: Return to Def Jam and Holiday Album
LaBelle returned to Def Jam and released her second holiday album, "Miss Patti's Christmas," in 2007.
2008: Labelle Reunion and "Back to Now"
In 2008, LaBelle reunited with Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash as Labelle for their first new album in over 30 years, titled "Back to Now."
September 14, 2010: Return to Broadway in "Fela!"
On September 14, 2010, Patti LaBelle returned to Broadway after two decades to star in the musical "Fela!" She portrayed Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
2010: Incident at Trump Place Apartments
In 2010, Patti LaBelle was involved in an incident at the Trump Place Apartments in Manhattan where she yelled at a woman and spilled water on the woman's baby. To avoid a trial, LaBelle settled the case for $100,000, which the family involved donated to charity.
January 2, 2011: End of Run for "Fela!"
LaBelle's run in the Broadway musical "Fela!" concluded on January 2, 2011.
May 23, 2011: Oprah's Farewell Spectacular, Part 1
On May 23, 2011, Patti LaBelle appeared on "Oprah's Farewell Spectacular, Part 1," the first in a three-part finale of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." She sang "Over the Rainbow" with Josh Groban.
June 2011: Incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
In June 2011, a West Point cadet filed a civil suit against LaBelle after he was allegedly assaulted by her bodyguards at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. The cadet, Richard King, alleged that LaBelle's entourage attacked him while he was waiting in the ride-share area, causing a concussion. LaBelle's entourage countered that King provoked the attack. King lost his court case and was suspended from the U.S. Military Academy.
June 26, 2011: BET Awards
Patti LaBelle received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards on June 26, 2011.
2012: Tour with Frankie Beverly & Maze
Patti LaBelle embarked on a cross-country U.S. tour with Frankie Beverly & Maze in 2012.
November 12, 2013: Bodyguard Acquitted of Assault
On November 12, 2013, Efrem Holmes, Patti LaBelle's bodyguard, was acquitted of misdemeanor assault charges related to the June 2011 incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
2013: Death of Thomas Hogan Jr.
Thomas Hogan Jr., Patti LaBelle's older brother, passed away in 2013.
March 6, 2014: Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House
Patti LaBelle participated in the "Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House" concert hosted by President Barack Obama on March 6, 2014. The concert featured other notable performers, including Aretha Franklin.
June 10, 2014: After Midnight on Broadway
Patti LaBelle returned to Broadway on June 10, 2014, as the "Special Guest Star" in the Tony Award-nominated musical "After Midnight."
2014: Tour with Frankie Beverly & Maze
Patti LaBelle toured with Frankie Beverly & Maze across the United States in 2014.
2015: LaBelle Competes on "Dancing with the Stars" and Finds Sweet Potato Pie Success
In 2015, at the age of 70, Patti LaBelle participated in the dance competition show "Dancing with the Stars". That same year, her Patti's Sweet Potato Pie brand experienced a surge in popularity, selling millions after a viral YouTube video praised the product.
2015: Viral Sweet Potato Pie Video
In late 2015, Patti LaBelle's sweet potato pies experienced a surge in popularity after a YouTube vlogger, James Wright (No Channel), posted a video enthusiastically praising them. The video went viral, leading to a significant increase in sales at Walmart, where the pies were reportedly selling at a rate of one per second.
2015: Dancing with the Stars
Patti LaBelle competed in the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2015. She was partnered with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. They were eliminated in Week 6 and finished in eighth place.
2016: VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night
Patti LaBelle headlined the VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night concert in 2016 alongside Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams, and Mariah Carey.
2017: Interview about LGBT Support
In a 2017 interview, Patti LaBelle expressed gratitude for her gay fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her career, especially during times when others were not as accepting.
2017: Bel Hommage
Patti LaBelle released her debut jazz album, "Bel Hommage," in 2017.
2018: Recurring Roles on Television
Patti LaBelle began appearing in recurring roles on the television series "Daytime Divas," "Greenleaf," and "Star" in 2018.
July 2, 2019: Patti LaBelle Way
Patti LaBelle was honored with her own street name, Patti LaBelle Way, in Philadelphia on July 2, 2019. The street is located between Locust and Spruce Street.
December 10, 2022: Bomb Threat at Milwaukee Concert
Patti LaBelle's Christmas concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was disrupted by a bomb threat on December 10, 2022. The venue was evacuated as a precaution.