Patti LaBelle, one of the most legendary divas in the music business, has turned 68 today. The singer known for her powerhouse vocals and dramatic sense of style has been an active force in entertainment since her days as the lead singer for Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. She has parlayed her brand of fun and fabulous living into not only a stellar solo career, but also a line of cookbooks, books of inspiration — and even a line of hot sauces.
According to Biography.com:
Actress and singer Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock & soul music. She has received acclaim for many of her songs, including “Lady Marmalade,” “When You Talk About Love,” and “New Attitude.” She began her career as part of the Ordettes in 1959, who became The Bluebelles in 1961. Her success as a solo artist started in 1983 when she released her hit album I’m in Love Again.
Singer. Born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Henry Holte, a railroad worker, and Bertha Robinson Holte, a homemaker.
A shy girl, Patricia gained confidence through her singing, which she did every Sunday in the choir of Beulah Baptist Church in southwest Philadelphia.
Her hometown paper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, had these well wishes for the star: “She’s kept us entertained for years with hits such as ‘Over the Rainbow,’ ‘Lady Marmalade’ and ‘You Are My Friend.’ Here’s hoping that we’ll enjoy her talents for many more to come.”
We definitely agree.
Happy birthday, Patti LaBelle! Leave your well wishes for the “queen of rock & soul music” below.
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