Patti LaBelle

Patricia Louise Holte, known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer and actress, often referred as the 'Godmother of Soul'. LaBelle's career began in the early 1960s as the lead singer of the vocal group 'Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles'. After the group's name change to 'Labelle' in the 1970s, they released popular hits like 'Lady Marmalade'. LaBelle started a successful solo career after the group split in 1976, which saw her release her debut album, earning critical acclaim. She achieved mainstream success in 1984 with her singles 'If Only You Knew', 'Love, Need and Want You', 'New Attitude' and 'Stir It Up'. Over her career, LaBelle has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame.

LaBelle has also enjoyed success as an actress. She appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film A Soldier's Story and in popular television shows such as A Different World and American Horror Story: Freak Show. Her efforts in the music industry over seven decades have seen her named a dramatic soprano, recognized for her vocal power, modal register range, and emotive delivery. Away from music, LaBelle has seen success launching her own brand of bedding, cookbooks, and food for various companies; her Patti's Sweet Potato Pie sold millions after a YouTube video praising the product went viral.