American singer Patti LaBelle is a prominent actress, writer, songwriter, and composer. LaBelle is the acknowledged “godmother of the soul” and the voice that ushered in the brilliant disco era. She intended to push the limits of music, just like previous iconic singers who went on to headline the illustrious Apollo Theatre.
Patti LaBelle's Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 5 ft 5 in 1.65 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | 143 pounds 65 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Patti LaBelle
| Nationality | American |
|---|---|
| Estimate Net Worth | $65 million |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Birth Place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Birthday | May 24, 1944 |
Patti LaBelle's Net Worth
American celebrity Patti LaBelle has an estimated net worth of $65 million as of 2022. Her wealth came from album sales, concert tours, and appearances.
The 78-year-old celebrity has also amassed a sizeable fortune through several business ventures over the years. Patti LaBelle has lived an opulent lifestyle since she rose to fame in the music industry.
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Patti LaBelle's Early Life
Patricia Loise Holte was born in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 24, 1944. Her mother, Bertha, is a housewife, while her father, Henry, works as a railroad employee and a club performer. Of her five siblings, Patti is the second youngest and fourth kid.
Although Patti’s early years were challenging, she was known to be a delighted youngster. When her parents eventually decided to end their terrible marriage, things worsened. In the process, Patti lost her family’s sense of security and suffered abuse herself. (1)
Patti LaBelle's Education
Patti LaBelle attended John Bartram High School in Philadelphia in 1962. She left one semester before graduation; however, she returned to school in her mid-30s, eventually receiving her diploma.
Patti LaBelle's Personal Life
Otis Williams (Early 1960s)
LaBelle and The Temptations singer Otis Williams first met in Philadelphia when she was a rising singer. Following the show, the two would meet, and their courtship soon followed. Although LaBelle herself questioned whether she was attracted to Williams personally or was merely stunned by his role in The Temptations, the courting was intense.
Soon after, Otis requested her hand in marriage, but LaBelle broke things off at this point. I Love Old School Music claims that Otis wished for LaBelle to leave Philadelphia for his house in California and scale back her musical endeavors so they could concentrate on their marriage.
Williams proposed, but LaBelle declined, stating she couldn’t give up music, which he could understand. The two remained close friends as their respective careers progressed throughout the years.
Armstead Edwards (1969 – 2000)
Armstead Edwards managed Patti LaBelle before they got married. Before saying yes to Edwards, LaBelle declined his advances twice.
The couple wed in 1969, and Patti gave birth to their son Zuri four years later. In addition to raising Zuri, they also adopted the two kids from her deceased sister Jacqueline and the two kids from their next-door neighbor.
The couple’s romance, nonetheless, did not endure indefinitely. The couple separated in 2000 after more than three decades of marriage.
Eric Seats (2015 – 2016)
It has been rumored that soul music icon Patti LaBelle has a new partner who is 30 years her junior. Drummer Eric Seats, 41, and she have been romantically involved for one and a half years. (2)
Seats and LaBelle first became acquainted several years back when the drummer joined the group of the two-time Grammy winner. Seats supposedly relocated from Philadelphia to Los Angeles as the relationship took off to be near his beloved.
Seats have been open about his relationship with the hitmaker, posting pictures of the two together on his Facebook page.
Patti LaBelle's Career
Singer
With singles like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Danny Boy,” Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles continued to succeed in 1964. After their initial record company, Cameo-Parkway, folded in 1965, the band signed with Atlantic Records in New York. (3)
The group struggled with numerous lineup adjustments and conflicts, including Cindy Birdsong joining The Supremes. Both their manager and Atlantic Records dropped them in 1970.
During the same year, Vicki Wickham took over as their manager, and they changed their name to LaBelle. Additionally, they changed their genre to the psychedelic soul and emphasized funk and rock. They were signed to the Warner Music label Track Records because of these actions, which improved their career.
“Moon Shadow,” their second album, immediately followed and was released in 1971. The band switched to the label Epic Records after their third album, “Pressure Cookin,” failed to garner any popularity and released their fourth album, “Nightbirds” (1974). Their best-selling album, “Nightbirds,” earned favorable reviews from listeners.
The album’s lead track, “Lady Marmalade,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold more than a million copies. The band released two more albums, “Phoenix” in 1975 and “Chameleon” in 1976. However, neither of them was as successful as “Nightbirds.” in 1976, the group eventually broke up due to disagreements about their music’s direction.
During the same year, LaBelle signed a solo deal with Epic Records and released her self-titled debut album with songs “Joy to Have Your Love,” “Dan Swit Me,” and “You Are My Friend.”
When she appeared in the 1985 television spectacular “Motown Returns to Apollo” and the all-star benefit performance “Live Aid,” she participated in, her star continued to climb, and the general public’s awareness of her increased.
She was given her television special that same year due to the publicity she earned from these two occasions. Her most renowned solo album, “Winner in You,” topped the American pop charts.
The album’s tracks “On My Own” and “Oh People” succeeded. The gold-certified album “Gems” from 1994 gave birth to the single “The Right Kinda Lover.”
LaBelle received numerous Grammy nominations, such as Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1994, Best Traditional R&B Performance in 1999, and Induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004 for the song “Lady Marmalade.”
Actress
LaBelle performed in three Broadway shows and has also become one of the casts of various TV series and films, to name a few: “Sing” in 1989, “Idlewild” in 2006, “Semi-Pro” in 2008, “Mama, I Want to Sing!” in 2012, and “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” in 2014.
In 1985, she was allowed to host a variety show, “The Patti LaBelle Show.” In 2015, she became part of season 20 of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Entrepreneur
The singer unveiled Patti LaBelle – The Good Life, a new product line, in late 2007. Five hot sauces and relishes were the first products that LaBelle introduced to cooking enthusiasts. Additionally, she collaborates with the McBride Sisters, who run the largest Black-owned wine business in the US. Additionally, she teamed up with Wal-Mart to create a line of desserts.
Author
“Recipes for The Good Life,” her third cookbook, the fifth book, and a cooking DVD, were published in May 2008. Recipes and anecdotes from Patti’s cookbook will reflect her belief that the heart goes into making good food and entertaining people.
Patti LaBelle's Controversies
Sexual Harassment
When LaBelle was still a rising talent in the music industry, and Wilson was already a well-established star, she recalled a troubling episode from the early 1960s.
LaBelle claimed that while she was backstage at a Brooklyn theater, a man approached her from behind and began kissing her neck. The man was Jackie Wilson, and LaBelle recalls smelling alcohol on his breath, the Michigan Chronicle reported. (4)
Wilson and an accomplice allegedly grabbed LaBelle as they attempted to transport her into a closed room. LaBelle recalled that she didn’t have a weapon and couldn’t repel the two guys, but she could flee by screaming loud enough to convince them to release her.
Bluebelles' End
Despite receiving praise from critics, the band was on the verge of a breakup by the middle of the 1970s. The difference in musical tastes among the three women was the problem.
Hendryx chose glam rock, LaBelle preferred disco, while Sarah Dash desired a return to soul ballads. Hendryx mentally broke down and exited the stage before their final number at a December 1976 performance. The group decided to disband when Hendryx was brought to the hospital.
Patti Pies
In November 2015, James Wright Chanel went viral when he tweeted his review of LaBelle’s sweet potato pie. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Chanel’s video went popular and helped sales soar thanks to his high notes, witty banter, and pie review. (5)
Pattie LaBelle wants the general public to be aware that YouTuber James Wright Chanel received payment for his assistance in boosting Patti’s Pie sales.
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Patti LaBelle's Humanitarian Works
LaBelle is also famous for being a philanthropist. She supports several charities including adoption, foster care, United Negro College Fund, and Big Sisters. Even though Ms. LaBelle has a well-known and respected career, she has also experienced and overcome personal adversity.
After receiving a diabetes diagnosis in 1994, LaBelle quickly accepted a position as a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association.
Patti LaBelle is adamantly committed to peace and advocates for access to justice for all through supporting access to healthcare, housing, employment, and education.
LaBelle received an Excellence in Media Award from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) on March 26, 2007, recognizing her lifelong advocacy for gay and lesbian rights and involvement in the AIDS epidemic.
Despite being straight and being very involved in her Christian church growing up, Patti LaBelle is one of the greatest gay icons of all time as she openly supports the LGBT community. Nevertheless, Labelle’s music and commitment to the LGBT community have endured for 50 years.
The NABLF awarded LaBelle with the Service to America Leadership Award. The distinction is given in recognition of the recipient’s dedication to activism and public service and is the highest individual citation offered by the NABLF. (6)
Patti LaBelle's Real Estate & Other Properties
Patti LaBelle has lived a life of luxury. She owns several properties scattered throughout the US. Patti owns an opulent condo in Los Angeles, California.
Additionally, LaBelle owns a stunning piece of land in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. The house is thousands of square feet, and the landscaping is gorgeous. The vast estate is tranquil because of the dense woodlands that surround it.
The fact that Patti, who is currently 76 years old, never took a driving lesson may surprise many people. But that’s not the case. She has enjoyed the convenience of a chauffeur and owned several luxury vehicles during her career. (7)
References
- Web Post, Patti LaBelle Net Worth 2022: Breaking The Limits of Music, retrieved from https://celebznetworth.com/patti-labelle-net-worth/
- Amy Graff, SFGAT, Music legend Patti LaBelle is 71 and dating a 41-year-old drummer, retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Patti-LaBelle-is-71-drummer-41-Eric-Seats-dating-6756105.php
- Web post, Patti LaBelle Net Worth, retrieved from https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/singers/patti-labelle-net-worth/#:~:text=Patti%20LaBelle%20is%20a%20prolific,net%20worth%20of%20%2460%20million.
- Daniel Johnson, The Tragic Real-Life Story of Patti Labelle., retrieved from https://www.grunge.com/256756/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-patti-labelle/
- Jeroslyn Johnson, Patti Labelle sets record straight about James Wrights Chanel pie controversy, ‘we took care of him, retrieved from https://www.blackenterprise.com/patti-labelle-sets-record-straight-about-james-wright-chanel-pie-controversy-we-took-care-of-him/
- Radio Ink, NABLF Honoring Patti LaBelle, retrieved from https://radioink.com/2022/06/05/nablf-honoring-patti-labelle/
- Samyaan, How Much Is Patti Labelle Worth? Everything We Know!, retrieved from https://otakukart.com/422502/how-much-is-patti-labelle-worth-everything-we-know/