Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle (born Patricia Louise Holt on May 24, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a hugely successful African-American R&B/soul singer who fronted two successful groups before rising to stardom as a solo artist in the 1

Patti LaBelle (born Patricia Louise Holt on May 24, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a hugely successful African-American R&B/soul singer who fronted two successful groups before rising to stardom as a solo artist in the 1980s influencing a new generation of female singers. She is best known for her strong vocals and her signature high-octave vocal belting.

Born the youngest of five children including three sisters and a brother, Patti began singing at the age of 14 in church. A shy girl, Patti had a voice of a torch diva. A school teacher advised her to start a singing group.