Patti LaBelle's Life & Career Through The Years

Patti LaBelle was born on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as Patricia Louise Holte. She turned 81 years old this year.

Patti LaBelle is a renowned singer, actress, and author, celebrated for iconic hits like "Lady Marmalade" and "On My Own." She began her musical journey with the group the 'Bluebelles', and her solo career flourished with the 1983 release of "I'm in Love Again," earning her first Grammy nomination. Throughout her career, Patti has won two Grammys out of thirteen nominations.

In 1970, the Bluebelles were dropped by their label and left by their managers after struggling to recreate their early success. Patti LaBelle asked promoter Vicki Wickham for help to update their outdated image. Wickham managed the group, renamed them 'LaBelle,' and gave them a new look that fit the 1970s glam rock style, along with more daring lyrics and music.

In the 1960s, Patti LaBelle became engaged to Otis Williams of The Temptations after attending one of their concerts. The couple were together for a while, but Patti ended the engagement when Otis suggested she stop singing and move to Detroit.

"I said very nicely, ‘the engagement is off. I have to sing for the rest of my life. If they weren't paying me, I have to sing. That's how it is with me,'" Patti recalled during an interview with 'OWN'.

Patti LaBelle married her manager, Armstead Edwards, in 1969. The couple were together for around 30 years and had three children. Patti and Armstead called it quits in 2000, deciding to separate and later divorce.

Patti LaBelle had three children with her ex-husband Armstead Edwards. Her biological child, Zuri Edwards, was born in 1973. Additionally, during their time together, Patti and Armstead adopted two more children named Stanley Stocker-Edwards and Dodd Stocker-Edwards.

Patti LaBelle appeared in a number of popular shows in the 1990s, including 'A Different World' and 'Out All Night.' In 2014, she was featured on Ryan Murphy’s popular horror series 'American Horror Story,' portraying "Dora Brown" in several episodes during the show’s fourth season. Patti also appeared in the drama series 'Greenleaf' as "Maxine Patterson" and also competed on 'The Masked Singer USA' in 2019.

LaBelle has written several books, including the autobiography 'Don't Block the Blessings' (1997), the diabetic cookbook 'LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About' (1998), and 'Recipes for the Good Life' (2008). Following that theme, she has also launched several food products, including sauces, sweet potato pies, and a frozen soul food line.

She has also collaborated with several established artists, including Elton John on "Your Song" and Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick on "Superwoman."