Patti LaBelle Biography: Patricia Louise Holte born May 24, 1944, professionally known as Patti LaBelle, is a celebrated American R&B singer and actress, often hailed as the “Godmother of Soul.” She began her music career in the early 1960s as the lead vocalist of the group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In the 1970s, the group rebranded as Labelle and achieved major success with the chart-topping hit “Lady Marmalade” before disbanding in 1976. LaBelle launched her solo career in 1977 with a self-titled debut album that featured the iconic track “You Are My Friend.” She rose to mainstream fame in 1984 with a series of hits including “If Only You Knew,” “Love, Need and Want You” (which was later sampled in the 2002 hit “Dilemma”), “New Attitude,” and “Stir It Up.
Patti LaBelle Biography
Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began her musical journey in the early 1960s as the lead singer of the group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In the 1970s, the group transformed into Labelle and recorded the iconic hit “Lady Marmalade.” Patti launched her solo career in 1976, with her debut album also achieving great success. Over the span of five decades, she has sold over 50 million records and expanded her career into acting as well.
Patti LaBelle Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Patricia Louise Holte |
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| Born | May 24, 1944 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1960–present |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Patti LaBelle
Patricia Louise Holte, known professionally as Patti LaBelle, is an American R&B singer and actress. She has been referred to as the “Godmother of Soul”. LaBelle began her career in the early 1960s as lead singer and frontwoman of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles.
Patti LaBelle Wiki
- Born: 24 May 1944 (age 80 years), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Music group: Labelle (1959 – 1976)
- Children: Zuri Kye Edwards, Stayce Holte, William Holte, Dodd Stocker-Edwards, Stanley Stocker-Edwards
- Spouse: Armstead Edwards (m. 1969–2003)
Patti LaBelle Facts
Where does Patti LaBelle live? And how much money does Patti LaBelle earn?
| Birth Date | 24-5-1944 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-American |
| Religion – believes in God? | Protestant |
| Residence | She owns a house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. |
Patti LaBelle Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 50 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Philadelphia International Records |
| Colleagues | Dionne Warwick & Diana Ross |
| Management | Pattonium |
Houses
- Pennsylvania house ($0.92 million)(Cooking Island • )
Patti LaBelle: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
Who is Patti LaBelle dating in 2025?
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | Armstead Edwards |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | Yes, mother of: Zuri, Todd, Stanley |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Henry Holte (Father)
- Bertha Holte (Mother)
- Zuri Kye Edwards (Son)
- William Holte (Son)
- Stanley Stocker-Edwards (Son)
- Stayce Holte (Daughter)
- Dodd Stocker-Edwards (Son)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly talented actress & musician originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States has a thin body & round face type.
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | eye color |
| Makeup Style | clean |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type VI: Black brown skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Does Patti LaBelle smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 162 cm |
| Weight | 64 kilo |
| Clothing style | alternative |
| Favorite colors | white |
| Feet size | 9 |
| Dress size | 6 |
| Bra-size | 34D |
| Waist size | 68.5 |
| Buste size | 86 |
| Butt size | 86 |
| Does Patti LaBelle have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What was Patti LaBelle’s early life like?
Patti LaBelle was born and raised in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia. Despite having a loving childhood, she later revealed that her parents’ marriage was abusive and that she faced personal trauma, including sexual abuse by a family friend after her parents divorced when she was 12.
How did Patti LaBelle first get into music?
Patti LaBelle began singing in the choir at Beulah Baptist Church when she was just 10 years old. Her passion for music grew from there, and by age 12, she was already performing solo.
What influenced Patti LaBelle’s music growing up?
While Patti LaBelle was raised in the church and performed gospel music early on, she also listened to secular genres such as R&B and jazz, which later influenced her vocal style and musical direction.
How did Patti LaBelle form her first group?
After winning a high school talent competition at age 16, Patti LaBelle formed a group called The Ordettes with her classmates. This marked the beginning of her professional music career.
Who were the original members of Patti LaBelle’s early group?
The original lineup of The Ordettes included Patti LaBelle, Jean Brown, Yvonne Hogen, and Johnnie Dawson. Eventually, the group saw lineup changes, which led to the addition of Cindy Birdsong, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendryx.
What challenges did Patti LaBelle face in her early career?
In her early career, Patti LaBelle faced colorism and industry bias. A local record-label owner initially dismissed her, calling her “too dark and too plain”—a perception she overcame with her undeniable talent and powerful voice.