Patti LaBelle Net Worth 2023: Breaking The Limits of Music

Patti LaBelle is one of the major forces that help break the limits of music, giving way to the dazzling disco era in the 70s. Read about her life, career, and Patti LaBelle net worth.

Patti LaBelle is the undisputed godmother of soul and the powerful voice that helped reel in the dazzling disco era. Like Dionne Warwick and other legendary performers who became headliners of the famous Apollo Theatre, LaBelle was meant to break the boundaries of music.

Patti LaBell net worth is quoted at $65 million for this year. The 77-year-old singer, actress, and entrepreneur is a recipient of a string of awards. She was presented with 9 different lifetime career recognitions, including BET Walk of Fame Lady of Soul, Lifetime Achievement, and Honors.

Patti LaBelle – Short Bio

The legendary diva was born Patricia Loise Holte in Southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of May, 1944. Her father, Henry, was a club performer and railroad worker, while her mother Bertha was a housewife. Patti is the fourth and second youngest child of five siblings. 

Patti’s younger years were difficult, but she was known to be quite the cheerful child. Things took a bad turn when her parents finally divorced and the couple had enough of their abusive relationship. In the process, Patti lost the security of her family and she became a victim of abuse herself.

The experience was so traumatic that it continued to haunt the singer even after she rose to stardom. Patti would later write a memoir detailing that very dark patch in her early life.

Patti’s First Solo

Patti LaBelle is famous for her electrifying performances and for literally reaching out and involving the people in the show. But she was once a very timid girl who never knew that she could become anything, let alone become a big star.

But her choir instructor immediately recognized Patti’s potential after hearing just a few notes. She reeled the awkward girl back in, as she was trying to hide in the furthest corner of the group. 

On the day of her first church choir performance, Patti sang lead, and the people loved it. After years of cowering from trauma, Patti gained her confidence from music.

Four years after her first solo, the 16-year-old Patti won a talent competition which led her to join her first singing group, The Ordettes. Then two years later, three young women with exceptional voices joined the group to replace the original members. The new members included Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, who later became famous with Patti LaBelle.

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Professional Career

Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles

The quartet of 18-year-old girls secured their first audition with Harold Robinson as their promoter, signing them as the Blue Belles. It was changed to Patti Belle and the Blue Belles after Robinson was sued when the girls were caught lip-synching the voices of The Starlets.

The setback didn’t last long, Patti Belle and the Blue Belles blew the Billboard pop and R&B charts in 1963, with the song Down the Aisle. The hit was followed by the group’s rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone in 1964, then again with Danny Boy in 1965.

Patti and her group moved to New York after switching labels to Atlantic Records. But their stay with the label only lasted 3 years. Like any path to success, there will be road bumps on the way. The girls experienced theirs at the cost of their manager and Cindy, one of the Blue Belles.

LaBelle

That phase in their career didn’t last. One of the greatest performers in Britain, Dusty Springfield, opened an alternate route for the girls which led them to a contract with Warner Bros. Records. 

In the process, the girls asked for their name to be changed simply to “LaBelle.”

From 1971 to 1973, the LaBelle’s released two hit albums that soared the US, UK, and international charts. The group broke away from their early girl-group sound and adopted more dynamic genres of rock, funk, soul, and gospel. Glam Rock was also something the LaBelles picked up from their UK stint, dressing up in glittery costumes and glowing makeup.

Patti LaBelle’s Solo Career

Breaking Up LaBelle

For a third time, the Labelle switched labels after their third album with Warner Bros. Records didn’t do so well. They signed with Epic Records in 1974. That same year, the group released their most successful album yet titled Nightbirds, carried by the hit single Lady Marmalade.

The song dominated the number 1 spot on the top 100 Billboard charts, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. The RIAA certified gold single, and LaBelle made history for being the first rock n’ roll vocal group ever to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in October of 1974. 

The following year, LaBelle and the Nightbirds album were on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Unfortunately, in 1976, Patti suggested that the girls go their separate ways after having frequent disagreements about what they should do next as a group. Still, their separation was finalized after Nona Hendryx was injured from a nervous breakdown.

Patti LaBelle The Solo Artist

Patti steadily built herself up as a solo performer from 1977 to 1984. Though unable to produce explosive hits like she once did as part of the LaBelle, she had many career-defining songs and performances. They slowly turned her into an iconic figure every time she took to the stage.

From Epic Records, Patti then signed with Philadelphia International Records. There she again made a permanent mark in the music scene after releasing her soulful version of the popular song, (Somewhere) Over The Rainbow. Bigger opportunities kept opening for the singer, like her starring role on the Broadway musical Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God.

Patti did a feature The Best Is Yet to Come with the great Grover Washington. The title perfectly described what’s next in Patti’s career. She earned her first Grammy nomination shortly after. She followed up with a breakthrough album containing chart-topping singles in 1983.

From the beginning of 1984, Patti LaBelle’s music as a solo performer has been famous across the globe. Her songs played between multiple genres. Whether she’s singing an original or a rendition of a certain song, Patti LaBelle would make it her own and launch it to the charts.

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Patti LaBelle Net Worth – Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is Patti LaBelle Net Worth?

Patti LaBelle net worth is estimated at $65 million for this year. On top of being one of the most iconic personalities in modern music history, she is also an actress and a businesswoman.

How Much Money Does Patti LaBelle Make?

Aside from being one of the highest paid-singers in the US, a great portion of Patti LaBelle net worth comes from her stock and property investments. She also has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl cosmetics and profits from Fat LaBelle Burger’s restaurant chain.

What Is Patti LaBelle’s Most Famous Song As A Solo Artist?

The Godmother of Soul has been in the business for over 60 years. She is best known for hits like “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude,” and “Stir It Up.”

Patti LaBelle Net Worth – Final Thoughts

Patti LaBelle is famous for being herself. Patti who would kick off her shoes while on stage to give her that extra reach to over-max the performance she can offer to her audience. 

Believe it or not, to allow her to be herself was one of her conditions after being invited to sing at the White House – and yes, she kicked off her shoes and rolled on the floor.

Patti LaBelle net worth is just a fraction of the singer’s invaluable contribution to the music industry. Despite her great success as a performer and a businesswoman, she never forgot her humble beginnings. 

And even now, in her late 70s, Patti LaBelle, with her phenomenal voice, is looking forward to the next time she takes the stage. Not for glory or wealth, but to share a heartfelt song.

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