WeeklySA_AdminCONTEMPORARY: She honours peer Tina Turner during her performance at the star-studded ceremony…
By Own Correspondent
This year marks 60 years since Patti LaBelle first released music. Over the decades, from the Blue Belles to Labelle to an epic solo career, Miss Patti has given the world music that has defined generations over the years.
The 23rd BET Awards took place on June 25, to celebrate achievements in the black entertainment industry and honours artists in music, sports, television and movies. It was held at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
And on Sunday, she had everyone on their feet during the event, as she paid tribute to Tina Turner. The legendary LaBelle honoured her iconic peer Tina Turner during this year’s ceremony.
She hit the stage the crowd, sending the crowd into a frenzy during the tribute. The godmother of soul even donned a stunning Tina Turner-inspired sequin dress and fly, blonde wig– further showcasing not just the Nutbush, Tennessee native’s musical talents but influential style.
She started the show by singing, Simply The Best, one of Turner’s most popular songs. Toward the middle of the song, she asked the crowd to help her due to briefly forgetting the words, but stuck with it, ending strong. At one point, she brought out background singers, further amplifying the performance with a church-feel.
Throughout her vibrant and successful career spanning eight decades, Turner turned heads with her dynamic vocals and even more influential life story.
She rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike and Turner Revue before breaking through as a solo artist. She may have gained popularity from Proud Mary, which she performed alongside Ike Turner, but it didn’t take long for her to be regarded as a household name by her own accord. With hits like, The Best and What’s Love Got to Do with It, it is no coincidence that Turner was made to be a star.
After news of Turner’s passing hit the airwaves back in May, LaBelle honoured the legend on Instagram with a heartwarming post, showing her admiration for the late star. “You truly are the Queen of Rock & Roll and your spirit will reign forever! Rest in eternal peace and love,” LaBelle shared in the post.
LaBelle is a force to reckon with herself, with hits like, Lady Marmalade it’s no wonder how she has become a household name with a prolific career spanning over 50 years. LaBelle is living proof that she only gets better with age and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Turner and LaBelle may have dominated different music genres, both are trailblazers in their own right and have maintained their statuses as timeless artists over the years.
This playlist showcases some of Patti LaBelle’s biggest hits and includes a mix of her soulful ballads, energetic dance tracks, and empowering anthems.
LADY MARMALADE (1974)
With her group, Labelle (Nona Hendryx, Patti LaBelle, and the late-great Sarah Dash), Lady Marmalade became one of the biggest hits of her career and is a must during her live shows. The 2001 remake for Moulin Rouge, sung by Christina Aguilera, Maya, Pink, and Lil’ Kim won a Grammy. Still, the Labelle version is the one that the Library of Congress added to the National Recording Registry in 2020.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND (1978)
Co-written by Patti LaBelle, You Are My Friend is a soulful piano-driven song from her 1978 debut. The track is dedicated to her son, Zuri Edwards.
IF ONLY YOU KNEW (1983)
Released as a single from her album I’m in Love Again, If Only You Knew is Patti LaBelle in all her greatness. This emotional ballad, tells a story of unrequited love. LaBelle’s ability to convey heartache and longing through her voice is truly mesmerizing, making this song stand out in her discography.
NEW ATTITUDE (1984)
A standout track from the film Beverly Hills Cop, New Attitude, is an infectious and empowering anthem released in 1984. LaBelle’s commanding vocals and the song’s catchy melodies combine to create a high-energy classic. New Attitude became an instant hit and remains a favourite among fans.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW (1985)
Initially recorded by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, this is a song Miss Patti famously turned down. However, she would record the ballad in 1985. LaBelle’s rendition remains one of the definitive versions.
ON MY OWN (1986)
In 1986, Miss Patti released her eighth studio album, winner in you, and delivered the iconic single on my own, a duet with Michael Mcdonald. To date, it is Miss Patti’s only no. 1 Single of her career. The song earned a 1986 grammy nomination for best pop vocal performance by a duo or group.
FEELS LIKE ANOTHER ONE (1991)
Arguably one of the best intros of all time, this first single from the Burnin’ album charted at No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song also had Patti diving into hip-hop with the legendary Big Daddy Kane on the remix.
WHEN YOU’VE BEEN BLESSED (FEELS LIKE HEAVEN) (1991)
Patti LaBelle’s roots are church and the empress of soul took us right to the church with this inspirational song. Also, from the Burnin’ album, this song was co-written by Miss Patti and former group member Nona Hendryx.
THE RIGHT KINDA LOVER (1994)
From the album Gems, The Right Kinda Lover is a standout track that showcases LaBelle’s versatility as an artist. Released in 1994, this R&B hit featured her signature soulful style. The song charted at No. 8 on the Billboard R&B chart and the video frequently aired on BET’s Video Soul.
OVER THE RAINBOW
Patti LaBelle has been belting out this EY Harburg-penned song since she was with The Blue Bells. Initially recorded by Judy Garland for the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, LaBelle’s heartfelt rendition of this timeless classic demonstrates her ability to infuse emotion and power into any song she performs. See one of the fantastic performances above.
