Biography:
Born Patricia Holte on the 24th of May, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The former leader of LaBelle began her solo career in 1976. Although her first releases showed promise, she was unable to regain the profile enjoyed by her former group and at the beginning of the 80s, Patti agreed to tour with a revival of the stage play Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God. The production reached Broadway in 1982 and, with Al Green as a co-star, became one of the year's hits.

Having made her film debut as a blues singer in A Soldier's Story (1984), Patti LaBelle resumed recording with 'Love Has Finally Come At Last', a magnificent duet with Bobby Womack.

Two tracks from 1984's box-office smash Beverly Hills Cop, 'New Attitude' (US Top 20) and 'Stir It Up', also proved popular. 'On My Own', a sentimental duet with Michael McDonald, was a spectacular hit in 1986. This million-selling single confirmed LaBelle's return and although some commentators criticize her almost operatic delivery, she remains a powerful and imposing performer.

She made a return to the US stage in 1989, performing in various states with the 'lost' Duke Ellington musical Queenie Pie, and has continued to release strong albums throughout the 90s.

     Taken from Yahoo! Music