Beyond Lady Marmalade: Why Patti Labelle is Legendary!
18 Dec
It annoys me to no end that people think Patti Labelle is just hair and loud voice. Steam will pour from my ears when people only know “Lady Marmalade.” If you think the song started with Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil Kim, you betta stand arm’s length away: I may just slap your ignorant face! Anyhoo…
In honor of Patti’s special show “Clash of the Choirs” this week (which begin last night), I thought I’d post this video from Labelle (which , children was an entire group comprised of Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash). It’s the Nona Hendryx penned tune “You Turn Me On.” (And a HUGE THANKS to my sister for pointing me to this video, and then kicking my ass to blog about it. Smooches!)
Patti’s vocals are so rich, so layered, and so urgent, you forget about the costumes and all you can think about is the last person that made you “come like the pourin rain each time they called your name.” It should tell you why Patti is legendary, and if she never recorded another record since Labelle disbanded, she’d still be an icon! Without further ado, “You Turn Me On!”
(For a fierce remake of this track, check out Joi’s version, featuring the late Myrna “Screechy Peach” Crenshaw. Joi now usually sings this live with Keisha Jackson (daughter of R&B blues legend Millie Jackson).
Tags: Patti Labelle, clash of the choirs, sarah dash, nona hendryx, joi, keisha jackson, screechy peach, you turn me on
All I can say is “like the pourin’ rain”, that was simply divine! And its true true true Kenyon, that most of us never got past the overwhelming, crossover hit Lady Marmalade, and sadly, the distractions of the over-the-top costumes of LaBelle that has left the impression that these magnificent ladies are noted for the show factor. It was the call of the day though… the 70s were about who can shock you the most with their looks, and yet the tried and true talents of Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, EW&F, Elton John, and David Bowie to name a few, was and always will be the inspiration that came from the heart and soul of these artist that will go down in history! Today’s artist can take a few lessons on what it means to bare your soul during a performance and walk away knowing you gave it your all. Thank you for posting the video baby! Wow
Aaah the black voice that is what’s missing in today’s music. I loved it!! Pattt is a “badass bitch!”