Singer Patti LaBelle Marks 82nd Birthday, Reflects on Career

Patti LaBelle said she is "having fun living it down" as she marks her 82nd birthday on Sunday. The singer has performed professionally for six decades and continues to record and appear in public. LaBelle described her voice as versatile, noting it can reach high notes, rap, and perform opera on some days.

She said singing remains central to her life and that she plans to continue until she is physically unable.

LaBelle recalled growing up in Philadelphia as a shy child named Patsy Holt. She said her mother paid her to go outside and that she practiced singing alone in her bedroom. At age 10 she joined a church choir. She said performing a duet produced a strong reaction from the audience and gave her a lasting memory of audience response.

As a teenager LaBelle joined a vocal group.

A record executive suggested she adopt the stage name LaBelle and later told her she was "quite ugly." She said the comment caused distress but did not alter her decision to continue performing. The group Labelle recorded "Lady Marmalade," which became a commercial hit. LaBelle said the song drew criticism from some listeners at the time.

After the group disbanded in 1977, LaBelle began a solo career.

She said she sought therapy to manage the transition and that she learned she would continue singing regardless of format. LaBelle has also written cookbooks and developed a line of food and houseware products sold under the name Patti's Good Life. She said she has no plans to stop performing.