Patti LaBelle

 Patti LaBelle, an American actor, singer and songwriter and author. She is a prolific writer who created an distinctive blend of soul, pop, and soft rock. Her music has been influential for over 50 years. LaBelle is frequently called "Godmother of Soul" or "Queen Rock and Soul". She came to prominence as the singer-songwriter of the group Patti LaBelle's Bluebelles. Following the breakup of the Bluebelles, she began her own solo career. It was a highly profitable one. LaBelle has collaborated with a variety of famous musicians, including Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey. Her albums have sold more than 50 million globally. LaBelle was born Patricia Louise Holte Edwards to an affluent family from Philadelphia in 1944. Her father was a railway worker as well as a lounge singer. LaBelle was shy in her early years, however she displayed incredible singing abilities as she joined the choir of her church when she was ten years old. At the age of 12 and her parents divorced. She was raised listening to and singing blues and rhythm gospel, doo-wop and gospel.