Patti LaBelle with Special Guest Leela James

Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for. As she continues into her fourth decade of performing, the Philadelphia maven has returned to her roots with her latest project, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. “I was born gospel, so it’s not like I’m coming back or trying to impress people with this new gospel project. I’ve always done this. I’ve never done a whole album. That’s the only thing that’s missing,” observes the songstress. “I’ve come full circle where you can say it’s a complete project.” The church tour accompanied the release of The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. It began at The Potter’s House in Texas, home to Bishop TD Jakes. Patti was blessed to have gospel legend Shirley Ceasar pray a special prayer, “for people to accept me as the new carrier of His word. God is working on me, He’s working through me, and He’s putting changes all over me – positive. I know I’m chosen. I know this is something I was meant to do. For 10 years now I’ve been trying to do this gospel album and I finally did it. And it feels so good singing these songs.” For Ms. Patti, she simply desires for her fans not to judge her with this record and to be aware that this gift is from her heart and deep within her soul. “I want them to take away a beautiful message. I want them to take away a beautiful CD, which means take it home, buy it so that we can help with this cancer calling.” That humility and honesty has been the true gospel according to Patti LaBelle. “Staying a person that people can say they encountered and she was very, very giving. She didn’t get Hollywood on us. I never want to be thought of as a Hollywood person, you know the people who don’t have time for the people who made them.” The same motivation that had Patricia Louis Holt blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles to a solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at six-two years young. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it-It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.” And the world is thankful that Ms. Patti’s preaching sounds so good to our ears.

With a voice that’s raw, powerful, and unmistakably soul-stirring, Leela James has carved out a singular space in music where classic soul meets contemporary R&B. Since her breakout debut A Change Is Gonna Come in 2005, Leela has earned a reputation for blending deep, emotive storytelling with gritty vocals and timeless grooves. Influenced by legends like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Chaka Khan, she channels the spirit of old-school soul while fearlessly pushing musical boundaries. 

Early in her career, she was honored by the legendary James Brown, who affectionately coined her “The Goddaughter of Soul,” recognizing her authentic voice and powerful connection to the roots of the genre. 

Ms. James has gone on to record and release seven LPs, delivering eight Top 20 R&B radio singles, including two Number One tracks on the Billboard charts. Her 2021 single 

“Complicated” topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for three consecutive weeks in the summer of that year, solidifying her reputation as a force in contemporary soul. 

Her beloved ballad “Fall For You” is now considered a modern classic and was certified Gold in October 2022, surpassing 500,000 units sold. Over the years, her music—including hits like “Don’t Want You Back” and “Say That” featuring Anthony Hamilton—has become synonymous with passion, authenticity, and emotional honesty. 

In 2014, Leela won The Soul Train Certified Award, and in 2021, she garnered an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best R&B Collaboration. She earned another NAACP nomination in 2025 for her powerful single “Lookat Whatcha Done Now” featuring Kenyon Dixon, further cementing her role as a vital and enduring voice in modern soul.