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.”