Soul Fixin'

Chrisette Michelle Sings For Patti 

Chrisette Michelle. The objection of my affection. The Long Island native had the distinct pleasure to sing for Patti LaBelle last year. Chrisette serenaded the audience at UNCF's tribute to Patti LaBelle with a moving rendition of Ms. Patti's  tender 'You Are My Friend.' The lovely songstress failed to disappoint the crowd, her rendition was flawless and her distinctive voice was in fine form. It's quite obvious that Chrisette, a product of the church, has been deeply influenced by The Clark Sisters, Karen Clark-Sheard in particular. Hit play and enjoy!

Soul Tracks

Yes, the album cover is repulsive. A 40 year old Bobby Womack decked out in a hot red leather outfit surrounded by hanging purple fabric. Blame it on the creativity of the 80's. Bobby Womack's 16th studio album, The Poet II, a follow up to 1981's brilliant The Poet, was released in 1984. Patti LaBelle joined the gritty soul singer, a protege of Sam Cooke, on a trio of songs, including the emotional 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye.' The chemistry between the two singers is dramatic and satisfying. In a career that has seen scattered moments of greatness, 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye' finds Bobby Womack at his finest as a singer, songwriter, and producer. In honor of Dr. King, included in this post is Womack's ode to MLK, 'American Dream', which features snippets of King's 'I Have A Dream' speech.

Bobby Womack feat. Patti LaBelle 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye'
Bobby Womack 'American Dream'

Soul Fixin'

LaBelle Album Set for October Release

Patti, Nona, and Sarah have reunited to record their first album in more than 30 years, inspired by the recording of a tribute song to Rosa Parks in 2006. Back To Now, the groups first album since 1976's Chamelon, is set for release October 21. Back To Now includes production by Lenny Kravitz and the legendary songwriting team of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. The album contains a mixture of energized uptempo songs and heart-wrenching ballads. Nona said the group was able to "pull together as sisters and 'Labelle-ize'the music and the vibe and the spiritual side of what we do like nobody else on the planet." A tour to support the new album is planned, LaBelle's live performance has been cited as the groups greatest dynamic. Patti LaBelle, one who is never short for words, summed it all up "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."

Soul Fixin'

UNCF Salutes Ms. PattiA list of who's who in R&B will take the stage in Hollywood at The Kodak Theater to pay homage to soul songstress Patti LaBelle. Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone, Yolanda Adams and others will serenade Ms. Patti at next month's UNCF Evening of Stars. The two hour tribute will be taped September 4 and air sometime in January. Past honorees include soul legends Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Lou Rawls. I will definitely be tuned in even though a Patti LaBelle tribute isn't complete without Luther Vandross or Gerald LeVert.

Video Soul

Patti LaBelle gives new meaning to Bob Dylan's "Forever Young."

Soul Fixin'

Summer In The City
New Yorkers mark your calendars. This year's Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series kicks off July 14 and features performances from Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays and others. By the way, all shows are FREE!!! The concerts are held Monday nights at 7:30 pm at Wingate Field in Brooklyn.

July 14 - The O' Jays & The Manhattans

July 21 - Mystery Legendary Performer

July 28 - Mary Mary, Tye Tribett, & Ricky Dillard & New Generation

August 4 - Erykah Badu

August 11 - Jill Scott

August 25 - Patti LaBelle

Soul Fixin'

Aretha is my main chick, but I love me some Patti. Who doesn't love Ms. Patti? "If Only You Knew," "You Are My Friend," "On My Own," "Kiss Away The Pain," I could go on and on. I even like her take on Aretha's "Ain't No Way." Ms. Patti recently appeared on the CBS Early Show and performed "If You Don't Know Me By Now" in support of her new release Patti LaBelle Live In Washington D.C. The album isn't new new, Live In Washington D.C was recorded back in '82. I know Patti is from Philly and was at one point signed to the famed Philadelphia International Records but "If You Don't Know Me By Now" belongs to Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, much like "A Song For You" belongs to Donny Hathaway. It pains me to say it, but Patti has no right singing "If You Don't Know Me By Now." If you disagree, take a look for yourself.

Soul Fixin'

Essence Festival To Honor Ms. Patti It seems like Essence loves them some Patti.The legendary songstress will be feted at the 2008 Essence Music Festival with an all-star tribute concert. The tribute, "Essence Icons Celebrate Patti LaBelle." will be held Saturday July 5 and will include performances by Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Irma Thomas, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele and others.
Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Keyshia Cole, Jill Scott, Chris Brown, Chris Rock, Rihanna, Morris Day and The Time and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly are scheduled to perform at the festival.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com

Soul Fixin'

LaBelle Reunion

Patti, Nona, and Sarah have reunited to record their first album in more than 30 years, inspired by the recording of a tribute song to Rosa Parks in 2006. The recordings should wrap up next month and the album is expected to be released in the fall of 2008. The untitled album is being produced by Lenny Kravitz and the legendary songwriting team of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. The album contains a mixture of energized uptempo songs and heart-wrenching ballads. Nona said the group was able to "pull together as sisters and 'Labelle-ize'the music and the vibe and the spiritual side of what we do like nobody else on the planet." A tour to support the new album is planned, LaBelle's live performance has been cited as the groups greatest dynamic. Patti LaBelle, one who is never short for words, summed it all up "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."