- Nightbirds · 1974
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
- Ensemble · 2013
Essential Albums
- On Nightbirds, producer Allen Toussaint adorns Patti LaBelle's powerful voice—a soulful cry that fills every word with drama—with rich New Orleans instrumentation. While simple piano lines ground the songs, boisterous horns match both the singer's volume and her expressive ability. The combination foretold disco: Generations have now danced to the steady groove of glamourous opener "Lady Marmalade", and the funk empowerment jam "What Can I Do for You?" builds to a euphoric climax well-suited to the end of an after-hours bash.
Albums
- 2008
- 1974
Singles & EPs
Compilations
Appears On
- Laura Nyro & LaBelle
About LaBelle
Glamorous funk-rock icons of the mid-1970s, the R&B trio Labelle had its roots in the 1960s girl group Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles. After fourth member Cindy Birdsong left to join the Supremes in 1967, Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash shortened their name and began to incorporate heavier and more experimental rock and singer-songwriter influences into their sound. A series of critically acclaimed albums (largely written by Hendryx) led to the 1975 smash single "Lady Marmalade," known for its suggestive Francophone chorus. After the trio split in 1977, all three members began successful solo careers.
- ORIGIN
- Philadelphia, PA, United States
- FORMED
- 1970
- GENRE
- R&B/Soul