Net Worth Ranker
What Is Patti LaBelle’s Net Worth?
Patti LaBelle, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, boasts a net worth of $20 million. This substantial wealth is the culmination of a multifaceted career spanning over six decades, encompassing music, acting, culinary ventures, and entrepreneurial pursuits. LaBelle’s financial success is a testament to her enduring talent, business acumen, and ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Musical Achievements
Patricia Louise Holte, born on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began her musical journey at a young age. At the age of 10, she started singing in the Beulah Baptist Church choir, and by 12, she was performing solos. Her early experiences laid the foundation for her future success. In 1960, while a student at John Bartram High School, she won a talent competition, which led to the formation of the Ordettes with her classmates. The group eventually caught the attention of Harold Robinson, a local record label owner, and signed with him. Under Robinson’s guidance, the group was renamed the Blue Belles.
The Blue Belles achieved their first hit in 1963 with the ballad “Down the Aisle.” In 1965, after Cameo-Parkway, their original label, closed down, the group signed with Atlantic Records in New York. Following lineup changes, including Cindy Birdsong’s departure to join The Supremes, the group’s momentum waned, leading to their being dropped by both their manager and Atlantic Records by 1970. That same year, Vicki Wickham took over as the group’s manager, and they rebranded as Labelle, shifting their sound towards funk, rock, and psychedelic soul. This strategic shift revitalized their career, securing them a deal with Warner Music imprint Track Records. Labelle released their debut album, “Labelle,” in 1971, followed by “Moon Shadow” in 1972. Their fourth album, “Nightbirds” (1974), proved to be a breakthrough, with the single “Lady Marmalade” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over a million copies.
The success of “Nightbirds” and “Lady Marmalade” catapulted Labelle to fame, earning them a cover feature in Rolling Stone Magazine in 1975. However, subsequent albums, “Phoenix” (1975) and “Chameleon” (1976), failed to replicate the success of “Nightbirds,” leading to the group’s disbandment in 1976 due to creative differences.
Solo Career and Crossover Success
In 1977, Patti LaBelle embarked on her solo career, signing a contract with Epic Records and releasing her self-titled debut album that same year. The album featured hits such as “Joy to Have Your Love,” “Dan Swit Me,” and “You Are My Friend.” Her solo career gained significant momentum in 1984 with the release of “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up,” recorded for the film “Beverly Hills Cop.” These singles catapulted her into mainstream recognition. Public awareness of LaBelle grew further through her performance on the TV special “Motown Returns to Apollo” and her participation in the all-star benefit concert “Live Aid” in 1985. The exposure from these events led to her own television special that same year.
LaBelle’s album “Winner in You” (1986) stands out as her most successful solo album, reaching No. 1 on the American pop charts. The album included successful singles such as “On My Own” and “Oh People.” In 1994, her album “Gems” was certified gold, featuring the single “The Right Kinda Lover.” Patti LaBelle has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, winning in 1994 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, in 1999 for Best Traditional R&B Performance, and in 2004, she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “Lady Marmalade.” She has also received multiple NAACP Image Awards and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.
Ventures Beyond Music
Beyond her successful music career, Patti LaBelle has ventured into various other projects. She has appeared on Broadway, first in 1982 in the musical “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” then in 2010 in the musical “Fela!”, and in 2014 in the Tony Award-nominated musical “After Midnight”. She has also acted in films such as “Sing” (1989), “Idlewild” (2006), “Semi-Pro” (2008), and “Mama, I Want to Sing!” (2012). Her television credits include appearances in “A Different World” (1990-1993), “Out All Night” (1992), “Cosby,” “American Horror Story: Freak Show” (2014), and “Empire.” She hosted her own variety show, “The Patti LaBelle Show,” in 1985 and competed on season 20 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015.
Adding to her diverse portfolio, LaBelle has also authored several cookbooks, including “LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About,” “Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine,” and “Recipes for the Good Life.” These cookbooks showcase her passion for cooking and provide fans with a glimpse into her culinary expertise. She has also launched a line of food products, including Patti LaBelle’s Good Life Pies, available at Walmart. These pies have become incredibly popular, often selling out quickly and generating substantial revenue. While specific sales figures for her food products are not publicly available, their popularity suggests a significant contribution to Patti LaBelle’s net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Details regarding Patti LaBelle’s real estate holdings are not widely publicized. However, it is common for celebrities of her stature to own multiple properties, including homes in desirable locations such as Philadelphia, Los Angeles, or New York. These properties can represent a significant portion of their overall net worth. Any information about Patti LaBelle’s residence is not publicly disclosed. Celebrities often maintain privacy regarding their homes to protect their security and personal life.
In 1969, Patti LaBelle married Armstead Edwards, a longtime friend who later became her manager after she started her solo career. They separated in the late 1990s and finalized their divorce in 2003. Together, they have one son, Zuri Kye Edwards (born 1973), who currently serves as her manager. Patti LaBelle also has two grandchildren. The financial aspects of her divorce settlement with Armstead Edwards are not publicly known, but such settlements can sometimes have an impact on an individual’s net worth.
Awards and Recognition
Patti LaBelle’s career is marked by numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammy Awards, multiple NAACP Image Awards, and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. These accolades not only recognize her artistic achievements but also contribute to her brand value and marketability, which can translate into increased earning potential. For example, winning a Grammy Award can lead to higher performance fees, increased album sales, and more lucrative endorsement deals.
Factors Contributing to Patti LaBelle’s Net Worth
Several factors have contributed to Patti LaBelle’s $20 million net worth. Her enduring music career, spanning over six decades, has generated substantial income through album sales, singles, and royalties. While specific figures for album sales and royalties are not publicly available, it is estimated that she has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Concerts and live performances also play a significant role in her income stream. As a seasoned performer, LaBelle commands high fees for her appearances, particularly at festivals, private events, and corporate functions. While the exact amount she earns per performance is not disclosed, it is likely a substantial sum, given her iconic status and draw. Her ventures into acting, cookbook writing, and food product development have further diversified her income streams. Her cookbooks have likely generated royalties and sales revenue, while her Patti LaBelle’s Good Life Pies have gained significant popularity, potentially contributing substantially to her overall income. Although specific figures are not available, these ventures likely contribute a noteworthy portion to her net worth.
In summary, Patti LaBelle’s $20 million net worth is a testament to her long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Her achievements as a singer, actress, author, and businesswoman have all contributed to her financial success. Her enduring talent, business acumen, and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry have solidified her status as a cultural icon and a financially successful entrepreneur. While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact financial details of every aspect of her career, the available information suggests that her music career, live performances, acting roles, cookbook sales, and food product line have all played a significant role in building her net worth.
