Online Host: Hello! We are so thrilled to be joined this evening by Patti LaBelle! There is so much more to Patti LaBelle than meets the eye, especially if you know her only as one of the music industry's most exciting performers. Onstage, she's a one-woman glitz-blitz, the you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-her-rock-'n'-soul queen with five-inch pumps and five octave range.
Online Host: In her recently released tell-all autobiography, "Don't Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime," the public gets to meet Patti LaBelle, the woman, "who has walked through hell and come out the back door." She recounts the ups and downs of her life, including the personal tragedies that haunted every professional goal she set.
HARPOLIZ: Welcome Patti!!
Patti LaBelle: Hello everyone!
Question: Patti - first...you are wonderful and I really enjoyed you on Oprah. Secondly...What is it like to think back on your life and put it in words for everyone to read? I'm only turning 20 and would like to do that one day.
Patti LaBelle: It's been incredible. A roller coaster ride, that's what my life has been like, but a wonderful roller coaster. I am still on the ride, and it's great. I don't think we are going to have any breakdowns either!
Question: Patti -you are such and idol to everyone in the music business...What is it like to live a life where people all around the world love to hear you sing? Michael Carroll in Washington State.
Patti LaBelle: It makes me feel good to watch the reactions on faces when I open my big mouth. It usually turns people on or off, but I can tell when they are on.
Question: What will your next project be? What one main thing would you contribute to your success in so many different areas of your life?
Patti LaBelle: My next project is, I'm doing it now, recording my pop CD. As soon as I finish this one, I will start my gospel CD. It's 20 years over due on the gospel one. I am very focused right now, and my success is based upon the people. The more they give you, the more you give.
Question: How strongly do you believe in early detection of cancer? I would imagine that you would recommend this strongly, due to the tragic deaths of your sisters.
Patti LaBelle: I believe now more so than ever. I didn't used to be good about going in for papsmears and ALL of that, but I know how very important it is now. I go often now to get checked for all types of cancers. It is very important to get checked. And if you're a guy, get your stuff checked too! I found out I am diabetic, and keep on top of it. I'm dedicated to taking my medicine daily, and in fact, took it before starting this talk with all of you! I use glucotrool and a glucosol and a gluckawhatevah!
Question: Patti, I've always thought you were beautiful and you have the best voice I've ever heard. I'm a Gemini too, which I love being, but don't those moods cause great trouble for you sometimes?! I know mine do! I wish you peace and much love. CindyB.
Patti LaBelle: I can tell you all about my mood swings. I have about 50 personalities, because we are made that way. I try to keep the bad ones inside. Being a Gemini has given me nothing but pleasure, not pain.
Question: I remember when you won your first music award, and dedicated it to your sister.......I thought that was wonderful....my question is, how are you able to sing without a microphone, and yet all can hear you...Is that training or a gift?
Patti LaBelle: It's a gift. I do say that I am going to go to a vocal coach. I am 52, but it is still something I can learn about.
Question: Patti I just want to say that you are my SISTER-GIRL! and I know you know what I mean!! I have admired you every since I was a little girl. My Mom loved you too. My question is how do you stay looking so good?? And when are you coming to New York?
Patti LaBelle: I'm in NY right now! I stay looking this way by doing absolutely nothing. I don't do exercise, walk, take vitamins - none of that. But at 52, I have to start watching it. Probably at 53 I will start.
Question: Patti - I've been to so many of your concerts and I think you are the cats meow. Just wondering why you have never done any songs with your old pal Elton John. I think the two of you would make an incredible duet.
Patti LaBelle: Singing with "LaBelle," we did background vocal with Elton. After doing one song with him, I always said I wanted to do a duet with him. We just have not done it, but it's in the universe, we will do it.
Question: Patti, I've seen you twice in Tallahassee, you were awesome both times. During the last visit you brought a guy on stage from the audience named Anthony and you were knocked out by his voice, you took his name, is he singing with you now?
Patti LaBelle: Yes, Anthony is one of my background singers now. I brought him on stage one time, and he sang so good, I had to get his name and number. We called him the next day, and he has been a background vocal ever since. He's wonderful and talented.
Question: Patti, I saw you on Oprah and you were very obsessed with her bra....did you go out and buy one!
Patti LaBelle: The bra thing on Oprah! Ha! I actually wanted to know if she had an extra bra that day, because I had on a mountain, pointy bra. Since then, I threw that bra away. It looked terrible.
Question: Patti, we love you! Will you return to gospel singing?
Patti LaBelle: I've always done Gospel, I never left. I always do a gospel song in my show. As I said before, I am doing a Gospel CD in the next month.
Question: What does Ms. Patti like to do for relaxation when she isn't performing?
Patti LaBelle: When I'm not performing I relax by cleaning. I have a house keeper, but she can't do it all. Also, I love flowers. I get like a thousand of them all over my house. I cook, clean, arrange flowers, and drive my husband crazy.
Question: Always wanted to tell you Patti that your music was such an inspiration during Desert Storm. It always flowed from tent # A-19. Picture the show China Beach, but only Patti instead of Janis Joplin. I loved your book as well. Thanks for your energy.
Patti LaBelle: Thank you, I was so happy I was with you. I knew a few people who were over there. I am so happy I could be a part of your life.
Question: Patti, I'm not just a fan, I'm Patti LaBelle Jr. :-) I'm 45 so you know I grew up with you. When did you walk "down the aisle," and how does your marriage stay so solid?
Patti LaBelle: I walked down the isle 28 years ago. The reason we have stayed together is I have a sensible husband. He isn't Mr. LaBelle; Armstead is his own man. He's great. He's not in the business as a performer, although he is my manager.
Question: Patti, I know you like to cook. What is your favorite dish?
Patti LaBelle: Pasta, angle hair, linguini. Any kind of pasta in a red sauce with garlic. I make great Italian food!
Question: What are you most proud of?
Patti LaBelle: My son Zuri, he's a very nice person. He's 22, and he's a very giving person. He doesn't mind sharing, when we adopted two children. He loves the underdog, he's not materialistic. Zuri is just great. I have two adopted sons and an adopted daughter too.
Question: Have you had any negative repercussions from anyone you have talked about in your new book?
Patti LaBelle: I'm waiting! I have not had any yet. If they do, I would understand it and somewhat expect it. If they don't that's fine, if they do, that's OK too. I'm grown up now, I'm a woman. I can handle it because I've always spoken the truth.
Question: Patti - How do you feel about your gay fans?
Patti LaBelle: I love them. If they stop coming to see me I will stop singing. They are such a part of my audience. I know there have been performers who will have stipulations in their contract that they will not perform if there are gay people in the audience. I love my audience!
Question: How did you get picked to do Oprah's theme song? You do a great job! I love hearing you everyday!
Patti LaBelle: Someone from the show asked, so I jumped right on it. I am happy to be doing it.
Question: What's your favorite dish? Any recipe books planned? I've heard you are a great cook.
Patti LaBelle: I have cookbook I am planning to write, that came from my Oprah appearance hen I made Potato Salad. So I have one coming out.
Question: Patti, my grandmother was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. Fortunately, I went home to Texas to see her. I still find it hard to deal with on a daily basis because I am 1200 miles away. How can I ease my pain?
Patti LaBelle: I think you should deal with it by being there as much as you can, and talking to her. Try to find out what you can do for her while she is still living. There are a lot of things you can do for her just by talking to ease her pain.
Question: Patti - How did you get your hair to do all those wild styles you used to wear?
Patti LaBelle: Oh, with Aqua Net.
Question: How is Armstead? He used to be my house director at Ada Lewis Middle School.
Question: Patti - does it just blow your mind that you're a part of so many people's lives? The impact of your music and other professional musicians to those of us who "feel" it is just awesome to me - how do you deal with that all the time?
Patti LaBelle: I don't deal with it all of the time, because I don't realize the impact. If I knew, it might not be good. It's a really great feeling though.
Question: Hey Patti with all of your success how do you manage to stay so grounded? By the way that is one of the things I admired of you most. Stay cool.
Patti LaBelle: I manage to stay grounded by looking at other entertainers who are not so grounded. Even if I didn't see them, my mother and father raised me right. I've never left Earth, but if I ever go out there, I want my fans to kick me in the behind and bring me back.
Question: I hope you will record with Aretha one day, what do you say, Patti? Love, love, love!
Patti LaBelle: I think that's a wonderful idea. I have always wanted to, maybe one day we will.
Question: Hi Patti! When you do your next concert in New York City, please be sure to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I've never heard anybody sing a song the way you sing that.
Patti LaBelle: I will sing it. I will be Singing "Over the Rainbow" the rest of my life.
Question: Has Armstead ever felt threatened by your success? Sheila - Atlanta
Patti LaBelle: He's never felt threatened by anything I have done. That makes me feel good. He's not that kind of guy.
Question: Do you think the "high" moussed hair will ever have a come-back with you?
Patti LaBelle: You never know. Maybe. Big maybe!
Question: Patti...do you have any questions for us?
Patti LaBelle: Will you still love me tomorrow?
Patti LaBelle: What I have always wondered about my fans is, if I ever lost my voice, would they still want to be around me?
Question: Ms. LaBelle, how do u think your book has helped you and how do you feel it will impact those who read it?
Patti LaBelle: My book helped me in so many ways. It's very cathartic. Talking to Laura B. Randolph was like talking to a shrink. She was the one I could talk to once I started talking about the book. The things about the rape, molestation, it helped me. It had escaped me, but I never wanted to ever mention them again, and I did. Now that it is in print, and I read it, I am very happy. I will never do another one though, except a cookbook. But I am happy with it, and it touched a few people. That made me feel good.
Patti LaBelle: Thank you very much for giving me your time. I appreciate you wanting to hear answers from me. I will be in everyone's city soon. The CD's are coming soon too.
HARPOLIZ: Hey folks! Up next - Jay Gruska, the composer from Lois and Clark!! (and other wonders!!)
Patti LaBelle: Dear Jay, thank you for 'The Last Unbroken Heart." I love it. I want to see you and hope to see you soon. I will be in your city soon. Bye Jay.
Online Host: Thanks for being here everyone! We hope you enjoyed this hour with Patti LaBelle! Her best-seller is called, "Don't Block The Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime" and is available everywhere! We want to thank her so much for joining us tonight, and all the best to her in every endeavor. Goodnight from Harpo Studios everyone!
