Short Biography

Nowadays, new school rhythm and blues flagrantly breeds carbon-copy-here-today-gone-tomorrow artists chartered by formulaic gimmicks, synthesized beats and digitalized studios, but longevity is rarely synonymous with their futures. However, authentic R&B veterans who revolutionize the genre command respect and staying power. One notable soulful maven whose indelible talent has earned her a rightful place among rhythm and blues royalty is the incomparable, Patti Labelle.

Even as the melodic doyen of the legendary 60s quartet, Patti Labelle & the Bluebelles, and the retro 70s trio, Labelle--Patti`s kinetic performances and signature, four-octave instrument served as the group`s torch. For more than 40 years in the music business, the two-time Grammy-winning legend continues to solidify herself as a musical pioneer. Never resting on her laurels, Patti embarks on a new genesis as Def Soul Classic/Def Jam`s premiere artist with the release of her introspective masterpiece, Timeless Journey.

A musical tale, Timeless Journey delivers seasoned sultry ballads and buoyant grooves. The mid-tempo track and first single, "New Day," is an inspirational ode to rediscovering one’s independence and embracing the future with renewed fervor and can appropriately serve as the sequel to Patti`s 1985 chart-topper "New Attitude." The girlfriend-to-girlfriend anthem "Sometimes Love," offers advice on moving forward after an unrequited love affair while the jazzy, bounce-heavy "Good Lovin`" talks about a lover`s willingness to seduce and satisfy her partner. Patti`s ability to evoke a ying yang of emotions continues with the heartfelt "Not Right, But Real," which candidly encourages one to choose personal happiness by walking away from a relationship that is not working. The gut-wrenching "More" is about wanting more than just the obvious out of a relationship. The songstress admits that she is partial to the entire album, but has created her own barometer to measure the depth of a song. "When I`m having a soul moment--that`s when a song makes me dance and do the funky chicken, get chills or makes me boo-hoo and get all ugly in the face when I`m singing," she jokes. "Then I know that`s the song."

Patti`s artistic evolution has enabled her to be a chameleon without diminishing her edge, vocal prowess or legion of fans. "I’m always moving and trying to discover something new to
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entice me," explains Patti of why she chose the album`s title, the third and final pick. "I’m always going to be on a journey and I can only hope with my new discoveries that I will always be able to please my fans." For Timeless Journey, Patti collaborated with prolific songwriters, producers and performers such as Babyface, Carlos Santana, Sammi McKinney and Gordon Chambers and recorded primarily at Edwards Entertainment Studio, a Philadelphia studio owned by her son Zuri Edwards.

Although Patti`s widely-known for classic moonstruck ballads such as the duet "On My Own" with Michael McDonald, "If Only You Knew," "You Are My Friend," and "If You Asked Me To," her diverse musical tastes have only enhanced her versatility. In 2003, DMX enlisted Patti`s renowned pipes to season his spiritual tribute "Thank You." Hip-hop aficionados such as Outkast and Wyclef Jean ("Celebrate") have also recruited Patti to grace their tracks. Today Patti continues to receive a respectful nod from the new litter of pop-pound. Pop princesses Christina Aguilera, Mis

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