Monique Hepburn, News Editor
International R&B vocalist Patti LaBelle belts out one of her songs from the floor on the final night of Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006 at Cinnamon Hill, Montego Bay, on Saturday. - CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
WHEN 61-year-old Patti LaBelle stood before patrons at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay on Saturday, before she even uttered a single note, the night was hers and she knew it.
Wearing an ultra short, red dress, designed to show off her well-sculptured legs, Ms. LaBelle knew also that it was only the rippling melodies from her four-octave voice that could pull the awe-struck eyes of some of the patrons from her physique.
The legendary performer sang perennial favourites from her extensive repertoire, such as Somebody Loves You, New Attitude and On My Own.
SHOE CHANGES
Of course, these were delivered in between several shoe changes, chosen from several pairs that adorned the top of her grand piano.
LaBelle checked her appearance regularly in a shiny hand-held mirror, which she had brought on stage to the delight of the audience and many may have concluded that she was the stereotypical diva.
However, when the veteran singer spoke to The Gleaner in an interview she said, "I am not a diva. I call myself a performer who happens to be a made woman.
"I do not follow anyone. I am 61 years young and I am just the original gangster," she said. "I am just taking care of me now and my hobbies include facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. I have been taking care of other people for a long time but now it is time to take care of me."
With thrilled fans shouting out during her performance that she was indeed 'hot', the two-time Grammy Award-winning artiste held her ground as only she could. Having established herself as a quintessential R&B vocalist, she simply lived up to her name and scored a knockout performance.
MORE THAN TALENT
Having talent as an entertainer, LaBelle said, is not the only element necessary for artistic success but also having the right attitude.
"They accept anything these days as talent," she said. "Anybody can get by although they can't even sing, but attitude is more important than talent."
While proud of her accomplishments as an artiste, actress, philanthropist and best-selling author, Ms. LaBelle, who is scheduled to release a gospel album later this year, still aspires to one thing.
"My one ambition right now is to sell double platinum. I still have not done that yet," she stated.
See full report from Saturday night's performances later in the week.
