Labelle
Labelle was a pioneering American funk-rock and soul vocal group known for their powerful harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and futuristic, space-age aesthetic. Originally a traditional '60s girl group, they reinvented themselves in the early 1970s into a progressive rock-soul trio.
The group began in 1961 as The Blue Belles (later Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles) in Philadelphia. It was formed by combining members of two rival groups: the Ordettes and the Del-Capris. The founding lineup included Patti LaBelle (lead), Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash, and Cindy Birdsong.
In their early years, they were known for soulful ballads and doo-wop hits like "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" (1962), "Down the Aisle" (1963), and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (1964). In 1967, Cindy Birdsong left the group to replace Florence Ballard in The Supremes. The remaining three continued as a trio.
Under the guidance of manager Vicki Wickham, the group underwent a radical transformation in 1971. They shortened their name to Labelle and moved away from matching gowns and wigs to a look defined by silver space suits, feathers, and glitter. They adopted a "funk-rock" and "progressive soul" sound, often touring with rock acts like The Who and collaborating with Laura Nyro on the album Gonna Take a Miracle (1971). Nona Hendryx emerged as the group's primary songwriter, contributing daring, socially conscious material that explored themes of Black identity, feminism, and political awareness.
In 1974, they released the album Nightbirds, produced by Allen Toussaint. The lead single, "Lady Marmalade," with its iconic French chorus, became a global #1 hit and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Groundbreaking Achievements:- First Black pop group to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine (1975); First contemporary Black pop group to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House.
The group disbanded in late 1976 due to artistic tensions and personal exhaustion. Patti LaBelle became a Grammy-winning soul icon and "Godmother of Soul". Nona Hendryx pursued an experimental avant-garde solo career, and Sarah Dash became a highly sought-after session singer for artists like the Rolling Stones.
The trio reunited several times, most notably for the 2008 album Back to Now and a subsequent tour. Labelle's influence is seen in the bold fashion and genre-defying music of modern artists. Sarah Dash passed away on September 20, 2021, at the age of 76.
Nightbirds
Written-By – Bob Crewe, Kenny Nolan 3:57
A2 Somebody Somewhere
Written-By – Nona Hendryx 3:26
A3 Are You Lonely?
Written-By – Nona Hendryx 3:13
A4 It Took A Long Time
Written-By – Bob Crewe, L. Russell Brown, Raymond Bloodworth 4:04
A5 Don't Bring Me Down
Written-By – Allen Toussaint 2:50
B1 What Can I Do For You?
Written-By – Edward Batts, James Ellison 4:03
B2 Nightbird
Written-By – Nona Hendryx 3:10
B3 Space Children
Written-By – Nona Hendryx 3:03
B4 All Girl Band
Written-By – Allen Toussaint 3:51
B5 You Turn Me On
Written-By – Nona Hendryx 4:38
Label: Epic – KE 33075
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Labelle's Nightbirds (1974) is hailed as a landmark funk-soul album, celebrated for its powerful vocals from Patti LaBelle, groundbreaking production by Allen Toussaint, and iconic hits like "Lady Marmalade," blending gospel roots with New Orleans funk, sci-fi themes, and early disco, earning its place as a critically acclaimed classic that defined the group's peak. Reviewers praise its innovative sound, standout tracks like "What Can I Do For You," and its lasting influence on soul, funk, and dance music.
Critics note its masterful blend of deep soul, psychedelic funk, and burgeoning disco, with rich instrumentation, horns, and keyboards.
Her "break the sound barrier" voice is consistently praised as a central, powerful force, though some note she shows restraint here compared to later solo work.
Producer Allen Toussaint's New Orleans touch brought "robot funk," "juke-joint piano," and a modern, almost sci-fi feel, elevating the group beyond typical girl-group sounds.
"Lady Marmalade" is a definitive opener, but other highlights include the disco-infused "What Can I Do For You," the gospel-tinged ballad "It Took A Long Time," and the powerful "You Turn Me On".
Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest albums ever, Nightbirds is considered the high point of Labelle's career, a must-have for funk/soul/disco fans, and a significant cultural moment. The album explores themes of female experience, sexuality, and spirituality, using R&B metaphors for broader cultural shifts, notes a review from Rolling Stone.