Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle, born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Eastwick, Philadelphia, was raised in a challenging environment. She was the youngest of five children in a family where her father, Henry Holte, worked as a railroad worker, and her mother, Bertha Robinson Holte, was a homemaker. LaBelle's early life was heavily influenced by her church, where she began singing in the Beulah Baptist Church, nurturing her musical talents from a young age.
LaBelle's professional music career started in the early 1960s when she became the lead singer of the girl group, The Bluebelles. The group gained popularity, leading to their eventual name change to Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, and then in 1971 to simply Labelle.. They found commercial success with hits such as "You’ll Never Walk Alone" and "Lady Marmalade," the latter which became one of their signature songs.
In the mid-1970s, Patti LaBelle successfully transitioned to a solo career, where she continued to achieve significant recognition in the R&B genre. Known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, she produced several hits, including "If Only You Knew" and "New Attitude." LaBelle was also recognized with multiple awards including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the leading voices in American music.
In addition to her music career, Patti LaBelle has appeared in various television shows and films, showcasing her talent as an actress. She also ventured into the business realm with successful lines of food products, notably her sweet potato pies, which gained widespread popularity.
LaBelle has often been referred to as the "Godmother of Soul," a testament to her influence on the music industry and the generations of artists that followed her. Her contributions have not only defined her career but also impacted the R&B and soul genres profoundly.
Patti LaBelle's life story is one of resilience, talent, and artistry. From her humble beginnings in Philadelphia to becoming an iconic figure in music and entertainment, her legacy continues to inspire many.
I’m In Love Again
Arranged By – John R. Faith
Written-By – James Sigler
Written-By, Producer – Walter "Bunny" Sigler
5:38
A2 Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)
Arranged By – John R. Faith
Producer – James Sigler, Kenneth Gamble
Written-By – Davis, Sherman, Ramirez
4:05
A3 Love, Need And Want You
Arranged By – James Sigler
Written-By, Producer – Walter "Bunny" Sigler, Kenneth Gamble
4:58
A4 If Only You Knew
Arranged By – John R. Faith
Written-By – Cynthia Biggs
Written-By, Producer – Dexter Wansel, Kenneth Gamble
4:45
B1 Body Language
Producer – Kenneth Gamble
Producer, Arranged By – James R. Ellison
Written-By – Harold Payne, Pat Luboff, Pete Luboff
4:45
B2 I'll Never, Never Give Up
Arranged By – Giggs Chase
Written-By – Stephanie Huff
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By – Leon A. Huff
5:20
B3 Love Bankrupt
Written-By – Linda Womack
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By – Cecil Womack
4:32
B4 When Am I Gonna Find True Love
Written-By – Charles B. Simmons, Richard Roebuck
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By – Joseph B. Jefferson
4:24
Label: Philadelphia International Records – FZ 38539
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre:R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Patti LaBelle's I'm In Love Again (1983) was a breakthrough album, praised for its lush Philadelphia soul, orchestration, and powerful ballads like the hit "If Only You Knew," showcasing her signature voice blending with Gamble & Huff's classic sound.
While critics found some dance tracks filler, the album was celebrated for its strong material, especially the soulful "Love, Need and Want You," cementing her solo success with hits and classic tracks that still resonate today, despite some unevenness in the disco-influenced numbers.
The album features the lush, orchestral soul sound of Philadelphia International Records, fitting LaBelle's powerful vocals perfectly.
It launched two major hits, the heartfelt ballad "If Only You Knew" and the soulful "Love, Need and Want You," which became staples.
Reviewers noted LaBelle's enthusiastic and clear voice, particularly in the despairing beauty of "If Only You Knew," which became a significant R&B chart success.
While the ballads were top-tier, some reviewers felt the disco/dance tracks were less essential or filler, detracting slightly from the overall album.
Despite some weaker dance cuts, the album is praised for strong songwriting, especially in its soulful ballads, with tracks like "Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)" also highlighted.
I'm In Love Again marked LaBelle's significant commercial success, becoming her first breakthrough solo album with top ten hits.
Many consider it a classic and one of her best albums, a return to form with impeccable Philly soul and powerful ballads. Some critics found the mix of lush soul and slicker dance tracks uneven, but acknowledged the brilliance of its strongest moments.
Contemporary listeners often view the album more favorably, frequently rating it 5 stars on platforms like Amazon and Discogs for its classic Gamble & Huff production and LaBelle’s powerhouse vocals.
I m in love again