By Gerry Hopkins, J.D. (hopkinscg@gmail.com)
At the heels of the iconic Temptations, Manhattans and Rose Royce, New York City dwellers are preparing to experience yet another legend of soul music at the Brooklyn Academy of Music – the notable empress, Patti Labelle. According to Lorraine Campbell of the Brooklyn-based cultural event production joint, Jammins Entertainment, “Patti would be doing a live show at the prestigious venue” on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14 at 7 p.m.
“I am certain that this Valentine would be very special for a lot of the folks who appreciate classic ballads; I can’t even remember the last time Patti performed in Brooklyn,” says Keisha Martin, an ardent fan who is also well-known for her soulful singing.
Patti LaBelle, the versatile two-time Grammy winning singer and song-writer who can smoothly do a duet with a Michael McDonald or a DMX, and a Floetry or a Wyclef Jean, as she has done, is certainly no stranger to most. In fact, having for over 40 years given the music world countless inter-generational, classic and cross-genre hits like “On My Own,” “Lady Marmalade,” “If Only You Knew,” “Live! One Night Only,” and “Burnin’, as well as more recent solos and duets such as “New Day,” “Not Right, But Real,” “Thank You,” and “Hear My Cry,” one can honestly say about Patti that she has just about done it all with her distinctive four octave voice.
Beyond the awards, which among other things includes three honorary doctorate degrees from reputable universities located on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Patti has also distinguished herself as a best selling author of four books (including Don’t Block the Blessings: Revelations of a Lifetime), a successful actress with TV shows such as “Out All Night,” and an effective advocate for diabetes and cancer prevention/treatment awareness. Most recently, Patti also introduced her fashion line to the world on HSN.
The caring sponsors of the Patti LaBelle Soul Legend Live Concert are jetBlue, Western Union, NY Perks, Bill Express, Café Shane and Hopkins Communications Group.
Tickets for the exceptional event can be purchased at www.bam.org or at the BAM box office. More information may be obtained by calling 718-636-4100 or 718-282-8041.
