Patti LaBelle - Miss Patti’s Christmas

By Peggy Oliver

Def Soul Classics

Most people can never doubt what Patti LaBelle has lent to the vocal table in pop, R&B, and gospel. No matter what she sings, the song usually is an event. Christmas is no exception as Patti delivers originals, carols, and a year-round gospel favorite on Miss Patti’s Christmas.

Radio first picked up on the Philadelphia native as a member of Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles, later known as LaBelle, followed by an astounding solo career which began in 1977. Her list of accomplishments stretches several pages including On My Own a duet with soulster Michael McDonald, her signature, Over The Rainbow, and possibly her lifelong theme, New Attitude. As LaBelle received countless honors including a Walk of Fame via BET (Black Entertainment TV), she has followed suit on many occasions for Luther (Vandross) and Gerald Levert’s BET W.O.F, and sung When You Smile, for the international favorite, Latin vocalist Celia Cruz.

In November 2007, the World Music Awards bestowed a lifetime achievement for enduring contributions to R&B. It was a long time coming when Patti finally released her first full-on gospel effort last year. Even with her accolades and bonafide gifts, there would be challenges, such as grieving the loss of numerous family members, including three sisters to cancer. Her book, Don’t Block The Blessings, based on a 1997 hit, encourages readers to look out for others, especially ones you’re close to, because tomorrow is never promised.

Ushered in with the strains of Jingle Bells, the briskly Christmas Jam talks both about the energy the season can bring and Jesus making everything possible.
Some inventive time changes and deft guitar framing by Natural add some spunk to It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.

The Emotions’ holiday classic, What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? captures the essence of the original, with sweet harmonies beckoning the 70s and Patti nailing the song’s point, especially tossing in “a whole lot of stuff.”