My introduction to Labelle followed a similar route. One of my favorite tracks is "Morning Much Better," which was one of the featured singles off of your signature debut: Labelle. Thirty-seven years later, the song still thumps with mind-blowing energy! What song on Back to Now do you think could give that song a run for its money?
Patti LaBelle: "Candlelight."
Another one of my favorites came off of your second album, Moon Shadow. "If I Can't Have You" had a heavy gospel influence and really showcased the full range of your voices. I know in 2006, that Ms. LaBelle released The Gospel According To Patti LaBelle, but at any point in your careers, have the three of you contemplated recording a gospel album together?
Sarah Dash: We haven't, but I really feel we could. I'm currently working on a solo Gospel project with traditional songs.
Patti LaBelle: Although our lyrics are not Gospel lyrics, every time I hear us sing together, it makes me think of a choir.
Nona Hendryx: Like Patti said, what we do vocally is very much that. I don't know if it's necessary.
Patti LaBelle: I don't think it's necessary because I feel we're singing Gospel.
Nona Hendryx: The Gospel according to Labelle [laughing].
Yes! [laughing] But back in the day, you were forbidden to perform one particular gospel on the air: "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." Pressure Cookin' really caused quite a bit of brouhaha.
Patti LaBelle: Yeah, we were forbidden to sing the truth. Just like what's happening now in our world, that's what was happening then. A lot of people were afraid. Certain shows asked us not to sing certain songs. They asked us not to perform "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" because it was about what was happening in the world, the revolution. All of the heartache and stuff with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and everything else. It was too political. It was kind of hard for them to see three black women singing about the truth. Some people are afraid of the truth. It might set them free but they're afraid of it.
You're right about that! [laughing] Labelle's fourth album, Nightbirds was ranked on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The album features "Lady Marmalade," which is widely regarded as the group's signature hit. In the age of iTunes, what other classic Labelle songs would you like a new generation of fans to discover?
Patti LaBelle: I have so many: "Phoenix" – rising from the ashes, "Chameleon" – we're changing all the time. I'm truly a chameleon. "Nightbird" – I'm flying all night. There are just so many songs I can't say one. I can't say three. I got to say at least ten.
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