After being a part of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles for over a decade, the songstress released her solo debut in 1977. The album received positive reviews and labeled her as a dance music artist.

Over the course of LaBelle's 55-year (and growing) career, she has released 18 studio albums that spawned 47 singles and sold 50 million units worldwide. 'Lady Marmalade,' her disco crossover hit, became one of the most popular songs during that time. It was also covered by various artists with the most well-known being the version for the 2001 'Moulin Rouge' soundtrack. Performed by Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya and Lil' Kim, the song won them a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2002. The track entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. With success like that, it's no surprise that she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards in 2011.

In March, LaBelle lent her voice and performed for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ annual fundraising event at the Kennedy Center.

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