A Patti LaBelle concert, for those who have never seen one, is a powerful thing. Fans jump out of seats and dance in the aisles. Pop classics are transformed into soulful diva anthems. The ceiling seems to shake.
And along with LaBelle's voice, her designer heels soar into the air. She routinely kicks them off when the mood strikes. "My shoe did hit a lady in Atlantic City, and I thought she was going to sue me," LaBelle says. "But she was a big fan. I didn't hurt her. She gave me my shoe back.
"Sometimes I kick them off because they're hurting my corns. They come off for many reasons."
That blend of larger-than-life star quality and homespun humor is a big part of LaBelle's appeal. And her earthquake of a voice is an arresting, electric instrument that imbues every tune with gospel fervor.
LaBelle, the solo artist, kicks off the Society for the Performing Arts season tonight at Jones Hall.
Q: Your shows are like a religious experience for fans. What's the mindset when you're onstage?
A: I plan to do a specific show when I leave the dressing room. But when I get out there, I go into this other place. I just start saying and singing things. My mind is on lots of things as I'm singing: "What am I going to order after the show to eat? What should I have eaten so my blood sugar won't go down?" If there's a gay person and a straight person (in the crowd), I hope they'll end up liking each other if they might not have before the show started. I hope if they're black or white, that they'll connect.
Q: Have any younger acts inspired a similar reaction in you?
A: I was given the (United Negro College Fund's Award of Excellence), and Fantasia was one of the stars. She is so like me. I stood up before she finished the song. I had this little special area, a little queen seat. The queen got up, had on this train that was about a billion yards long. I was tripping over the train, but I was moving with Miss Thang. She's just one of those people that you have to watch. Everybody calls her baby Patti, and so do I.
Jennifer Hudson was there, and she blew me away, (too). There are some young, great singers with staying power.
Q: Any pre-show rituals to get that energy flowing?
A: We do our pump-up prayer circle before we go on. We pray, and then we go out and we slay. I hope we slay when we get out there, anyway. Slay in a good way. (Laughs.)
Q: You recently made a new album with the group LaBelle. Was doing a reunion an easy decision?
A: I was a little hesitant. I didn't think that we still had it. Vocally, I wasn't sure that we did. When we sang the first song, I said, "We still got it." It feels very comfortable, like it did back in the day. We fought back in the day, and we fight today. I think it's healthy. If they have something to say, or want to beat you up, then fight me. Or vice versa. We all have different opinions.
Q: How often do you cook amid touring and recording?
A: It's a regular part of my life when I'm at home or if I take the pots and pans on the road. If we have three days in a hotel, I'll set up kitchen and cook. I cannot take room service anymore. I'm diabetic, so I have to make sure I can eat the right stuff.
Q: Over-the-rainbow macaroni and cheese is a popular Patti recipe online.
A: I have that on my new DVD. It's with eight cheeses, lobster and shrimp. You'll see how to make it, and it's so good and so fattening. And so not for me. But anytime anybody wants it, I make it.
Q: Houston is a frequent tour stop. Do you feel a connection to the city?
A: I have two background singers who live in Houston. I'm also praying and worried about the people who went through the devastation not so long ago — and knowing that things are going to get better. It felt close, like it was home. I just want everything to go back to where it was. Every time there's devastation in any place, if I can go and bring a little sunshine or a word of inspiration, I just do it. I'm going to be there with bells on.
