Julia Louis-Dreyfus

And I was completely happy. Because really, is there anything better than the simple pleasure of a good singer singing a good song? Especially a singer you love with all your heart. So how wonderful then that today we are talking to the great Patti LaBelle. I'm Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and this is Wiser Than Me, the podcast where I get schooled by women who are wiser than me.

And I was completely happy. Because really, is there anything better than the simple pleasure of a good singer singing a good song? Especially a singer you love with all your heart. So how wonderful then that today we are talking to the great Patti LaBelle. I'm Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and this is Wiser Than Me, the podcast where I get schooled by women who are wiser than me.

In 1954, a very shy 10-year-old girl walked up to Beulah Baptist Church in West Philadelphia for the first time. So shy, in fact, that until that day, her mother had to convince her to go outside and play with other kids by paying her a quarter each time. But in that church... things started to change for her. Under the guidance of Ms.

In 1954, a very shy 10-year-old girl walked up to Beulah Baptist Church in West Philadelphia for the first time. So shy, in fact, that until that day, her mother had to convince her to go outside and play with other kids by paying her a quarter each time. But in that church... things started to change for her. Under the guidance of Ms.

Harriet Chapman, her choir director, gospel songs began to fill her head. The solos came, standing ovations started to roll in, people saying, that girl sure can sing. Ms. Harriet told our guest, never stop singing. Whatever you do, don't stop. And guess what? Patti LaBelle is not stopping.

Harriet Chapman, her choir director, gospel songs began to fill her head. The solos came, standing ovations started to roll in, people saying, that girl sure can sing. Ms. Harriet told our guest, never stop singing. Whatever you do, don't stop. And guess what? Patti LaBelle is not stopping.

You could right now go see Patti LaBelle perform live where you'd hear her sing incredible hits like the original Lady Marmalade, On My Own, and New Attitude. What you can expect at a Patti LaBelle show is drama, shoes flying, and a damn good time. That personality on stage, that big voice, and 18 studio albums have rightfully earned her the title of the godmother of soul.

You could right now go see Patti LaBelle perform live where you'd hear her sing incredible hits like the original Lady Marmalade, On My Own, and New Attitude. What you can expect at a Patti LaBelle show is drama, shoes flying, and a damn good time. That personality on stage, that big voice, and 18 studio albums have rightfully earned her the title of the godmother of soul.

Beyond music, she's an accomplished entrepreneur, actress, and a New York Times bestselling author of several incredible cookbooks. She has transformed her culinary talent into a multimillion-dollar empire with her brand, Good Life, which includes her viral sweet potato pies. Mastering one craft is challenging enough, but my God, Patti LaBelle has mastered many.

Beyond music, she's an accomplished entrepreneur, actress, and a New York Times bestselling author of several incredible cookbooks. She has transformed her culinary talent into a multimillion-dollar empire with her brand, Good Life, which includes her viral sweet potato pies. Mastering one craft is challenging enough, but my God, Patti LaBelle has mastered many.

In 2023, she was named one of Forbes Magazine's 50 over 50. She's a Grammy winner, an NAACP Image Award winner, a GLAAD Media Award recipient, and an inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Yet the accolades she has received are not for her alone. A core part of who Patti is involves helping others. And I can't wait to talk about that. Thank you so much for having me.

In 2023, she was named one of Forbes Magazine's 50 over 50. She's a Grammy winner, an NAACP Image Award winner, a GLAAD Media Award recipient, and an inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Yet the accolades she has received are not for her alone. A core part of who Patti is involves helping others. And I can't wait to talk about that. Thank you so much for having me.

She is taking what she has learned and is helping others succeed. A positive force, force, all caps, in a troubled and so often negative time. And that is why I am deeply thrilled to be talking today to an icon, a mother, a grandmother, and entrepreneur who is so much wiser than me, Patti LaBelle. Patti, you're giving me goosebumps. Just talking about this is giving me goosebumps, for real. Yeah.

She is taking what she has learned and is helping others succeed. A positive force, force, all caps, in a troubled and so often negative time. And that is why I am deeply thrilled to be talking today to an icon, a mother, a grandmother, and entrepreneur who is so much wiser than me, Patti LaBelle. Patti, you're giving me goosebumps. Just talking about this is giving me goosebumps, for real. Yeah.

It's a delight. Thank you. Thank you. So, Patti, are you comfortable if I ask your real age? I'm 80. You're 80. 80 and happy.

It's a delight. Thank you. Thank you. So, Patti, are you comfortable if I ask your real age? I'm 80. You're 80. 80 and happy.

Oh, boy, is that something. I was going to ask you what's the best part about being your age, but you just answered it. I mean, I love the idea of thinking of aging as graduating. That's so cool because it implies what you've learned. It implies an education, doesn't it?

Oh, boy, is that something. I was going to ask you what's the best part about being your age, but you just answered it. I mean, I love the idea of thinking of aging as graduating. That's so cool because it implies what you've learned. It implies an education, doesn't it?

And now here you are. And I have to say for our listeners, looking positively exquisite. Patty's wearing this gorgeous white top with multiple strands of pearls. And honestly, short bob haircut, you look divine. Thank you. Thank you, Julia. So this year you celebrated your 80th birthday, and I understand your son, Zuri, surprised you. And you said you're really hard to surprise.

And now here you are. And I have to say for our listeners, looking positively exquisite. Patty's wearing this gorgeous white top with multiple strands of pearls. And honestly, short bob haircut, you look divine. Thank you. Thank you, Julia. So this year you celebrated your 80th birthday, and I understand your son, Zuri, surprised you. And you said you're really hard to surprise.