Patti LaBelle

Eleven years after hitting #1 with "Lady Marmalade," Patti LaBelle recaptured the top chart slot with "On My Own," a smooth duo with the ubiquitous Michael McDonald. Also of note is LaBelle's "What Can I Do for You?," which was produced by New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint (as was "Lady Marmalade").

Comparing LaBelle, the band, and Patti LaBelle, the solo artist, is a little like comparing a banana split to a banana daiquiri — one shared ingredient, very different effects. The strident aspect of LaBelle's persona is nowhere to be found on the more introspective "Little Girls" or "I Don't Go Shopping."

Pairing up Ms. LaBelle with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and songwriter Diane Warren, as was the case on the [i]When a Woman Loves[/i] album, proved to be a potent combination. Not only was she once again a highly successful pop crossover artist, but her hip-hop credentials were certified.

The phrase "[i]Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soi[/i]r?" recalls the '70s in a blinding sense-memory equaled only perhaps by the aroma of Paco Rabanne or the sight of a multicolored, polyester "body shirt." And while "Lady Marmalade" is far from Ms. LaBelle's only contribution to the pop world, it's certainly the indelible one. Fact is, for more than 40 years, the R&B diva born Patricia Holt has enjoyed one of the most durable and flat-out fantastic careers in all of pop music. Here's why…