Let The Beat Hit You!: Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle - this classy diva has released her first ever jazz album entitled; "Bel Hommage" (out now). This is Patti LaBelle's first album in 10 years since her "Miss Patti's Christmas" (2007, Def Soul Classics). Patti this time decided to take her vocals and utilize them on an album featuring all jazz classics. I have to say that Patti LaBelle's first hit into this genre is very well done.

This year marks Patti LaBelle's 55th anniversary in the music business with her very first single back in 1962. The tracks on this album include; “Moanin,’” “Peel Me a Grape" “Don’t Explain” “Moody’s Mood for Love" “Folks on the Hill” and my personal favorite track on the album; “Here’s To Life.” Patti LaBelle shows in all capacities that she can deliver with style and grace her vocals into this genre that many have tried and failed. The track that truly exhibits this is my favorite; "Here's To Life" where the vocals are clear/crisp and beautifully accompanied with a piano and nothing else. I truly think that this track alone exhibits why this lady of song has had such a long career spanning six decades. All I have to say is BRAVO for Patti LaBelle for continuing to show that a lady in her 70's can and will inspire others and show their greatness.

Natalie Cole - it is with my deepest sympathy to say that this legendary singer has passed away on Thursday, December 31st 2015. Natalie Cole was 65 years young and passed "due to complications from ongoing health issues" (her family's statement). Natalie had a long battle with drug addiction and then eventually having Hepatitis C along with getting a life saving kidney transplant in 2009.

"It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our Mother and sister's passing. Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor," her sisters, Timolin and Casey Cole, and son, Robert Yancy, said in the statement. "Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain unforgettable in our hearts forever."

As soon as I heard of this news early this morning it was my gift to myself and to all of you readers to share/celebrate Natalie's music. Natalie Cole will forever be a staple as one of my THE VOICES for Christmas along with her varied music to be forever on my playlist. This nine time Grammy Award winning singer placed herself on the map before landing herself a record deal due to being born into a very talented family with her father Nat King Cole and mother Marie Ellington Cole both successful recording artists. Natalie loved her gift of music since being young and singing alongside her family. Her first album "Inseparable" from 1975 lauded a huge acclaim with career bench mark with the hit; "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" along with the aptly entitled album title, then came her self titled sophomore album (1976) in which again had large acclaim with singles; "Mr. Melody" and "Sophisticated Lady." In 1977, Natalie released two albums; "Unpredictable" and "Thankful" which also spawned hits; "I've Got Love On My Mind" "I'm Catching Hell" and "Our Love."

In 1991, Natalie released her biggest selling album; "Unforgettable....with Love" which was another ground breaking time where the singer was able to pay tribute to her father with a homage to his much beloved music which provided a very moving song with her late father; "Unforgettable." I had a privilege seeing Natalie Cole live in concert twice once in 2002 and the other 2013. Natalie at both instances sounded the same as her original recordings and made me feel I was in a small intimate jazz club circa the 1930s/1940s. The stage Natalie commanded and will always be remembered as one truly gifted talent. When speaking about her career as a comparison to her father I enjoyed that she stated that she is not behind nor in front of him simply beside him. What an unforgettable legendary lady, actress, music writer and all around entertainer.