After Jason Isbell and Mickey Guyton lit up the opening night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a pair of soulful Grammy-winning performers graced the United Center stage: Oscar-winning rapper Common and “Godmother of Soul,” Ms. Patti LaBelle.
LaBelle delivered a stirring rendition of her 1978 hit “You Are My Friend” — which peaked at No. 61 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – for the night’s in memoriam segment. The emotional performance marked a notable return to the DNC for the icon, who previously covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” at the 2004 convention, when John Kerry was voted the party’s presidential nominee. The soul legend has also thrown her music support behind the Biden administration, performing on the White House South Lawn for the President’s Juneteenth concert earlier this summer (June 10).
Last night, her performance set the stage for a fiery line-up that included a heartwarming address from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and a pair of rousing speeches from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Now in the seventh decade of her illustrious career, Ms. LaBelle continues to enrapture audiences with her powerful voice, as evidenced by the packed arena leaping to their feet the minute she appeared on the stage. This election cycle, the Democrats have been notably forward-looking in their incorporation of music — but by tapping LaBelle to usher in the DNC’s second night, they made sure to honor the classics, and showcase some true soul.
Billboard caught up with the Godmother of Soul for a brief conversation about her DNC performance, what she loves about Vice President Kamala Harris, and the status of her upcoming 8025 album.
When did you first get asked to perform at the DNC?
About last Tuesday. My son said, “Mom, what are you doing on Tuesday? Would [you] be interested in doing something for the DNC?” I said, “Of course, I would do anything to being there!” They wanted me to do “You Are My Friend,” and I said, “Wonderful!” So, that’s what happened. I would do anything for Biden — and always did — and for Kamala [Harris], because we have to keep peace alive and keep hope alive.
How did you feel about the performance?
Well, guess what? The band started very soon, and they just told me to walk out after the band started. When I got to my position, I said, “Oh my God, what line did I miss?” When I got to my mic, I missed a few words and then I had to catch up but I think I did [it]! [Laughs.] It’s nerve-wracking! That’s your one and only time, and you’re in front of everybody and you don’t want to make a mistake. So, I caught up with myself and I felt good when I finished.
And nobody knew it was me coming out, because he forgot to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, Patti LaBelle.” When I didn’t hear the intro, I said, “Oh Lord, I’m stuck like Chuck, but whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen. I can’t change anything now.” It’s an honor just being asked to do something for something as wonderful and important as this. Anytime they call me for anything, I’m available!
What did you think about the energy in the arena last night? Did it bring up any memories of past election cycles for you?
No, it was so much energy from Michelle Obama and her husband. The people were so excited to hear anything about [Kamala]. And to hear Obama and Michelle talk their talk? They’re gangster! I said, “Y’all better talk!” It was heaven. It was a blessed day. It’s gonna be a blessed life after [Kamala’s] where she should be.
If you were running for president, what would your campaign song be?
“California Love.” It’ll be something gangster.
Would songs inspire hope or freedom for you?
Well, some things that I sing. “Oh, People” is one of my songs that [inspire those feelings for me]. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I love [Beyoncé’s] “Freedom” song that she’s using in the campaign. There is a lot of hope in those songs.
Give me one word to describe Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
I think she’s… what they call “brat” or whatever, I call it “gangster.” She’s a throwback girl. She’s a wonderful woman who has all aspects of gangster, political, brilliant. Whatever she wants to be, she is. And she does it well because they have that little clip of her from Trump’s campaign with her doing a crip walk or whatever little dance. I love her because she smiles, she laughs, she’s joyful, and those kinds of things you don’t see in some politicians. It’s important for us to find somebody like that who will bring us a little joy and a little hope It would be a Christmas present to everybody when she becomes president. I don’t think it’s “if,” it’s “when.”
What issue is most heavy on your heart right now going into the election?
The way the world is with homeless people, people who have nothing, just trying to get something for those who’ve never had anything. That’s in my heart. That’s more important than anything. Also, getting a better climate of people looking at each other, laughing with each other and praying together and staying together. The childlike hate that [Trump’s] spewing is not necessary. Even if we’re broke, that joy brings you something.
I think once [Kamala’s] in there, everybody’s going to see a better life. She’s working hard still as Vice President, her job is heavy and she’s doing it with a smile and with confidence because she knows she got everything right. She’s not a half-stepper.
I know you have this 8025 album that you’ve been working on. Are there any updates on that?
I’ve done about 10 songs right. I can’t tell you anything yet, but it’s going to be out, hopefully, before this year is out. That’ll be my Christmas present to me. [Laughs]. It’s been 20 years since [I did] an R&B album!
