Patti LaBelle is an R&B legend and multiple music award winner. Windy City Times rang her bell to see what's cooking in her kitchen.
Windy City Times: So you are coming to Milwaukee Pridefest and the Venue, so you will have the gamblers and the gays screaming for you, honey!
Patti LaBelle: Let the gays go wild!
WCT: [ Both laugh ] They love you.
PATTI LABELLE: I have been waiting for my little gay friends.
WCT: Last year you were inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. How was that experience?
PATTI LABELLE: Oh, very, very, very exciting. For the Apollo to acknowledge me—because I started there many years ago—I am happy to still be someone that they think is worthy.
WCT: Well, of course you are. You are a legend. You just did a song on the Cop Out Soundtrack with your "Stir It Up" producer Harold Faltermeyer. How was the reunion?
PATTI LABELLE: The song is called "Soul Brothers." He also produced "New Attitude" for Beverly Hills Cop. It was nice working with him again, very nice. We had a quick session, which I always love.
WCT: You are working on a new album for Island Def Jam Records this year, I heard.
PATTI LABELLE: Yes, I have been trying to do it since about a year ago. We are finally starting. Things just happen and you just have to slow up on the recording. Then you start it, get producers and all that jazz. You have to list all the great songs then list it with this producer or whatever.
WCT: So, it is still in the works.
PATTI LABELLE: Yeah, "LA" is not forcing, rushing me or pushing me.
WCT: That's good, so no fights with Antonio "LA" Reid this time out?
PATTI LABELLE: No. [ Laughs ] Remember before?
WCT: Oh, I heard about it.
PATTI LABELLE: Guess what? He redeemed himself. He asked me to come back so…
WCT: Good.
PATTI LABELLE: That's a great thing. I'm back.
WCT: I look forward to hearing it.
PATTI LABELLE: I can't wait.
WCT: What's cooking in your kitchen?
PATTI LABELLE: I am in the kitchen now as we are talking. I am making a salad right now with arugula. onion, tomato, cilantro and a little vinaigrette dressing. Earlier this morning my family had grits. I can't eat grits because I am diabetic. They had grits, bacon, turkey sausage and eggs for breakfast.
WCT: You are making me hungry!
PATTI LABELLE: I am going to make turnip and mustard greens with some sautéed chicken later on.
WCT: I am from the South so I know about greens.
PATTI LABELLE: You know about mustards and turnips then. Yeah, that's what I am having tonight. But I am going to fry chicken for other people.
WCT: You are amazing. I want to come to your house.
PATTI LABELLE: [ Laughs ] You should and you could!
WCT: Pattilabelle.com is your website?
PATTI LABELLE: Yes, and then I have pattilabellefoods.com also.
WCT: So that is where people can get your recipes and books.
PATTI LABELLE: Yes, and I have Macys bedding now at macys.com . You can find out all about my bedding on their website. You know, I am Macys person now.
WCT: You are a busy Lady Marmalade! We are looking forward to seeing you at your appearances.
PATTI LABELLE: Yes, and tell my gays to simmer down. I will be there soon.
WCT: I will!
Patti will be performing and at the Venue in Indiana June 11 and at the Miller Lite Stage in Milwaukee June 12. For ticket information, visit www.thevenue-chicago.com or www.pridefest.com .
