Patti LaBelle. What can I say of this self-made diva? First of all, she’s aged like fine elegant wine. I know she’s got deep pockets and a gazillion folk to doll her up but so do a lot of celebrities her age and younger, and they can’t touch her. I’m intimidated to even write about Ms. Patti cause she and Cher are the divas of divas. They’re beautiful, okay?

Now!

Patti is no collaborator on stage. Not anymore. I mean, she’s a lot to deal with. Thing of it is, she’s not only aware of it, she’s not doing anything to help you look good on that stage with her. It’s all about Patti! Personally, I’d want no parts of it. I’m always sorry for the artist who thinks they can get on stage with her. If you know Patti, you’re well aware it won’t go well for them.

She is a pure vocalist. No need for enhancements. Just play the music and she’s got the rest. And she’s going to give you the show you came for. When you see her shoes come off or her arms flapping like bird feathers, get ready! One time, I was in the audience and her heel caught me dead in the eyeball. Bam! I’m kidding, folks.

Isn’t It a Shame was recorded with the group LaBelle, of which Noni Hendryx and Sarah Dash were a part. The song asks very poignant questions that could be played in a marriage counseling session or any relationship that’s fallen apart. After presenting these questions of how people could be so in love and dream dreams together, then fall apart, they pretty much shake their head and mourn the shame of something so beautiful coming to a dead end.

It’s a melodic reflective song and what tuned me in to the power of words in music when I was a young youngun. Randy Eldeman did good in writing this song and putting it in the care of Patti’s vocals.

The girl group was together 14 years before parting ways. While Patti is a showstopper, it was Hendryx who had a full-on meltdown during a show. On top of that, each member had different ideas for the group, so they moved on separately to keep the friendship going.

All in all, From the Musical Sketchbook celebrates these powerful women and what they’ve given to music.