Before Aretha Franklin’s passing in 2018, there was this alleged rumor that she and Patti LaBelle were at odds. Both singers denied that they had any problems. However, there was always this elephant in the room. To put those rumors to bed, Patti LaBelle made it a point to pay homage to the queen when she died.
Patti LaBelle Sings “You Are My Friend” For Aretha Franklin:
While both ladies denied their alleged beef, there were often rumors that the two divas were at odds. For instance, back in 2014, Aretha Franklin appeared to snub LaBelle at the “Women of Soul” concert at the White House, by refusing to shake LaBelle’s hand when she offered it. Then, when Patti was asked about the incident on “Watch What Happens Live,” she denied that it was her – stating that the lady in the green jacket was unknown!
“I don’t know who the lady was,” LaBelle told Andy Cohen. “I just know she had on a green coat.”
Always maintaining that they were good, it appeared as if their beef resurfaced after Aretha Franklin announced, in 2016, that she was launching her own food line – following the success of LaBelle’s sold-out sweet potato pies at Walmart.
“Ms. Patti’s gonna have to move that pie to the side!” Aretha Franklin stated.
For years, many people believed that there was this feud between Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. While she was the “queen of soul,” our beloved Aretha was also known as the “queen of shade.” We love her, but c’mon now, let’s not act like we don’t remember how Ms. Franklin he was known for trading her not-so-subliminal, yet entertaining shade with Patti (and others) over the years. However, when Aretha passed away from a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Patti took to Twitter to let everyone know that there was love between the two of them.
Despite their alleged rivalry, Patti claimed she had no beef with any industry ladies and she cleared up any rumors of animosity with her endearing post to the Queen:
“I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song, Aretha Franklin. Today the world has experienced a tremendous loss. Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many… My sympathy, love and prayers go out to her family, loved ones and fans around the globe.”
Aretha Franklin Requested Patti Sing At Her Memorial:
Patti LaBelle stopped by “Good Morning America” on Monday, to discuss her then-new role on “Greenleaf,” and she also paid respects to her dear friend, Aretha Franklin. In speaking with Robin Roberts, Patti shared that Aretha was one of her better friends in life. Patti referred to Franklin as a hero and stated that she was the best singer of all time.
Known as the “Godmother of Soul,” Patti sung one of her all time favorite songs during her concert at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. The song was taped to play at Aretha’s funeral because Patti is already booked. With Aretha Franklin’s accomplishments playing in the background, Patti brought the house down, while everyone took a moment to remember the queen. What many people may not know is that LaBelle was reportedly the first person that Franklin requested to perform at her memorial service, according to Franklin’s family members.
Both Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin are true class acts that we should forever cherish.
