Why Labelle Matters

The book "Why Labelle Matters" tells the story of the group that sang the opening aria of Afrofuturism and proclaimed a new theology of musical liberation for women, people of color, and LGBTQ people. It features sumptuous and galactic costumes, genre-bending lyrics, and stratospheric vocals, and its out-of-this-world performances changed the course of pop music and made them the first Black group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 23 March 2021
\n Publisher: University of Texas Press
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In a remarkable journey that defied conventions and pushed boundaries, the iconic band Labelle emerged as a finalist for the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for Arts and Culture in the category of Lesbian Memoir/Biography. Led by the visionary Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash, Labelle revolutionized the "girl group" aesthetic, infusing it with the spirit of Afrofuturism and manifesting their vision of Black womanhood.

As the Bluebelles in the 1960s, Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash donned bouffant wigs and chiffon dresses, harmonizing their vocals in the style of many other girl groups of the era. However, after a decade of performing on the Chitlin Circuit, they were ready to embark on a new chapter, writing their own material, changing their name, and delivering an electrifyingly celestial sound and styling that reached a crescendo with a legendary performance at the Metropolitan Opera House to celebrate the release of Nightbirds and its iconic track, "Lady Marmalade."

In her captivating book, Why Labelle Matters, Adele Bertei delves into the story of this groundbreaking group, exploring their role in singing the opening aria of Afrofuturism and proclaiming a new theology of musical liberation for women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals across the globe. With their sumptuous and galactic costumes, genre-bending lyrics, and stratospheric vocals, Labelle's out-of-this-world performances not only changed the course of pop music but also made them the first Black group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone.

Informed by extensive interviews with members of the group as well as Bertei's own pioneering experiences as a musician, Why Labelle Matters offers a cultural assessment of this transformative act. It sheds light on the personal journeys of the band members, their struggles, triumphs, and the impact they had on the world of music and beyond.

Labelle's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with generations, reminding us of the power of creativity, resilience, and the celebration of diverse identities. Their music and activism have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, and their impact will be felt for years to come.

\n Weight: 206g\n
Dimension: 127 x 176 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781477320402\n \n