A stretch of Broad Street is renamed in honor of hometown songstress, Patti LaBelle, Patti LaBelle Way.
Philadelphians came out in droves to witness the renaming of a portion of Broad Street in honor of hometown songstress Patti LaBelle. Born and raised in Southwest Philly, LaBelle’s vocals have graced several hit songs, including “Lady Marmalade.”
Hosted by Patty Jackson of iHeartRadio’s 105.3 WDAS-FM, the Tuesday afternoon ceremony was part of Wawa Welcome America Festival near Broad and Spruce Streets.
“I’m proud to say that Philadelphia will forever be a part of Patti’s legacy,” said Welcome America Inc. President and CEO Michael DelBene. “The thousands of people who live in and visit Philadelphia will pass by Patti LaBelle way and be inspired by her career as a trailblazer in the arts and in the African American community.”
Mayor Jim Kenney and fellow city dignitaries were visible as excited as the crowd as they spoke of LaBelle’s incredible career. Legendary Sound of Philadelphia architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff joined in the celebration by issuing a joint statement.
“We congratulate our very dear friend Patti LaBelle on her street naming honors today. Patti is one of the greatest music legends to come out of Philadelphia, and she is beloved around the world. This could not happen to a better, and more well-deserved, person and friend! Congrats, Patti!”
As LaBelle’s 90s pop hit, “When You Talk About Love,” played the crowd shouted “Patti Patti” as the chanteuse took the stage waving the commemorative street sign.
“First of all, I do thank God for everything that has happen to me in my 75 years,” said LaBelle, as she waved to familiar faces. “Gosh, so many people have walked this street from Philadelphia and all over the world. If you have a dream, don’t ever think that anything is too big for you and that you are not worthy of everything. You can get it all!”
Images: Joseph Kaczmarek
About Post Author
