1984 was Patti LaBelle’s year. Full stop.
By then, LaBelle was already a respected figure within R&B and soul circles. Of course, she had her Rock/Funk moments as the front woman of the group LaBelle in the 1970s, but her solo career lagged at the beginning. Sure, she produced timeless songs like “If Only You Knew” and “Love, Need and Want You” in the early 80s, but she was arguably a “Black famous” artist in that era.
But 1984 marked something new. This was the year Patti LaBelle broke through to mainstream success, crafting a pop persona that brought her talents to even wider audiences. At the heart of this breakthrough were two unforgettable singles: “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up.” Both featured on the blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, these tracks marked a shift. For LaBelle, the move was more than just a stylistic change; it was career-defining.
MTV, as a major driver of culture at the time, played a significant role in ushering in this sea change. It was arguably Michael Jackson’s mega-success with “Thriller” that contributed to this wave. Artists not only had to have music that appealed to a wider (whiter) audience, but they also had to have the charisma and visuals to match.
A Larger Shift for Black Artists
Patti LaBelle’s transformation in 1984 coincided with broader changes in American pop culture. The walls separating R&B, soul, and pop were becoming more porous. Black artists who’d spent years breaking records in the Black community began gaining recognition from mainstream outlets. MTV, as a major driver of culture at the time, played a significant role in ushering in this sea change. It was arguably Michael Jackson’s mega-success with “Thriller,” as well as The Pointer Sisters’ “Break Out” in 1983, that contributed to this wave. Artists not only had to have music that appealed to a wider (read, whiter) audience, but they also had to have the charisma and visuals to match.
Patti LaBelle was made for this era.
Lasting Impact
Looking back, it’s clear why 1984 is often referred to as Patti LaBelle’s breakout year. The combination of “New Attitude,” “Stir It Up,” and the visibility these songs brought gave Patti a platform to inspire new generations of musicians. Her willingness to shift, adapt, and stand tall in mainstream pop set a precedent for other Black artists seeking broader recognition.
We hope our deep dive into LaBelle’s career helps you understand the significance of these moments. They remind us just how powerful a single year can be, not just for one artist, but for the culture as a whole.
