After going solo, Ms. Patti proceeded to bless the world with classic romantic ballads that not only served as declarations of love. If you can’t find the words to tell your signifigant other ...

“I always have some of my shoes ... and taken care of me. I love her,” LaBelle said, adding what a joy it was to be on the Essence stage after the festival’s two-year hiatus.

I have never seen nearly everyone jump to their feet singing, dancing and clapping to the beat. But they did Friday night, as “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle spread her joy to the world ...