By Nolan Strong
Famed R&B trio Labelle has officially reunited and will issue their first album of original songs in 33 years.
The new untitled album will be produced by longtime collaborators and legendary Philadephia songwriting team Gamble & Huff as well as rocker Lenny Kravitz.
Labelle, which consists of Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash, has been sampled by numerous Hip-Hop and R&B artists through the years.
In 2001 Missy Elliott produced an award-winning version of Labelle’s classic 1974 single “Lady Marmalade” that featured Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and rapper Lil Kim.
The group was also notably sampled by rapper Nelly and Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland for their hit duet “Dilemma” and Labelle can be heard singing on Outkast’s track “Ghetto Musick,” from their hit double album Speakerboxx/The Love Below.
"The thread that always runs through is that we're sisters and we'll always be sisters,” Patti Labelle said of the group’s staying power.
"We're friends and admirers of each other's work," Nona said. "We talked to him [Kravitz] about the idea of us getting together and invited him to a session. He showed up that day at 5:00 and we haven't stopped working since."
The legendary trio, who formed in 1959 in Philadelphia, will tour to compliment their new album and showcase their updated sounds.
"I feel we're better because of everything we've gone through," said Sarah. "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."
Labelle's new album will be completed in June and is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2008.