Patti LaBelle Partners With Primary Wave to Preserve Her Iconic Music Legacy
Patti LaBelle, one of the most influential voices in soul music, has entered a powerful new partnership with Primary Wave Music Group. The deal covers her artist royalties across her entire music catalog — a body of work that includes 18 studio albums, three live albums, 14 compilations, and 47 singles.
The exact financial terms were not shared, but the agreement marks a major step in preserving and expanding LaBelle’s six-decade legacy. To date, the Grammy-winning singer has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Steven Greener of Primary Wave called the collaboration a true honor. “We are so honored to be in business with a legend such as Ms. LaBelle,” he said. “She’s a true icon and trailblazer. We are looking forward to doing great things together.”
Primary Wave Strengthens Its Position in Music History With LaBelle Deal
Primary Wave has become known for acquiring catalogs from some of music’s biggest names. Earlier this year, the company secured rights to Biggie Smalls’ catalog. It also owns the producer royalty income streams of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the hitmaker behind songs for Destiny’s Child, Michael Jackson, and Mary J. Blige.
LaBelle’s addition to the roster solidifies Primary Wave’s influence in both R&B and pop music history. Her timeless catalog continues to inspire generations, and this deal ensures that her music will reach even more audiences worldwide.
A Career That Redefined Soul, R&B, and Pop Music
With a career spanning over 60 years, Patti LaBelle has become a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural pride. She has scored 42 songs on Billboard’s Hot/R&B Hip-Hop Songs chart, with 13 reaching the Top 10.
LaBelle is known for classic hits like “If Only You Knew,” “You Are My Friend,” and “On My Own,” her powerful duet with Michael McDonald. Her 1974 hit “Lady Marmalade” with her group Labelle became a defining anthem, later revived in 2001 by Lil’ Kim, Mýa, Christina Aguilera, and Pink.
In 2002, Kelly Rowland and Nelly’s chart-topping duet “Dilemma” introduced LaBelle’s song “Love, Need and Want You” to a new generation, proving her enduring impact on music.
The Godmother of Soul Continues to Shine on Stage
Even after six decades in the spotlight, Patti LaBelle continues to thrill audiences around the world. Most recently, she joined fellow legends Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Stephanie Mills on The Queens Tour, which wrapped up on October 20 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Her performances remind fans why she remains the “Godmother of Soul,” a title earned through decades of grace, power, and musical innovation. With the new Primary Wave deal, LaBelle’s songs — past and future — will continue to empower and inspire for generations to come.
