As Mariah Carey’s star rose, she began to find a family of her own, and that’s how she bonded with Patti LaBelle. Often referred to as the Godmother of Soul, according to Biography, LaBelle was a member of the Ordettes, later known as the Bluebelles. The group would change names once again in the ’70s, settling simply with LaBelle. During this time, they released the much-loved single “Lady Marmalade,” which would later be covered by Christina Aguilera, Mýa, Pink, and Lil’ Kim for the “Moulin Rouge!” soundtrack (via Cosmopolitan).
In 1977, the group split, leaving LaBelle with the option to go solo, per WBSS Media. She released her debut album that same year and found immense success in the ’80s thanks to her singles “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude,” and “Stir It Up.” Carey was certainly an avid listener of LaBelle’s during that time, according to Apple Music, citing the singer as one of her influences among the likes of Whitney Houston, Minnie Riperton, and Diana Ross.
