Patti LaBelle revealed that she was unaware of the true meaning of “Lady Marmalade” when it was released.
During a recent interview, the legendary singer said she had no idea what she was singing about on LaBelle’s signature song.
“Well, she’s a hooker,” LaBelle said of “Lady Marmalade.”
“‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?’ means ‘Will you sleep with me tonight?’ When we recorded this song, we had no clue what it was about until the song came out and was selling and doing really well,” LaBelle continued.
Because of the song’s explicit lyrics, LeBalle said that the group received “complaints from nuns.”
“The nuns were having a moment with Labelle, singing about ladies of the evening. I would just say, ‘Well, they have to make a living too,” LaBelle recalled. “I can’t snatch the mattress from under them. They gotta do what they gotta do.’ That was a hit, not knowing it was about a hooker.”
Released in 1974, “Lady Marmalade” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Soul Singles chart by early 1975. It was the lead single from their landmark album Nightbirds. Produced by Allen Toussaint in New Orleans, the track featured Patti LaBelle’s powerhouse lead vocals, the rich harmonies of Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. The song also achieved massive international success in the UK, Canada, and Europe. “Lady Marmalade” propelled LaBelle to new heights as they became the first Black vocal group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone. ”
‘LADY MARMALADE’ BECOMES A HIT AGAIN
In 2001, a remake of “Lady Marmalade” by Mya, Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, and Pink became a smash hit. Produced by Missy Elliott and Rockwilder, the song spent five consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It also dominated the global charts from the UK to Australia. The song’s success was cemented by its iconic, Grammy-winning music video.