Labelle - Can I Speak to You Before You Go to Hollywood (Live!)

An intimate live performance of Labelle's "Can I Speak to You Before You Go to Hollywood

[@BronzeVenus]

Nona Hendryx is one of the greatest, least heralded songwriters in popular music.

[@drummerc1795]

It's been said before but I have to say it as well. There will never be a group like this again. No female or male group ever had the vocal talent that Labelle had straight up!!!

[@purpledancerbmw5279]

Yes today's folks just can't do it.

[@aharper12]

The power in Nona's voice and Sarah's response!!!!

[@earthqueen2786]

In my opinion the most vocally talented group of all time!

[@drummerc1795]

maureen holas Absolutely agree with you. You know your stuff!

[@hipknowsis9568]

Celestial.

[@J.Evans_Official]

maureen holas I agree with you 100%

[@nwalden13]

The most talented blend of voices ever. Sarah’s soprano and range is amazing. Patti is a great singer but also a performer. She gives you everything she’s got.

[@househead67]

when a choir from a distant planet visits earth.

[@tlc4369]

And us mere mortals were sooo happy they came!!!

[@Noodleydoo]

Stellar way to put that, Eddie! I wish I'd thought of it!

[@williamb4335]

Great comment

[@williamb4335]

Patty is so entertaining to watch!!

[@jamesmebaby]

Labelle should be in the Rock Hall of Fame all have had successful albums. they all have wrote songs, and been all over the world great talent that can't be duplicated. sung a lot of Rock Classics. over 54 years and all are Legends. there first song I sold my heart to the Junk man

[@patrickhnidka1431]

They absolutely should be in there! There’s never been a “girl group” that blurred the lines between soul, funk and rock like them!

[@shortyt9060]

Big facts they should’ve been inducted and it’s bs that they haven’t been inducted yet

[@RL-ut6dl]

It's a crying shame

[@darrickmalloy6909]

Yes and deed. Chaka Khan also.

[@Tombabos]

They were the most powerful trio of voices EVER...harmonies like that just don't exist anymore. Saw they several times and was blown away.

[@josephmcduffie5277]

We’re you at the concert they did at the Met. Ooooooooooooh don’t get me started on that concert!!!!!! Allllllll the children came out in silver lamé!

[@orionsecret]

Farewel. Sarah. Your presence will be missed forever

[@drwynne87]

I am sad she passed and she will be missed!

[@TahariBlue]

I love Nona's strong powerful alto voice!!!

[@J.Evans_Official]

They are so underrated. Vocally no girl group can sing like that the end, period.

[@nutinman4u]

jay2luv ....They talk about the Supreme and the rest of them but forgot to mention. These ladies have been snatching edges and handing out seats with broken legs. Since "58" . They fail to mention The Bluebelles are the 1st melanated female R&B group to have an official Headline Singer. They also failed to mention they're the 1st melanated girl group to perform in the UK on live. On television. The 1st melanated girl group to have a fellow singer leave for a rival group. The 1st and last gram rock girl group. The 1st melanated girl group to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House. The first melanated girl group to appear on the cover Rolling Stone. And some 32 years they reunited becaming the 1st melanated girl group to come back with all the original members. #the#1's

[@J.Evans_Official]

NUJK JUHM you got that right 👍

[@aboveusall22]

They ruled the seventies as girls group

[@aryebognar6663]

Uh oh, another "underrated" comment about internationally famous and popular entertainers.

[@rlly_james_smh1744]

@@aryebognar6663 They are among thee most talented but they aren't known as much. It's a matter of opinion but i honestly believe that they are indeed, Underrated

[@chico1250]

Without Nona and Sarah there's no LaBelle. You can't deny Talent

[@patgorden5002]

Without any of them!

[@derblae52]

Like Patti said the majority of their songs were written by Nona. The power and intellect of her lyrics was equal to the vocals of Patti and Sarah.

[@sandraheggs]

​@@derblae52SURE YOU ARE RIGHT 💯

[@eleeveeayees3425]

Nona wrote majority of their songs, Sarah perfected the whole sound.

[@davidwhitehurst568]

what can you say about Nona the voice the songwriter simply amazing

[@ianravel5740]

May God keep Sarah Dash in His heavenly kingdom now continuing singing. RIP SARAH DASH.

[@Celestialtarotreadings]

Fantasia has much of Miss Patti in her...it is spiritual. And Nona and Sarah...oh my word! They are a wonder, that is all I can say. They are amazing and a sources of energy that is a blessing to witness!

[@kennethjones8160]

best sang in girl group ever. Most talented. Each can hold their own.

[@sevenkendrick5843]

This group here. straight fire.

[@cathyreed6723]

I'm really feeling them right now!!! They were so beautiful, talented!!! I'm feeling the loss of Sarah - its the end of an era that meant sooo much musically❤!!! I will NEVER forget them and what they brought!!!❤ Nobody like 'em!!!!

[@yvonnedelories4780]

Same here! I just found out about her passing a few mins ago! I was just speaking about them to someone telling them how I even dressed like LaBelle back in the day! I love Miss Pat, Nona and Sarah like family!! My heart hurts! God bless the families, friends and fans! Lord have mercy! No one knows the day nor the hour!

[@gabbriellebates3314]

Must say I really enjoyed Nona and Sarah's smooth singing. In the beginning. It was like watching a play.. I love how their voices compliment each other..

[@patgorden5002]

SHADE

[@simistop3964]

+pat gorden everything does not have to be categorized as shade.

[@patgorden5002]

Simi Stop shut the help up dammit! It was shade she NEVER said NOTHING about Patti? Go back and read it!

[@saucyman]

+pat gorden Probably because we all know Patti is amazing and you don't hear Nona and Sarah as much.

[@patgorden5002]

saucyman I stand in the middle of that it depends on how to take it!?

[@MrDuffmann22]

then patti comes in nd blows the speakers

[@trevystrickland7332]

MrDuffmann22 yes

[@kevinmoore5424]

All I can say is Damn! Three powerful voices. Amazing!

[@wiltoia]

This was a group that was really a group. Patti was the clear star but she let Nona and Sarah do their own thing. The Supremes would have been a better group if Diana Ross would have give Mary and Florence the same opportunity while maintaining her star status in the group.

[@shaaronsmith]

You know diana wasn't letting that happen

[@stevelangely8004]

Vicki Wickham, their manager, encouraged Nona and Sarah to sing the background vocals as if they were singing lead. Thus, you can hear their flourishes. Plus Nona wrote and they arranged the vocals to exploit their solo voices. Once Barry Gordy decided that Diana was the lead, the rest of the group was relegated to muted background singers who merely supported Diana.

[@dekmusique]

Sadly that was a Gordy decision

[@dallastexxasss8260]

naw, i seen mary sing, barry did the right thing..lol

[@wiltoia]

@@dallastexxasss8260 Not really fair. Did you hear some of Diana's early recordings; awful. And some of her outtakes; also awful. All three needed a good amount of work to hone their style and voices. That opportunity was only given to Ross. Agreed she was the best suited for pop music but.....oh well history is as it is.

[@abdurobinson6827]

I always thought they were better as a trio than a quartet. I know patti was mad at Diana for taking Cindy Birdsong but it was a blessing because they were more popular as. A trio

[@jaake58koinz45]

Labelle "Can I speak to you before you go to Hollywood". March 2020

[@sharkeisha2225]

They could saaang the supremes under the mat

[@rickycooper4354]

the supremes was molded to crossover jim crow still existed

[@J.Evans_Official]

moesha pempengco yes they could the Supremes didnt have pipes like that

[@brandonburrell8517]

Yes.

[@jchii2010]

The Supremes vocals had the typical girly oooh’s and ahh’s. LaBelle vocals had a much more powerful gospel vibe.

[@xavierdallenmusicuniverse6304]

@@jchii2010 You know, when Scherrie Payne joined the Supremes in 1973/74, they have improved. Go look up "This Is Why I Believe In You", it's good.

[@Tom-PlaylistKing-Smith]

Nona wrote this song when Cindy Birdsong left their group and joined Diana Ross and the Supremes to replace Florence Ballard. Patti didn't speak to Cindy for many years.

[@ladijae1]

Patti is the Badddest but Sarah Dash I love her voice!!!

[@mollyyouindangergirl2470]

#Icon #Legend may she rest in heaven 🙏

[@stevenbennett3216]

patti labelle was sooooooooooo generous.. when u look at dian ross and beyonye, they would never let the other females in their group shine. patti allowed nona Hendrix to write songs..

[@LADYBEYWEST]

U a lie

[@tymxeluv5476]

No, Nona was writing when they were Patti Labelle & the Bluebells...Patti didn't allow Nona to write, that is her passion...a very good songwriter as well

[@popland1977]

@@tymxeluv5476 What are you talking about? Nona wrote a huge portion of Labelle's catalogue

[@liquidlightz]

So that must've been a bunch of ghosts singing on Survivor, Soldier, Emotion, Bootilicious, Lose My Breath. You know since Beyonce never let the other girls shine.

[@4evermoor24]

I love love love this song. Patti mentions in her autobiography about people acting snooty and "going to Hollywood" on you. I love it when she flicked her hair and said, that's the way they do it😁😘

[@jefferythomas9249]

Breathtaking. I didn't realize Sarah Dash's voice was so incredibly powerful. Not to take away from Nona or Patti.

[@Noodleydoo]

jeffery thomas While there a lot of great soprano singers, Sarah could match Patti in sheer volume, which is rare. Nona was an alto, but her volume was thunderous as well. Nona got way better in the 80's.

[@drummerc1795]

Noodleydoo yes, all of that and that is why no group will ever come near them vocally

[@lindah.2815]

All three of them blessed with voices. You could not be a slouch and mess with Patti and Nona and Sara stood toe to toe with her and the three of then made some truly great music that still stands today. You turn me on, Nightbird, All Girl Band, Messing with my mind and on and on. Love Them.

[@deletorawilson9596]

This is my favorite song my brother love it I play it every time when I visit his grave. Yes this was the best female group now everyone following in their footsteps,but they where the original ❤

[@TheMLBennett]

Even today with all the crazy shit people are wearing and not wearing, none can even begin to touch these ladies. So much before their time, people just did not understand them or know what to think. Just pure over the top fabulousness!!!

[@Noodleydoo]

Leonard Edelen True--but thank God some of us "got it."

[@Pooquie1]

These were magical and defining moments in music history. These ladies helped pave the way for the groups we see today. Thanks for posting this.

[@yvonnedelories4780]

These three were my original American Idols! I used to dress like LaBelle too! Feathers and All! I was just talking about them this evening and googled a question about the spelling of their names and found out that Sarah recently passed away! 🙏😔

[@breonemcnill1466]

"Imma say it 1 more time, sugar." ----That Patti is a mess. Lol

[@constancecarter2074]

Ms Nona awesome 💙

[@The9od]

Sarah Dash - Full-Lyric Soprano Patti LaBelle - Dramatic Soprano Nona Hyndrx - Lyric Mezzo-Soprano

[@jackhagood8521]

I understand this was written for Cindy Birdsong. This is elegant Soul music. Smart, clear and beautifully performed. The best.

[@damianoday90]

Nona Hendrix wrote this song

[@sharonhenderson8956]

Ic🌠nic beautiful Nightbirds LABELLE Dash, Hendryx & LaBelle forevermore electric Galactic. Rest in sweet Power Ms. Sarah Dash.-💎

[@Samiyo]

All three of these very beautiful ladies can "SANG" their you know what off!!!

[@timothymoore6341]

+Koolson1 Love Patti, Nona, and Sarah together! They are pure magic!

[@Samiyo]

Amen to that!!

[@timothymoore6341]

Koolson1 Ever since I first listened to them back in the 90s, I've been mesmerized ever since. At that time I didn't realize Patti was in a group before she was solo. I hope they do another album together real soon.

[@Samiyo]

I feel you on that. I got the last CD they recorded a few years ago.

[@robinmazey851]

Was so lucky to see LaBelle several times,still can feel the thrill,the magic,the power they had to lift an audience out if their seats and stay up dancing singing screaming for more and more,will never forget them ,Dear sweet,beautiful Sarah, Peace and love to you,thank you for sharing your incredible gifts with us!!!

[@Noodleydoo]

Excuse me--I am friends with Nona and she told me specifically that the song wasn't about one specific person, but about a lot of people who disowned them once they got famous. But I guess you know better than the woman who wrote it. I don't know why people insist on chit-stirring

[@tubeshowtacular]

I need to get in touch with u noodleydoo

[@rodnstaff]

Condolences to the family of Sarah Dash!

[@WW-tg5pu]

Patti served us a whole ocean of heaven! She is the GOAT vocally! Period! Sarah and Nona....and in fact the trio were the best female group EVER!

[@xavierdallenmusicuniverse6304]

4:32 Patti "Queen” LaBelle BLEW UP the damn speakers!!!!! 5:55-6:05 damn Patti you better SLAY Queen “Woman giving woman giving” (D5-E5-D5-E5-D5-E5s) Murdering the C5’s at 4:42 - 4:46

[@jamesmebaby]

Patti Labelle is a true legend

[@davidjesch5312]

I could watch this everyday... I kinda do. Haha. So amazing. I'm gonna watch it again... For the thousandth time.

[@cathyreed6723]

WOW - so I'm not the only one still listening to these beautiful, wonderful voices and enjoying the magic they had on stage!!!!😉❤

[@Noodleydoo]

@@cathyreed6723 Make that three of us! There will never be another Labelle

[@marcmichales7141]

Sarah Dash passed today...🕯️

[@dwaynewardell8024]

R.I.P. Sarah Dash 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@yanese05]

I remember seeing this performance at the Apollo!!!! This music is timeless!!

[@luvendertabon6367]

Ahead of their time unique and untouchable

[@Sophisticated8]

Nona is a double or triple threat she can sing act & write music do she play an instrument 2 she has a baritone voice

[@tracerloenan8020]

I got to see this show live at The Mosque in Richmond VA. (It has been renamed by some corporate owner now). This was an actual Mosque known for having perfect acoustics. That show was one of the highlights of my life.

[@greatgownsbeautifulgowns7160]

One of my fav groups along with The Pointer sisters and En Vogue. Power vocals and harmonies plus each member could hold their own.

[@jamesprevard6555]

My favorite female group scene 1961 ! Cold blooded Monsters of the music industry! Talk about who is really Supreme...think about it.

[@MsJoiBella]

Rip Sarah Dash

[@karlannherndon1137]

LABELLE! Has been my RELIGION since 1974...This vid proves that GREATNESS $tands the test of time. ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME PLZ.🎤🎤🎤🎹🎵🎼💕💕💕🎇🎇🎇

[@cathyreed6723]

Love the sisterhood in this video - everybody got their shine!!! And, the sanging, harmonizing was off the charts!!! Don't see that these days - but we got a chance to witness it now!!! NOTHING LIKE IT!!!❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@Hammerton32]

They don't make them that that anymore. Imagine if Destiny's Child had 3 powerhouse vocalists, and an amazing songwriter - instead of being the platform for the manager's daughter?

[@antonioellisacevedo3772]

Hammerton32 . You're right, they don't. It's a lost art.

[@athonyj967]

Well he and his former wife funded the entire thing. Honestly I would've done the same thing

[@petejanettpittman7085]

This song made me cry...when she told how ppl didn't try to offer any assistance for new & upcoming artists..they were snubbed...

[@maxxdroid1975]

How these ladies put it doooooown back in the day remains as explosive as TNT!!!!

[@carmenadams1288]

RIP Sarah Dash you are a legend. Meet you at the Crossroads.

[@nutinman4u]

Patti sang the opening without the aid of her mic...sickening indeed!

[@richardmbowman]

Miss Patti. ..and Nona (The composer) and "Miss Silver Throat", Sarah

[@Judeaben]

Hendryx wrote this as a message to Cindy Birdsong, "Hollywood" being The Supremes. LaBelle sang it much the way The Temptations sang "Superstar (do you kno who your real friends are?)"

[@726taino]

those ladies could sing!

[@tmontyb100012]

They are magical!

[@jamesmebaby]

they should received many awards because they sang all types of music. No one was better live. please induct them in the Rock Hall of Fame. patti, nona, and Sarah had successful individual careers. patti is and has been a better singer than Aretha. Aretha is grotesque now. patti is a relevant singer

[@lawandacooper8177]

Not better than The Queen of soul dear sorry....I love Ms Patti dearly I do one of the best voices ever but she can't touch Ms ReRe.....

[@trevystrickland7332]

The singing 🎤 and their outfits are “pure fire”🔥

[@indiastarr10]

THEY GAVE YOU A SHOW, ACTIN AND EVRY THANG! OMG , I CHUCKLE AT THIS CHILDREN TODAY MOST ARE PLAYIN!

[@malisahawkins7350]

ohhh Lawd i LOVE this song!!! and this video is almost too much for me to deal with. i love LABELLE greatest grrrrl band of all time!!!!

[@mollyyouindangergirl2470]

One of my favorite songs of ALL TIME!!!! RIP SARAH DASH!!!!

[@dentindahousee9635]

I love when there’s a group with three voices that do not sound the same blood blend so well together! The first verse always gets me and makes me relax right before the big finale!

[@derekoverton3461]

R.i.p. Sarah Dash 🙏❤

[@Noodleydoo]

That book was "Call Her Miss Ross" and it came out in the 80's. Time heals all wounds. It wouldn't surprise me if Cindy was to some degree the inspiration for this song back in the 70's--on the other hand Cindy never had that Hollywood attitude. Nona told me that this song was about many performers who snubbed the group when they got famous. I've never heard her say one nasty thing about Cindy but then again Nona never talks anybody down.

[@nelsonjr7417]

🛸🗣🌪🌪🌪Come ttrrrrrrrrruuuuuuueeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!!!

[@Noodleydoo]

Nona Hendryx

[@mightybruno]

The best song ever. I loved seeing this performance 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jenniferloothello5842]

That's a program, Phoenix. LaBelle

[@robriley3025]

Saw them at The Civic Opera House i(Chicago) n the early 70's... what a show!

[@Atlantisboi77]

Amazing omg never seen this before but I felt it

[@angelinalatimore6922]

They were the End!

[@sjrobertson1984]

this performance is absolutely rockin'. there's no sittin' still by the end lol

[@fibbstermann283]

Man... this song warms my heart with so much love from these ladies. I really miss this type of talent nowdays.

[@lorettawalker2850]

Classic LaBelle 🎶 still 🎧🎶 baddest Girl group on the planet🔥🔥🙌🏿🙌🏿👠 2021🎼

[@Noodleydoo]

Goodbye Miss Sarah

[@hprm33t]

Hey @noodleydoo I know you were a huge huge huge mega fan of Labelle, all the girls, and followed them from "jump." I was a bit late to the Labelle party, but once I joined, I was hooked. I am "Ib Diop." I believe the last time I encountered you, you gave brought flowers to girls at their Labelle Reunion appearance at Splash NYC, no? Sarah Dash deserved her flowers. I know she loved her fans, and remember them fondly. I admire you for your dedication and love of Labelle. Keep the fire burning bright, my friend!

[@Noodleydoo]

@@hprm33t Those were the days. Sarah loved flowers--I mean she really loved them. I miss her.

[@thetritanoshow9804]

This is incredible to watch. WOW! They're simultaneously equals while Patti is clearly the superior talent. Like the music comes out of her the most in bursts! WOW!

[@redrider2006]

R.I.P. Sarah Dash

[@thrshwll1526]

I saw them in person. So entertaining. They sang all the songs LaBelle is famous for. Great concert. Grover Washington Jr and MSFB were also there. Fantastic concert. Will never forget it.

[@purpledancerbmw5279]

Omg I had to go to a specialty shop and pay for this album 20 0r thirty dollars back in the day. It fills me up til this day.

[@demetriusjohnson9696]

the need to come back together

[@mussaqlover1]

Demetrius Johnson they did about 10 years ago. The album is called “Back to Now”

[@ncguy7465]

Rest in peace Ms. Sarah Dash

[@mscapricorn-ce1pl]

Excellent performance!

[@nissi_x]

The first ladies of Rock. Love LaBelle. No one compares then or now. The last effort they released a couple of years ago is blazin.

[@williamb4335]

I can't stop replying Patti part of the song. She is so entertaining to watch!!!! LoL they all did a great job!!

[@Noodleydoo]

Patti was FUNNY. She always was! This song really shows that, in case anyone doubted it.

[@williamb4335]

@@Noodleydoo Yes she is so funny. She really feels the song!

[@ceasarandrepont5331]

Pure ENTERTAINMENT and nothing else.

[@waynejeez5620]

I'm still playing their music to this day.

[@cathyreed6723]

Still here in 2020!!!

[@eleeveeayees3425]

This is almost Musical Theatre, they also do the acting while singing their lines 😂

[@popado81]

They stayed friends