Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for. As she continues into her fourth decade of performing, the Philadelphia maven has returned to her roots with her latest project, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. "I was born gospel, so it's not like I'm coming back or trying to impress people with this new gospel project. I've always done this. I've never done a whole album. That's the only thing that's missing," observes the songstress. "I've come full circle where you can say it's a complete project." The church tour accompanied the release of The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle. It began at The Potter's House in Texas, home to Bishop TD Jakes. Patti was blessed to have gospel legend Shirley Ceasar pray a special prayer, "for people to accept me as the new carrier of His word. God is working on me, He's working through me, and He's putting changes all over me - positive. I know I'm chosen. I know this is something I was meant to do. For 10 years now I've been trying to do this gospel album and I finally did it. And it feels so good singing these songs." For Ms. Patti, she simply desires for her fans not to judge her with this record and to be aware that this gift is from her heart and deep within her soul. "I want them to take away a beautiful message. I want them to take away a beautiful CD, which means take it home, buy it so that we can help with this cancer calling." That humility and honesty has been the true gospel according to Patti LaBelle. "Staying a person that people can say they encountered and she was very, very giving. She didn't get Hollywood on us. I never want to be thought of as a Hollywood person, you know the people who don't have time for the people who made them." The same motivation that had Patricia Louis Holt blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles to a solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at six-two years young. "Each year I grow, and that's a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it-It's not about making money because I don't need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I've got to get on that stage." And the world is thankful that Ms. Patti's preaching sounds so good to our ears.