The long walk downhill, endless waiting, and desperate begging to interview R&B/Soul songstress Patti LaBelle were well worth it. allwoman had an oppurunity to speak with the artiste shortly before her performance at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival held in Montego Bay last weekend. We asked her 10 light questions and she gave frank and funny reponses. She spoke with no other print media, so readers feel important! Here goes...

Pulse's Jaunel McKenzie

1 Talent or attitude, which is more important for artistes to have?
That's a hard one because these days they accept anything as talent. Anybody can get by and they cant even sing, but I guess if you can sing and know it, you have to develop a strong attitude.

2 What do you think about younger artistes today?
I think it's wonderful for the ones who can sing, and those that can't, should stay home!

3 What's in your CD player right now?
Nothing! I really don't listen to music... I don't even know how to work [a CD player] but I hear a lot of music because when I travel with my manager (who is Haitian), he plays a bunch of reggae, Haitian music and all kinds. I don't even listen to me!

4 Which of the younger artistes would you like to work with?
I've worked with Kanye West in the last few months on stage. I've done something with Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey... just whoever can sing or has vision, like in Kanye's case.

5 What are you yet to achieve in your life?
Ahh... Double platinum or tripple platinum, when I do that I can say I've made it.

6 You did some acting and the cooking thing, what's your hobby right now?
... taking care of Patti, messages, pedicures, facials. I've been taking care of people for so many years, not in terms of money but just making sure they're okay.

7 Are you planning on doing any more acting?
Yes. I'm planning on doing some movie roles and possibly another sitcom... I'm planning on a lot of things and God's not through working on me.

8 Any new albums in the works?
I started my gospel album last week...it comes out by the end of this year.

9 What do you miss most about Luther Vandross?
Oh his warmth! he was a wonderful person, honey!

10 What's your secret to staying a diva?
My secret to staying a diva is not to be one... I call myself a performer who happens to be a made woman. I don't follow anyone, I'm 61 years young. I'm not a diva, I'm a 'gansta.'

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