People

By Guy D. Garcia

Was she named for the Liberty Bell? The mists of rock history fog over the point, but after Patricia Holt changed monikers and made her professional debut in Philadelphia 24 years ago, Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells were soon - one of the mainstays of the un-Main Line Philly sound. She still loves the old hometown and is not afraid of singing so. With fellow Philly Cheeses Bill Cosby and David Brenner, LaBelle, 41, has done an "I Love Philadelphia" commercial as part of the city's civic-pride campaign. She can well afford to be supportive. After toiling for years in the shadow of Soul Sisters Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Tina Turner, the singer is finally coming into her own. LaBelle was a major contributor to the 1984 Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, and her performance at the Live Aid benefit was one of the show's high points. In addition, she has a new album, Patti, out, just finished another, taped an HBO special for next year and did an hour-long variety-show pilot for NBC that will air next month. The survivor's secret? "I never tired," she says. "I got stronger. It's time for real women to get up front." Lead on, lady.