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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Philadelphia Phillies home games

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Patti LaBelle

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There is no substitute for hard work."

—Thomas Edison

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which famous Philadelphia athlete was nicknamed “The Minister of Defense”?

A) Joe Frazier

B) Wilt Chamberlain

C) Reggie White

D) Mike Schmidt

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The first American zoo established in 1874 in Philadelphia is A) Philadelphia Zoo.

News

💼Business

Carnival Cruise Line president says 'there's always opportunity' for company in Philadelphia. (link)

Crossing Broad founder launches new Philadelphia sports website. (link)

🏒Sports

Mayor Cherelle Parker says Philadelphia sports team should be in the city. (link)

Philadelphia 76ers Fans Unhappy With Latest News on Team's Future. (link)

🏦Finance

Philadelphia Fed says it is looking for Harker successor. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Friday, September 13 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, September 14 | 4:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Caskets
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Friday, September 13 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Mavi
Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, September 14 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Philadelphia
3820 N 2nd St Philadelphia,
Saturday, September 14 · 2pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic urban zoo in Philadelphia with holographic animals.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Philadelphia Historical Events

1987: The Constitution's 200th anniversary is celebrated in Philadelphia.

In 1987, Philadelphia hosted a grand and festive commemoration to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The city honored its pivotal role in the Constitution's creation with a series of large and small ceremonies, attracting government officials and hundreds of thousands of Americans. The highlight of the celebration was a ""Parade of States,"" featuring a 40-foot float resembling a parchment scroll and small floats representing each state with its flag, seal, and motto. The event brought together people from all walks of life to pay tribute to the grand old document that has shaped the nation's history.

Philadelphia's bicentennial celebrations officially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend in 1987 with a festival of events and a floating reenactment of the signing of the Constitution. The city's effort to organize the celebration culminated in a daylong ceremony near Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Constitution. President Reagan led a nationwide celebration, declaring that the Constitution had changed the world forever. The yearlong observance of the Constitution's bicentennial culminated in a monumental celebration, showcasing the city's pride in its historical significance and the enduring impact of the U.S. Constitution.

The 200th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia was a momentous occasion that brought together people from across the nation to honor and commemorate the document that has shaped the course of American history. The festivities, marked by parades, reenactments, and solemn ceremonies, showcased Philadelphia's pride in its role as the birthplace of the Constitution. The celebration not only paid homage to the past but also highlighted the enduring significance of the Constitution in shaping the nation's present and future."

Famous People From Philadelphia

Patti LaBelle (1944–present): Legendary singer and actress known as the "Godmother of Soul," influential in the R&B and pop music scenes.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1944–1960)

Patti LaBelle was born Patricia Louise Holte on May 24, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a working-class family in Southwest Philadelphia, LaBelle discovered her love for singing at a young age. She began performing in her church choir and, by her teenage years, had formed her first singing group, the Ordettes. LaBelle’s powerful voice and stage presence quickly set her apart, and she soon became the lead singer of the group, which would later be renamed the Blue Belles. Her early experiences in Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene laid the foundation for her future success as one of the most iconic voices in R&B and soul music.

Rise to Fame with the Blue Belles and Labelle (1961–1974)

In the early 1960s, Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles achieved national recognition with hits like ""I Sold My Heart to the Junkman."" The group’s success continued throughout the decade, with LaBelle’s dynamic vocals leading the way. In the early 1970s, the group reinvented themselves as Labelle, embracing a more contemporary, funk-influenced sound and an extravagant stage presence. Their 1974 hit ""Lady Marmalade"" became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Labelle’s place in music history. The group’s bold fashion, socially conscious lyrics, and LaBelle’s electrifying performances made them pioneers in the music industry.

Connection to Philadelphia and Solo Career Success (1975–1989)

Philadelphia has always been central to Patti LaBelle’s life and career. After the disbandment of Labelle in 1976, LaBelle launched a highly successful solo career, returning to her roots in Philadelphia to record and produce much of her music. Hits like ""You Are My Friend,"" ""If Only You Knew,"" and ""New Attitude"" showcased her versatility as an artist and solidified her status as the ""Godmother of Soul."" Throughout her career, LaBelle has remained deeply connected to her hometown, often performing in the city and supporting various charitable initiatives. Her contributions to Philadelphia’s music scene have left an indelible mark, making her one of the city’s most beloved figures.

Continued Influence and Cultural Impact (1990–Present)

Patti LaBelle’s influence in the music industry has only grown over the years. She has released numerous successful albums, earned multiple Grammy Awards, and continued to tour extensively, delighting audiences with her powerful performances. Beyond music, LaBelle has also made a significant impact as an actress, author, and entrepreneur. She has appeared in films, television shows, and Broadway productions, and has written several best-selling cookbooks. LaBelle’s contributions to the entertainment industry, combined with her philanthropic efforts, have cemented her legacy as a cultural icon. She continues to inspire new generations of artists and remains a vital figure in the world of R&B and pop music.

Legacy and Recognition (Present)

Patti LaBelle’s legacy is characterized by her extraordinary vocal talent, her ability to cross musical genres, and her unwavering commitment to her craft. She has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame, among other honors. LaBelle’s influence extends beyond music; she is also celebrated for her humanitarian work, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and her advocacy for civil rights. Her connection to Philadelphia remains a central part of her story, and she is often referred to as one of the city’s greatest musical ambassadors. LaBelle’s impact on music and culture is enduring, and she continues to perform and contribute to the arts.

Key Achievements:

• Rose to fame with the Blue Belles and Labelle, achieving iconic status with the hit ""Lady Marmalade.""

• Successfully transitioned to a solo career, becoming known as the ""Godmother of Soul"" and earning multiple Grammy Awards.

• Continues to influence the music industry and inspire new generations of artists with her powerful voice and dynamic performances.

Patti LaBelle’s journey from a young girl singing in a Philadelphia church to an international music icon reflects her extraordinary talent and perseverance. Her deep connection to Philadelphia has shaped her career, and her contributions to the city’s music scene have left a lasting legacy. LaBelle’s influence as a singer, actress, and cultural icon continues to inspire, ensuring her place as one of the most significant figures in the history of R&B and pop music.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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