John Stanley/Social Media
John Stanley, the long time music director for Patti Labelle has decided to step down after nearly 30 years.
The statement John made is below:
Hello friends. It has been with a great deal of soul searching that I announce to you that I made the decision to step down as Patti Labelle's Music Director. I thought long about it and the decision was difficult. She has been and still is my musical heartbeat, and great friend. Patti, in one word to me is Family. I had a conversation with her about 6 weeks back and after expressing myself, she gave me her blessing. I had been with her exactly 29 years on this past May 2021. There are a few professional things I want to accomplish in my life and the time for me to do it is now.
We are connected spiritually and this won't be the last time I work with her , we both maintain that ; it's just that I will not be her MD. She has a multi-talented band in which most members are musical directors in their own right. I have no hesitation or fear in saying that I have left her in such capable hands. Patti understood what I meant and gave me her blessing. It was so emotional but I will love and support her forever!! I needed to say this to the Patti fans and general public now before she starts working doing tour dates to make sure the record was clear. Social media is great but sometimes people's minds wander and people come up with thier own theories. I still look for that to happen as i have seen the nature of that beast; regardless just know that I told you guys first and could put my hand on the Bible saying it. Please , respect what I say to you now and know there is no more to it .i have nothing slanderous or ill natured to say about my tenure with the organization. Patti has saved my life a couple of times. In short, working with her was a blessing and dream come true. Nothing else will be added to this on a private call or text . When I have anything to share about what I am doing musically, I will. Until then, I love you Patti Labelle and God Bless us all . JS