Actress and two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Patti LaBelle is widely regarded as the queen of rock & soul music. The Philadelphia-born entertainer captured her first hit in 1962, as lead singer of The BlueBelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trailblazing and genre bending trio, Labelle. A solo artist since the 1970s, Ms. Labelle has created timeless songs, including "Lady Marmalade," "When You Talk About Love," and "New Attitude" that have helped cement her place as a music icon and garnered her numerous honors, including two GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, New York Times bestsellers and more. 

"I am excited to announce Patti LaBelle as the headlining music performer at this year’s annual fundraising gala for SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital!” said Cedric. “Not only is she a legend in her own time, Patti is an incomparable force, exuding grace, style, elegance and charisma. And even more, in addition to being a world-class artist and mother of five, Patti is just as well known for her philanthropy and willingness to share her blessings and gifts with the world. It’s an honor to have her join us for what will certainly be a great night!”

Jeremiah “J.J.” Williamson

J.J. Williamson is one of the most sought after rising stars in the industry today, through his tenacity and willingness to perpetuate his talent to its highest level of excellence. J.J. is rapidly becoming nationally known and requested for both his comedy and acting abilities.

Jeremiah has worked with comedy giants such as Chris Tucker, D.L. Hughley, Rickey Smiley and Bruce Bruce. He has electrified stages across the country with Cedric "The Entertainer" during the summer tours. J.J. has graced the stages and entertained thousands at numerous popular venues such as the Los Angeles and Miami Improv, the Chicago House of Blues, Caroline's of New York, the Comedy Store of Los Angeles, the Universal Amphitheater of Los Angeles and the Palace Theaters in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.

J.J. has performed via the television circuit on "Showtime at the Apollo" and BET's "Comic View." In 2000, J.J. earned his status among the comedy elite by winning the Bay Area Comedy Competition in Oakland, California.

J.J. debuted on the big screen as Cousin Bowdie in the blockbuster film, "Johnson Family Vacation." He also starred in the comedy series "Cedric The Entertainer Presents: The Platinum Comedy Series -- Starting Line-Up," produced by Urban Works Entertainment. Jeremiah can currently be seen in the Comedy Central show, "Russell Simmons Presents Stand-Up at the El Rey."

The “women’s pavilion” at St. Mary’s Hospital consists of a team of doctors, nurses and caregivers who offer a full spectrum of women’s services and treat women from adolescence through post-menopause. Funding support from the women’s pavilion will be used for health education, programmatic support and resources developed for women of all ages and of diverse backgrounds.  

David and Thelma Steward of World Wide Technology, Inc. return as co-chairs in support of the women’s health initiative. “World Wide Technology is proud to be a sponsor of the gala to benefit the women’s pavilion in memory of Cedric’s mother, which will be an invaluable health resource for women in our community and beyond,” said Thelma Steward.  

For more information regarding the event, please visit CedricandFriends.org. 

About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital
SSM Health (ssmhc.com) is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through one of the largest integrated delivery systems in the nation. 

SSM Health St. Mary’s is a 525-bed hospital specializing in high-risk obstetrics. A teaching hospital, St. Mary’s is home to an accredited internal medicine residency program and to Saint Louis University School of Medicine Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Practice residency programs.

For more information visit us at ssmhealth.com/stmarys or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tickets may be purchased at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. *Please note there is a $3 facility fee included in the listed ticket price on this site. Additional Ticketmaster service charges and handling fees apply to all tickets purchased through Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. For disabled seating, call 314-622-5420.