to her self-titled debut album released in 1978. The album featured the hit single “Joy to Have Your Love,” which became popular in R&B circles, while the dance track “Dan Swit Me” gained traction in clubs. One of the standout songs from the album was the heartfelt ballad “You Are My Friend,” co-written by LaBelle, Budd, and Armstead Edwards, and originally dedicated to LaBelle’s son, Zuri, who now manages her career. Following the success of the first album, Budd continued to produce music for LaBelle, including the well-loved song “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven).” He also took on the role of music director for the “Patti LaBelle on Broadway” series.
In the early 2000s, Budd and LaBelle started working on a gospel album called “The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle,” which was a dream project for LaBelle. She wanted to show that gospel music could fit into mainstream music, and Budd was
very supportive of her vision. Sadly, Budd passed away from prostate cancer on October 26, 2005, before the album could be released. In a December 8, 2006 article in the Greenville News, LaBelle shared that Budd had encouraged her to finish the album, saying he wanted to be part of her journey. To honor his memory, LaBelle decided to donate all the album’s proceeds to the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, aiming to raise awareness in the African American community about the importance of early medical care and treatment.
Budd was a regular at our family reunion called the “Ellison-Miles Family Reunion.” I remember the last time we were together, visiting our family landmarks. During that visit, Budd expressed his wish to be buried at our family church, Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, and talked about his deep love for his Salley roots, his family, and South Carolina. Now, Budd rests next to his cousin and mentor, Tommy Ellison, at the church.
Budd, like many other music producers, made significant contributions to the world of music. Today, Labelle continues to captivate audiences with her soulful performances. Her impressive and enduring legacy is largely thanks to the influence of the late James “Budd” Ellison, who ancestral roots hailed from Salley, South Carolina.
