Gamble, the cofounder of Philadelphia International Records who recently was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his partner Leon Huff, produced the adaptation of the song that was originally conceived by Father Divine, founder of the International Peace Mission Movement.

LaBelle's operatic vocals and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs bring the song to its orchestral climax.

The recording of "I Am an American," which will be played, but not performed, at Welcome America!, goes on sale digitally at iTunes and other outlets today. It will also be available at the National Constitution Center, Independence Visitor Center and other souvenir shops in Old City.

It's a big week for LaBelle. The singer will be honored on Saturday at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, in a tribute featuring Ledisi, Angie Stone, Irma Thomas and Chrisette Michelle, as well as Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, her fellow members in the '70s glam-funk group LaBelle, with whom she's making a comeback album.

LaBelle's new solo album, Live in Washington, D.C., a 1982 recording, came out in June on Philly International.