American singer, Sarah Dash has died at the age of 76. Dash was one of the co-founding members of iconic R&B girl group Labelle, best known for their 1974 hit, ‘Lady Marmalade.’
No cause of death has been given, though she had reportedly told family she was feeling unwell in recent days. The star performed with her bandmate, Patti LaBelle, on stage on Saturday, September 18.
In a touching tribute, ‘heartbroken’ LaBelle, 77, told Billboard: ‘We were just on stage together on Saturday [Sept. 18] and it was such a powerful and special moment. Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. I could always count on her to have my back. That’s who Sarah was… a loyal friend and a voice for those who didn’t have one. She was a true giver, always serving and sharing her talent and time.’
LaBelle concluded: ‘And I pray that her precious memory brings us peace and comfort. Rest in power, my dear sister. I love you always!’
Sarah first founded The Ordettes with Patti, Nona Hendryx, and Sunday Tucker. The group went through a number of name changes, and in 1971, they started to gain traction under the name Labelle.
However, they went their separate ways five years later, and Sarah pursued a successful solo career. The star released four solo records between 1978 and 1988. Labelle reunited in the 90s and went on to have a number one hit with Turn It Out in the US dance charts in 1995, with what marked their first new music in almost 20 years.
The group reunited again in 2008 for the album Back to Now.