Sarah Dash Singer For Labelle and Rolling Stones Passed Away At 76

RIP

Sarah Dash, best known for being the singer and founding member of powerhouse R&B trio Labelle, passed away at the age of 76. She was found dead on September 20 at her home in Trenton, New Jersey. It was confirmed by Reed Gusciora, the mayor of Dash’s home town. The cause of death was not made available.

She appeared on Labelle’s 1975 classic hit “Lady Marmalade”, and she also contributed to guitarist Keith Richard’s solo work and even joined his touring band.

“She had the most beautiful high soprano voice you’d ever want to hear,” Patti LaBelle told Rolling Stone. “And she was a phenomenally sexy, beautiful woman who had class and elegance. She was a lead singer but preferred singing background.”

LaBelle also called her “the peacemaker” and “the person who kept everything together.”

Born in 1954, Dash’s father was pastor and so she was exposed to gospel music early on. Labelle disbanded in 1977, and for a little while, Dash found herself lost especially since her two former bandmates landed solo deals and were recording albums. By 1979, Dash began releasing solo records.

“I always saw us as equals in terms of talent,” Dash said in a 1988 interview. “But Patti did most of the leads and Nona did more than I did. That was my only regret coming out of Labelle — not establishing myself enough in the group as a lead singer.”

The last time Dash performed was on September 18 when she stared the stage with LaBelle in Atlantic City.