Singer Ceybil Jefferies— also known as Sweet Sable — who found success in genres like house music and R&B in the 1990s with hits like “So Special” and “Old Times Sake,” has passed away.
Reports say that Sweet Sable tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus) on top of other health issues.
Ceybil’s death was confirmed by friends on social media and producer Salaam Remi on Friday (April 10).
“Old Times’ Sake” reached No. 15 on the Billboard R&B Charts and also found success on the Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Chart at No. 2 after Doug E. Fresh’s “Freaks.”
Born Sybil Jefferies, the Brooklyn native signed to Atlantic Records in the 90s and made a name for herself as a powerful vocalist in house music with the release of her debut album Let Music Take Control in 1991. Her breakout single “So Special” was a bonafide hit as well as “Open Your Heart” which landed in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Dance Clubs Chart the same year.
According to VIBE, Jefferies continued to release music into the 2000s but her health began to decline. She was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs making it difficult to breathe. Jefferies also lost her vision to the disease.
In a video from Video Music Box in August 2012, her family held a fundraiser to help with medical bills but also to celebrate her music. At the event, Jefferies sang to fans, inspiring others and her family. “Her vision might be gone, but her spirits are so high,” her sister Angie told Video Music Box.
Sending our deepest condolences to Ceybil’s family. May her soul rest in peace and music live on.
