Sarah Dash, Original Member Of Labelle, Has Passed Away At 76

Sarah Dash, an original member of the legendary singing group Labelle with Patti LaBelle and Nona Hendryx, died Monday at 76.

Dash has been busy performing lately and her death was unexpected. The cause of death is unknown at the time.

Soul Tracks broke the news, and Patti LaBelle confirmed the loss on social media.

Dash recently shared on Twitter that she spent her birthday at LaBelle’s home.

In 1961, Dash, LaBelle, Hendryx and Sundray Tucker formed the Ordettes. Tucker was replaced by Cindy Birdsong, leading to a group called the Bluebelles, and then Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles.

Birdsong exited to become a Supreme, and by the early ’70s, the newly rechristened Labelle had become a rock group of substance. They eventually became the first Black group to on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

The group hit the Top 20 and musical success with their songs.

They’re biggest hit was from single “Lady Marmalade,” which became an iconic #1 smash.

By 1977, they each went their separate ways. Dash enjoyed success with the 1978 disco hits “Sinner Man” (1978) and “(Come and Take) This Candy from Your Baby.”

In 2008, Dash reunited with LaBelle and Hendryx for a comeback Labelle album, “Back to Now,” which was critically acclaimed.

Renowned for her charitable work with homeless women and children, Dash leaves no immediate survivors.

Rest in peace, queen.