Photo: Epic Records

Labelle Co-Founder And Soloist Sarah Dash: Dead At 76

September 21, 2021

Best known for their 1974 hit ‘Lady Marmalade’, co-founding member of iconic R&B girl group Labelle, Sarah Dash has died at the age of 76.

Having performed right up until her passing, Sarah joined her former bandmate, Patti LaBelle, on stage this past Saturday (9.18).

In a touching tribute, “heartbroken” Patti Labelle, now 77 herself, told Billboard magazine: “We were just onstage 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. And I pray that her precious memory brings us peace and comfort. Rest in power my dear sister. I love you always!”

Early in her career, Sarah first founded The Ordettes with Patti, Nona Hendryx, and Sundray Tucker. The quartet went through a number of name changes, and in 1971, they gained traction under the name Labelle – without Sundray.

In the 1976, trio went their separate ways with Sarah pursuing a successful solo career releasing four records between 1978 and 1988.

Labelle reunited in the 90s and went on to have a #1 single on the Billboard dance chart in 1995 with ‘Turn It Out’ which marked their first new music in almost 20 years and the group reunited again in 2008 for their Back to Now album.

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones recruited Sarah for his solo band project the X-pensive Winos’ tour in 1988, and her vocals can be heard across the 77-year-old music legend’s three solo LPs. The late singer was also featured on the Stones ‘Satisfaction’ single from their 1989 album ‘Steel Wheels’.