Patti LaBelle, a longtime friend and singing partner of Dash, has paid tribute to a “beautiful and loving soul”.
R&B singer Sarah Dash, who co-founded the groundbreaking group Labelle which had a number one hit with Lady Marmalade, has died aged 76. Dash was also the co-founder of Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles, which opened for The Rolling Stones during a lengthy US tour in 1965. It was Patti LaBelle who confirmed the news of Dash’s death on Twitter on Tuesday as she paid tribute to a “beautiful and loving soul”. The group changed its style and musical direction to form the pioneering all-female group Labelle in 1971 – with their music becoming known for its fusion of rock, funk and R&B. Dash, LaBelle and fellow member Nona Hendryx were also known for wearing space-age and glam costumes.
