A legendary vocalist and founding member of the R&B/funk group Labelle, known for hits like "Lady Marmalade" and her powerful, soulful voice.
Sarah Dash, a legendary American singer, is best known for her work as a member of the iconic girl groups Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and Labelle. With her signature sharp soprano voice, Dash played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of soul, R&B, and rock music in the 1960s and 1970s.
Born on August 18, 1945, in Trenton, New Jersey, Sarah Dash was the seventh of 13 children. Her father, a pastor, and her mother, a nurse, instilled in her a love for music from an early age. Dash initially sang gospel music but soon turned to secular music as a preteen, forming a vocal duo called the Capris.
In the mid-1960s, Dash moved to Philadelphia, where she reunited with fellow singer Nona Hendryx and joined Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. The group's hits, including "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" and "Down the Aisle," showcased Dash's soaring vocals and established them as a leading girl group of the era.
In 1967, Cindy Birdsong left the Bluebelles to join the Supremes, and the remaining members transformed into Labelle. With Dash, Hendryx, and LaBelle, Labelle pushed the boundaries of music, incorporating hard rock, funk, and social commentary into their sound. Their iconic hits, such as "Lady Marmalade," "What Can I Do for You," and "Moonshine," cemented their status as one of the most innovative and influential groups of all time.
In addition to her work with Labelle, Dash collaborated with other notable artists, including the Rolling Stones and Keith Richards, with whom she worked as a session musician and backing vocalist. Her distinctive voice added depth and texture to numerous recordings, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and sought-after singer.
Sarah Dash's contributions to music and popular culture are undeniable. Along with her fellow Labelle members, she helped pave the way for future generations of female artists and paved the way for the feminist and civil rights movements of the 1970s. Her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from rock and soul to funk and R&B.
"The music was always the most important thing to me. It was my salvation, my comfort, my best friend."
"We were a force to be reckoned with, and we knew it. We were proud, strong, and unstoppable."
Sarah Dash continued to perform and record music throughout her life, releasing solo albums and collaborating with other artists. She remained close to her Labelle sisters, Patti LaBelle and Nona Hendryx, until her passing on September 20, 2021.
Sarah Dash's remarkable legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, fans, and activists. Her contributions to music, fashion, and social justice have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape, ensuring her place as a true icon of American music.
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