Patti LaBelle has paid tribute to her pal and Labelle co-founder Sarah Sprint after the star died on the age of 76
Sarah Sprint has died on the age of 76.
The legendary singer was co-founder of pioneering R&B/rock group Labelle who launched the vastly widespread music Girl Marmalade in 1974.
The reason for her demise remains to be unknown.
Tributes poured in for the star following the information, with one of many group’s different co-founders, Patti LaBelle, calling her a “gifted soul” in a heartfelt assertion.
Patti, 77, mentioned in a press release to Billboard: “We had been simply onstage collectively on Saturday [Sept. 18] and it was such a strong and particular second.
“Sarah Sprint was an awesomely gifted, stunning and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in additional methods than I can say. I may all the time depend on her to have my again.
She continued: “That is who Sarah was … a loyal pal and a voice for many who did not have one. She was a real giver, all the time serving and sharing her expertise and time.”
Patti went on to say she was “heartbroken” however knew that the singer’s “spirit and all that she has given to the world stay on”.
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Picture:
Getty Pictures)
She concluded: “And I pray that her valuable reminiscence brings us peace and luxury. Relaxation in energy my expensive sister. I like you all the time!”
Sarah was born in 1945 in New Jersey and relocated to Philadelphia within the mid-‘60s. There, she teamed up with Nona Hendryx, Patti LaBelle and Sundray Tucker to kind The Ordettes.
After a number of title modifications, the group – minus Sundray – started to get recognised in 1971 beneath the title Labelle.
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Michael Ochs Archives)
They turned identified for his or her spectacular vocals and funky wardrobes and their largest hit got here within the type of Girl Marmalade from their 1974 album Nightbird.
When the band break up in 1976, Sarah went solo and launched a number of profitable albums.
Labelle later reunited within the early 1990s and launched primary dance hit Flip It Out. They once more obtained again collectively in 2008 for his or her reunion album Again to Now.
In 2016, Sarah was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Nationwide R&B Music Society.
Followers and well-known faces took to social media on Monday evening to pay their respects to the singer.
Bootsy Collins wrote on Twitter: “Danggit! We misplaced one other, Ms. Sarah Sprint (8-18, 1945 – 9 20, 2021) was an American singer & actress. She 1st appeared as a member of Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, later in Labelle, labored as a singer, musician & sideman for The Rolling Stones, and Keith Richards. R.I.P WE LOVE!”
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WireImage)
Gloria Gaynor penned: “I’m saddened to listen to of the passing of my peer and fellow New Jerseyan, @SarahDash. We’ve got misplaced yet one more nice expertise.
“My heartfelt condolences to her household, associates & followers.”
And Stephanie Mills mentioned: “Relaxation properly my pal #SarahDash. Your form spirit and phrases will all the time have a particular place in my coronary heart. You can be missed.”
