Legendary Singer & Trenton Native Sarah Dash Dies At 76

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Legendary American singer and actress Sarah Dash, who was also the co-founder of Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles, has died. She was 76.

The Trenton native who became the first music ambassador for the city had deep roots in the community and was a celebrated resident.

"The legendary Sarah Dash was celebrated for her enormous musical talent not only in Mercer County but on the world’s stage throughout her 50-plus year career in the entertainment industry," Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in a statement.

"She was beloved in Trenton because she never hesitated to use her talents to improve the lives of Trenton residents, whether it was by promoting the arts in the local community, or more recently, stepping up as a role model during the coronavirus pandemic and using her voice to encourage everyone to get vaccinated. She was an inspiration to so many and she will be missed."

In February this year, Dash made a stylish appearance at Trenton's CURE Insurance Arena to get her COVID-19 shot. Dressed in an all-black outfit and sequined face mask, Dash was met at the entrance of the arena by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and city officials.

"This one hurts. We just worked with her earlier this year on an awareness campaign to motivate more Trentonians to get vaccinated. She didn’t hesitate to help us when we needed her the most," Gusciora said in a statement.

"I’m looking forward to embracing my fellow Trentonians as we privately and collectively celebrate her music and humanitarian works. While she may have passed from this life to the next, her star will never fade from this city and the hearts of its residents."

Dash was a member of the Grammy Board of Governors - Philadelphia chapter, served as the Grammy New Jersey Ambassador for the Advocacy Board of the Membership Committee, and was a member of the Grammy Hall of Fame (2003), as well as the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra.