August 18: Sarah Dash, original member of Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles (later simply LaBelle), is 67 today.

The all female R& B group were popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Originally forming as The Ordettes in 1960 by lead singer Patti LaBelle, childhood friend Sundray Tucker (who was replaced by Cindy Birdsong in 1961) and members of the Philadelphia-based Del Capris, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, they eventually changed their name to The Bluebelles in 1962. Mixing doo-wop and gospel, they became known for performing renditions of pop standards such as "Over the Rainbow" and "You'll Never Walk Alone".

After Birdsong's departure to join The Supremes in 1967, the group altered their image at least twice in the 1970s and changed their name to Labelle, performing rock-meshed soul and gospel-singing harmonies. In 1973, the group adopted a more flamboyant image and music that melded disco, funk and glam rock.

The group is most notable for the disco funk classic "Lady Marmalade" and their outlandish space-age costumes and brash incorporation of rock & roll. The group returned with their first new album in 32 years with 2008's Back to Now.

Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Lady Marmalade"
-- "Over the Rainbow"
-- "Somebody Somewhere" (with Nona Hendryx- post-LaBelle at PattiLaBelle Tribute)