SIBEL THRASHER – December 13, 1949 - April 9, 2020

The world has lost one of its leading songstresses .  Sibel Thrasher passed away at age 71 on April 9, 2020.   Predeceased by her partner Michael Wolfe, she leaves her siblings Gregory Kirk, John Michael Thrasher, Patrick Thrasher, Cynthia Thrasher, Donald Thrasher and 8 nieces and nephews in Cincinnati, Ohio, in laws Terry Wolfe and Marlene Dixon of Richmond, B.C., hundreds of friends and thousands of fans. 

Sibel started singing in church in Cincinnati and carried on with her siblings as The Thrasher Singers.  Her talent was such that she went to New York City where she recorded with legendary  Roy Ayers and later with Long John Baldry and Lynton Garner.  In 1979 she was invited by the famous Platters to perform as a member of the group in the United States and a tour of the orient .  The tour ended in Vancouver in 1981 where Sibel decided to settle.  Singing in the city’s many night clubs, she won the role as one of the lead singers in ‘Ain’t Misbehaviin’ in 1985 . The show ran at the Arts Club Theatre for 2 years becoming the longest running musical in B.C. history.  Following “ Ain’t “ she appeared in Black and Gold Revue, Blues in the Night, When the Roses Come,  Tapestry,  Little Shop of Horrors and The Buddy Holly Story. 

Sibel was generous with young singers, inviting them to sing with her in her many night club appearances. A young  Michael Buble’ was invited to sing with her on many occasions. He repaid the favour by insisting on Sibel joining  his backup singers when he performed at BC Place. 

Sibel travelled extensively as a high demand Jazz and R&B singer on the cruise ships in the Caribbean and Alaska.  Her partner Michael joined her on one of the Caribbean cruises in what she described as  one the highlights of her life. Her early gospel singing led to a nomination for “Gospel Singer of the Year” for her show “Sibel Thrasher and the Gospel Explosion.” During this time Sibel volunteered her services to many of B.C.’s leading charities, raising thousands of dollars  for those non profit organizations.  Her appearances in support of Aids  at various night clubs and in  “Starry Starry Night” will be long remembered by Vancouver’s gay community.  

Sibel appeared in a number of motion pictures including “Fierce People”  starring Donald Sutherland and even appearing as GOD in a locally produced film “Elvis Mozart and Me.”  She composed a number of songs during her long career and at the time of her passing was still receiving royalty cheques. 

In 2004 Sibel was inducted into the B.C. ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME.”  Election to the HALL was by her peers through a ballot of all living members. Her name is now mounted in the famous “Starwalk” along the sidewalks of Vancouver’s Theatre Row. This in recognition of her contribution to community,  music and entertainment.  She was more than a singer- actress. Sibel was an entertainer in the finest sense of the word. She had a way of talking and singing to audiences  that made each member think she was one on one with them.  Sibel was a “one of a kind” entertainer whose like we will not see again. May she rest in peace with her beloved Michael – one of the great love stories of our time.

She is undoubtedly singing with a fine band in a heavenly setting. RIP SIBEL THRASHER, and as she would say - "God Bless!"