Sister Sledge are known as one of the most iconic female groups of all time. As the pages of the Chicago Tribune have asserted, Sister Sledge “has the stuff legends are made of.”
Sisters, Debbie, Joni and Kim (sister Kathy stepped away from the ensemble in 1989), are daughters of entrepreneur/actress Florez Sledge and acclaimed Broadway performer Edwin Sledge. Their grandmother, Viola Beatrix Hairston Williams, an accomplished lyric-opera soprano, provided unique vocal training to the siblings early on. Arranging for her granddaughters to perform at church events and community functions, the quartet were first introduced to the world as “Mrs. Williams Granddaughters.” Before long, they formed a band and with Debbie serving as vocal arranger, Joni as artistic director and Mom, Florez as manager, Sister Sledge was born.
Performing jazz, soul, gospel, disco, and R&B, the multi-lead vocal group flourished both in- studio and onstage. The sisters built a formidable reputation, dazzling audiences and impressing critics. They also made certain to complete academic studies, each of them earning a Temple University college degree.
Achieving success across borders, the group enjoyed huge popularity in Africa, performing at the “Rumble in the Jungle” Ali-Foreman heavyweight-boxing match, in Japan where they won the prestigious Tokyo Music Festival Silver Prize, and across Europe. In the U.S.A they became a household name with the blockbuster release of the iconic We Are Family album, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Following “He’s The Greatest Dancer,” came the albums seminal title track, “We Are Family” which skyrocketed the group in to the musical stratosphere. “We Are Family” became the theme song for the World Champion Pittsburgh. The hit songs “Lost in music,” “Thinking of You” and “All American Girls” followed.
After remaining at number one for over 4 weeks in the UK with the certified Gold single “Frankie,” Sister Sledge went on to collaborate with Incognito’s Bluey on the song “World Wise and Shine” which shot to number 1 in Italy and resulted in the now-trio starring in their very own TV show. In 1997 Joni Sledge produced the group’s 9th studio album, African Eyes, which was nominated for a Grammy as Best Produced CD, and remains one of their finest artistic achievements.
In December 2000, Sister Sledge performed at The White House for the President and First Lady at the final Christmas party of the Clinton Administration. The sisters continued to tour and in 2005 performed on the famous pyramid stage at the Glastonbury Music Festival in the UK.
In 2014 the group worked in London with Scottish electronic producer The Revenge on the track “Stay A While”. The following year, Sister Sledge were honoured to be invited to perform for Pope Francis at The world Festival of Families in Philadelphia, PA, along with Andrea Bocelli and Aretha Franklin.
In 2016, the group started the ‘Nothing is greater than love’ initiative, marched with Annie Lennox on the annual ‘Walk in Her Shoes’ charity walk, and performed new music at the WOW (Women of the World) festival in London.
Tragically Joni Sledge passed away in early 2017, but Debbie and Kim continue to tour in her honor, and are currently working on beautiful and empowering new music inspired by their late sister. They are incredibly thankful for Joni’s strength, talent and spirit, and for the lasting impact she undoubtedly made in the world.
Over the years, the group has amassed a string of Gold and Platinum records, accumulating total sales of over 15,000,000 worldwide. The sisters have earned over 100 awards and commendations, garnering Grammy Nominations for Record of the Year and Best R&B Duo or group, along the way.
Sister Sledge and their musical family are thankful to God for the many blessings bestowed upon them over the course of their long, illustrious career and are grateful for the many supporters, family members, and friends (FAM) who have helped to inspire them creatively, encouraging them to approach each new year with even more enthusiasm, strength and dedication. Debbie, Kim and family continue to spread an important message of love, hope and empowerment that speaks to, and uplifts us all.
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