Kathy Sledge
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Kathy Sledge is the youngest of five girls from Edwin and Florez Sledge. By age 6 she was singing songs with her sisters in perfect harmony. Who would have guessed that only 10 years later she would record a song that would literally touch the hearts of millions around the world. Kathy was born to perform. Along with vocal coaching and teachings from her grandmother, an experienced opera singer, her instinctive ability was bred from her father, Edwin Sledge, of the legendary Broadway tap duo ‘Fred and Sledge’ and her mother, singer and actress, Florez Sledge. In addition to numerous performances for the congregation at their local church, Kathy’s elementary school years were spent performing in clubs and at local talent shows. With rising popularity in the Philadelphia area, work around town was that the “Sledge Sisters” was the ‘act to see’. A talent promoter contacted them to perform at a local cabaret and the rest, as they say, is truly amazing history.
Sister Sledge
Kathy and her sisters signed their first record deal with Atco Records, resulting in their very first No. 1 record in the UK ‘Mama Never Told Me’. They went on to record their second international hit record ‘Love, Don’t You Go Through No Changes on Me’ which landed at No. 1 on the Japanese charts. Following this, Kathy and her sisters won the prestigious and highly sought after Silver Award at the Tokyo Music Festival. After meeting Kathy and her sisters, hit song writers Neil Rodgers and Bernard Edwards wrote and produced ‘We are Family’ reflecting their real life family. The song and the album went on to reach No. 1 position on every imaginable chart all over the universe and also earned a Grammy nomination. That album also spawned two additional hit songs, ‘Lost in Music’ and ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’. It’s also interesting to note that Kathy recorded the lead vocals to ‘We Are Family’ in just one take. Sister Sledge went on to record double platinum success on several albums. Kathy’s life would never be the same.
Solo Project
Kathy recorded and released her very first solo album on Epic Records, Heart, which contained the No. 1 dance record ‘Take Me Back to Love Again’. Thereafter, she recorded one of her all time favorite songs, ‘Another Star’. Originally recorded by Stevie Wonder, Kathy’s version went on to become the No. 1 club anthem in all of Europe, including a stint at the No. 1 position on the pop charts in Italy. Subsequently, Kathy teamed with Robert Miles and recorded the top 20 pop and dance hit ‘Freedom.’ The start of the millennium was a monumental time for Kathy and her sisters. In addition to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, Sister Sledge was voted by VH1 as one of the most successful girl groups of all time, second only to the Supremes. ‘We Are Family’ was voted the No. 2 biggest record of all time.
Present
Today Kathy finds herself as busy as ever. Over the years, in addition to all of the records and performances she starred in the hit musical ‘Oh What a Night’ to standing room only crowds throughout Australia and the national gospel plays, ’What Men don’t Tell’ and "Loving Him Is Killing Me." Her amazing ten piece ‘live band’ show consists of some of the most talented musicians ever to ‘grace’ the stage. Dance icon, Kathy Sledge, is ubiquitous and loved in the dance community. As lead singer of Sister Sledge, Kathy sang on popular songs including “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” “Got to Love Somebody,” “All American Girls,” “My Guy,” and “B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Baby).” And of course, her signature performance of ‘We Are Family’! Sister Sledge’s appearances include Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater in New York City, as well as performances throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. The group has sold millions of records worldwide. Nile Rodgers puts it best; “Kathy has one of the most original and unique voices in pop music. Always has and always will!”
Kathy currently tours her one woman show, “The Brighter Side of Day,” based on the music of Billie Holiday. With more than 100 awards and commendations for their superb work in the entertainment field, Sister Sledge has become established as one of the world’s most successful female groups. In recognition of her outstanding musical achievements Kathy Sledge received the Honorary Doctorate from the Metropolitan College of New York Doctor of Humane Letters. She has become Honorary Spokesperson for 1,000 Women for 1,000 Girls mentorship campaign and is now involved with global philanthropic endeavors. Kathy is currently the Goodwill Ambassador for Antigua & Barbuda and sits on the Board of Directors for the We Are Family Foudation. She is the recipient of the Nation Builders Award, given annually by the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures and was presented with a House of Representatives resolution fom the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. Kathy Sledge is featured in the May 2012 issue of Oprah Winfrey's "O" magazine, and is the creator & producer of a new reality show. This entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist continues to prove throughout the world, that we are all indeed “family”.
Kathy Sledge, daughter Kristen Gabrielle (far right) and family cast members of upcoming We Are Family Reality show host this year's Washington DC Cherry Blossom Parade. Along with Katie Couric , Mary Mary and others. Aired Live on the ABC Network! In this photo, left to right, Su Wingate, Raven Wingate, Kathy Sledge and daughter, Kristen Gabrielle.
