Joni Sledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joni Sledge
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Sledge c. 1979
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| Born |
Joan Elise Sledge
September 13, 1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | March 10, 2017 (aged 60) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
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| Resting place | Ivy Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | Temple University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1971–2017 |
| Spouse(s) |
Thaddeus E. Whyte III
(m. 1992; div. 2000) |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | |
Joni Sledge (born Joan Elise Sledge on September 13, 1956 – died March 10, 2017) was an American singer. She was a founding member of the famous family singing group called Sister Sledge. This group was well-known for their hit songs from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. Their most famous songs include "We Are Family" and "He's the Greatest Dancer" from 1979.
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Joni Sledge's Early Life
Joni Sledge was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the third of five daughters in her family. Her father, Edwin Sledge, was a tap dancer. Her mother, Florez Williams, was an actress. Joni was known for being a warm and outgoing person.
She went to Olney High School and finished in 1974. Later, she studied communications at Temple University. While at college, she also started acting in school plays. During her second year at Temple, she directed her first play, "Wild Flower." At one point in her life, Joni lived in Paris, France, and studied at Sorbonne University.
Music Career and Achievements
Besides singing, Joni Sledge was also a talented songwriter and producer. She wrote and produced the song "Brother, Brother Stop." This song was featured on a Sister Sledge greatest hits album in 1996.
Joni also produced the group's album African Eyes. This album was released in 1997. Her work on this album was so good that it was nominated for a Grammy Award. A Grammy is a very important award in the music industry.
Family and Passing
Joni Sledge had one son named Thaddeus Everett Whyte IV. She was married to Thaddeus E. Whyte III from 1992 to 2000.
Joni Sledge passed away at the age of 60. She was found at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 11, 2017. Her family said she had no known illnesses. Later, on March 14, 2017, it was announced that her death was due to natural causes.
TV Shows and Movies
Joni Sledge appeared in several TV shows and movies. She often played herself, performing with Sister Sledge.
- 1975: Soul Train — Herself (She appeared in 4 episodes, including in 1977, 1982, and 1983)
- 1975: The Midnight Special — She was a guest singer with Spinners. They performed their hit song "Then Came You."
- 1979: American Bandstand — Herself (She appeared in 3 episodes, including in 1980 and 1981)
- 1980: The John Davidson Show — Herself (1 episode)
- 1981: Kids Are People, Too — Herself (1 episode)
- 1982: Fridays — Herself (1 episode)
- 1984: The Jeffersons — She played a character named Joni Satin. (This was in Season 10, Episode 16, called "My Guy, George.")
- 2000: 100 Greatest Dance Songs of Rock & Roll — Herself
- 2006: Archive Footage:Be My Baby: The Girl Group Story — Herself (Her appearance was not credited)
- 2008: Soul Power — Herself (with Sister Sledge). This movie showed a concert from 1974. It was part of "The Rumble in the Jungle" event in Zaire.
