Kathy Sledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathy Sledge
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Sledge in 2015
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| Born | January 6, 1959 |
| Other names | Kathie Sledge |
| Education | Temple University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1971–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Philip Lightfoot
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels |
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Kathy Sledge (born on January 6, 1959) is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. She is famous for being the youngest founding member of Sister Sledge. This was a popular music group made up of her sisters, which started in 1971.
As part of Sister Sledge, Kathy sang lead vocals on their biggest songs. These included "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family". The song "We Are Family" was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 1980. After finding success with Sister Sledge from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Kathy started her solo music career in 1989. She has had several hit songs on international music charts. One of her songs, "Take Me Back to Love Again", reached number one in 1992.
Contents
About Kathy Sledge: Early Life and Education
Kathy Sledge was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child of Edwin and Florez Sledge. Her father, Edwin, was a Broadway dancer. Her mother, Florez, was also a talented singer. Kathy has four older sisters: Norma Carol, Debra, Joan, and Kim. Her grandmother, Viola Williams, was an opera singer.
Kathy went to Olney High School and graduated in 1977. After high school, she continued her studies at Temple University. There, she focused on helping people with disabilities enjoy recreational activities.
Kathy Sledge's Music Career
Starting with Sister Sledge
Kathy and her sisters formed the group Sister Sledge in 1971. Kathy was the lead singer on their two biggest hits. These songs, "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family", were released in 1979. Both songs became very popular in the United States.
Solo Music Journey
In 1989, Kathy Sledge decided to start her own solo career. She released her first solo album, Heart, in 1992. This album reached number 86 on the R&B music charts. Two songs from the album, "Take Me Back to Love Again" and "All of My Love", also became popular.
Kathy has worked with other artists on dance and pop music. In 1997, she sang on the song "Freedom" with producer Robert Miles. In 2001, she was featured on the song "Rising" for King Britt's project, Sylk 130.
In 2011, Kathy released "Give Yourself Up" with Adam Barta. This song reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Club Play Chart. In 2013, she received an "Outstanding Contribution to Music" award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza. She also performed a new version of "We Are Family" with a group called the Aristofreeks. She released several remixes of this song with them. Kathy also had another hit with the Aristofreeks, "Keep It Moving", which reached number 2 on the US Dance chart in 2014.
Kathy Sledge's Family Life
Kathy Sledge married musician Philip Lightfoot in 1981. They have two children together: Kristen, born in 1983, and Phillip Jr., born in 1985. Kathy has shared that while families sometimes have disagreements, there is always a strong love between her and her sisters.
Music Releases
Solo Albums
Kathy Sledge released one solo album:
- Heart (1992)
Solo Singles
Some of Kathy Sledge's notable solo songs include:
- "Take Me Back To Love Again" (1992)
- "Heart" (1992)
- "All of My Love" (1992)
- "Another Star" (1995)
- "Freedom" (1997) – with Robert Miles
- "Rising" (2001) – with Sylk 130
- "Give Yourself Up (To the Music)" (2011) – with Adam Barta
- "Keep It Movin" (2014) – with Aristofreeks
- "We Are Family" (2014) – with Aristofreeks
- "Get On Up" (2015) – with Aristofreeks
- "Falling Deep in Love" (2019) – with Horse Meat Disco
- "Jump into the Light" (2020) – with Horse Meat Disco
TV and Film Appearances
Kathy Sledge has appeared on several TV shows and in films, often as herself.
- Soul Train (1975, 1977, 1982, 1983, 1992) – She appeared in five episodes.
- American Bandstand (1979)
- Fridays (1982)
- The Jeffersons (1984) – She played a character named Kathy Satin.
- It's Showtime at the Apollo (1992)
- 100 Greatest Dance Songs of Rock & Roll (2000)
- Soul Power (2008) – She appeared with Sister Sledge in concert footage from 1974.
More Information
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
See also
In Spanish: Kathy Sledge para niños
