Kathy Sledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathy Sledge
|
|
|---|---|
Sledge in 2015
|
|
| Born | January 6, 1959 |
| Other names | Kathie Sledge |
| Education | Temple University |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1971–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Philip Lightfoot
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels |
|
Kathy Sledge (born January 6, 1959) is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. She is most famous as the youngest founding member of Sister Sledge. This American singing group was formed in 1971 with her sisters. As part of Sister Sledge, Kathy sang lead on their biggest songs, "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family". The song "We Are Family" was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 1980!
After becoming very successful with Sister Sledge from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Kathy started her own solo music career in 1989. She has had several popular songs on international pop and dance music charts. One of her songs, "Take Me Back to Love Again", reached number one on the dance chart in 1992.
Contents
About Kathy Sledge
Early Life and School Days
Kathy Sledge was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child of Edwin and Florez Sledge. Her father, Edwin, was a Broadway star who performed in a dance duo called 'Fred and Sledge'. 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, so music clearly runs in the family!
Kathy went to Olney High School and graduated in 1977. After high school, she continued her education at Temple University. There, she studied how to create fun activities for people with disabilities.
Her Music Career
Kathy and her sisters formed the group Sister Sledge in 1971. Kathy sang the main vocals on two of their biggest hits, "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family", both released in 1979. These songs became very popular in the United States.
In 1989, Kathy decided to start her own solo career. In 1992, she released her solo album called Heart. This album included the singles "Take Me Back to Love Again" and "All of My Love". She also worked with other artists, like dance producer Robert Miles on the song "Freedom" in 1997.
Later, in 2011, Kathy released a song called "Give Yourself Up" with Adam Barta. This song made it into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Club Play Chart. In 2013, Kathy received an "Outstanding Contribution to Music" award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza. She even performed a new remix of "We Are Family" there! She also released a song called "Keep It Moving" with a group called Aristofreeks in 2014, which reached number two on the US Dance chart.
Kathy's Family Life
Kathy Sledge has been married to musician Philip Lightfoot since 1981. They have two children together, a daughter named Kristen (born in 1983) and a son named Phillip Jr. (born in 1985). Kathy has shared that even though families can have disagreements, there is always a strong love between her and her sisters. She says, "all families butt heads and while we fight, we still love each other."
Her Music and TV Appearances
Kathy Sledge has released several albums and many singles throughout her solo career. She has also been featured on songs by other artists.
Besides her music, Kathy has appeared on various television shows. She was on popular music shows like Soul Train and American Bandstand. She also appeared in a few TV specials and documentaries about music history.
See also
In Spanish: Kathy Sledge para niños
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
