Sister Sledge Singer, Joni Sledge, has died age 60

Joni Sledge was disco royalty that helped transition disco into what is considered dance music. Sadly, this musical pioneer has passed away aged 60.

The daughter of Broadway tap dancer, Edwin Sledge and actress Florez Sledge, Joni was the second oldest of the four sisters. She was trained as a opera singer by her grandmother and would regularly sing at the family’s church.

In 1971, Joni and her sisters Debbi, Kim, and Kathy formed the group Sister Sledge.  They were just another struggling band until they were paired with producers Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. It was after this meeting that the magic happened.  In 1979 the released what is considered the bridge between disco and dance music the iconic track We Are Family.

The track soared to the top of the charts and made Sister Sledge a household name.  The band never did have another massive track like We Are Family but they continued to have a fantastic career.  Kathy left the group in 1989, but the remaining sisters kept going and made a massive success in the UK.  They were still performing as of last year.

There is yet no cause of death for Joni but the music community is in mourning for the loss of this amazing talent.

Where you a big fan of Sister Sledge?  What was your favourite song?