Kathy Sledge facts: Sister Sledge singer's age, husband, children and career explained

29 December 2024, 20:51

Kathy Sledge emerged as one of soul music's most distinctive voices as the youngest member of Sister Sledge.

Kathy began performing professionally at just 13, lending her powerful soprano to the family group's early recordings. While Sister Sledge would go on to achieve global success with anthems like 'We Are Family', it was Kathy's crystalline vocals that often defined their sound.

Her work with producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic helped establish her as a disco icon, though her versatility extended far beyond that genre.

1. How old is Kathy Sledge?

   Kathy Sledge was born Katherine Sledge on January 6, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which makes her 65 years old as of 2024.

2. Who were Kathy Sledge's parents and siblings?

   

   Kathy Sledge's parents were Edwin Sledge (a tap dancer/performer) and Florez (sometimes spelled Florez) Sledge (an actress and Juilliard graduate). Her siblings who performed with her in Sister Sledge were:

   • Debbie Sledge (born 1954)
   • Joni Sledge (1956-2017)
   • Kim Sledge (born 1957)

   They also had another sister Carol, who was the eldest but wasn't part of Sister Sledge.

   The Sledge family had a strong musical background, with their grandmother Viola Williams being an opera singer who had performed with the Williams Singers.

   Their father Edwin Sledge came from a performing background as well, though he would later work more behind the scenes supporting his daughters' careers.

3. When were Sister Sledge formed?

   

   Sister Sledge - We Are Family (Official Music Video)

   Sister Sledge was formed in 1971 in Philadelphia, when the sisters first began performing together as Sisters Sledge (they later dropped the 's' from Sisters).

   At the time, Kathy was just 12 years old, Joni was 15, Kim was 14, and Debbie was 17.

   They initially performed at church events and local shows around Philadelphia. Their first recorded release was the single 'The Weatherman' in 1973 on the Money Back label.

   The group began building their reputation through the early-to-mid 1970s, but it wasn't until 1979, when they collaborated with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, that they achieved their major breakthrough with the album We Are Family.

   Sister Sledge's biggest hits were:

   'We Are Family' - This was their signature song, reaching #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an anthem of unity. It was released in 1979.

   'He's the Greatest Dancer' - Also from 1979, this reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B charts.

   'Lost in Music' - While this performed modestly in the US, it was a major hit in the UK and has become one of their most enduring songs. It gained even more popularity when it was remixed in 1984.

   'Thinking of You' - Released in 1979, this reached the top 20 in both the US and UK.

   'Frankie' - This became their biggest UK hit, reaching #1 in 1985.

4. What solo music has Kathy Sledge released?

   Kathy Sledge has released several solo recordings since branching out from Sister Sledge.

   'Take Me Back to Love Again' was her first solo single in 1992. Her 1992 solo album Heart featured singles like 'All of My Love' and 'Love Song'. She released several dance singles throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

5. Is Kathy Sledge married and does she have kids?

   

   Kathy Sledge is married to Philip Lightfoot, who she wed in 1981. They have two children:

   • Kristen Lightfoot (born 1981)
   • Philip Lightfoot Jr. (born 1990)

   Her daughter Kristen has followed in her musical footsteps and sometimes performs with her mother.