Kathy Sledge, the iconic voice behind Sister Sledge's global anthem We Are Family, is preparing for a highly anticipated London concert. At 67, she reflects on the challenges of growing up in a famous musical family and the legal wrangles that tested their bonds.
Legal Battles and Family Bonds
Formed in the early 1970s when Kathy was just 11, Sister Sledge became one of the most successful female acts, selling millions of records. However, success brought years of legal disputes over the Sister Sledge name and brand. Kathy explains: "It was very challenging. We were the family that brought the world together through a song, at the risk of almost losing our own bond. But we didn't lose it. There were growing pains."
She clarifies: "I was never fighting my sisters. I was fighting for my right to sing. Our song is We Are Family, so people expected us to be perfect. The truth is we were a real family with real challenges."
London Concert at Koko
Kathy will perform a special one-off concert at London's iconic Koko (formerly Camden Palace) on Friday night. The set includes hits like He's The Greatest Dancer, Lost in Music, Thinking of You, and We Are Family. She says: "I'm so excited. Koko is an incredible venue. It's intimate, and I can connect with people personally."
Joined by backing singers and dancers, Kathy emphasises: "What matters most is delivering these songs authentically. The show celebrates everything Sister Sledge brought to the world. We helped pioneer choreography, energy, and empowerment that influenced TLC, Destiny's Child, and the Spice Girls."
Early Life and Challenges
Born in Philadelphia, Kathy grew up with sisters Carol, Debbie, Joni, and Kim, raised by their mother Florez. Their grandmother was an opera singer. Kathy recalls facing racial discrimination as one of the first black families in a white neighbourhood: "There were cross burnings. We had police protection walking to school. That became part of our story and why we became so close."
Recording with Nile Rodgers
After two early albums, Sister Sledge worked with Chic founders Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. The result was the album We Are Family, with four hit singles. Kathy remembers: "Nile and Bernard fed me lyrics one line at a time. They wanted spontaneity. He's The Greatest Dancer and all the songs were recorded that way."
Friendship with Michael Jackson
The group toured with The Jacksons, and Kathy befriended Michael Jackson. She recalls: "I loved his pure heart. At 17, I was buying dishes at truck stops for my first apartment. Michael found it hilarious and asked why I wanted independence, as he never experienced it."
Solo Career and Legal Disputes
In 1985, Sister Sledge had their first UK number one with Frankie. When Kathy pursued a solo project, her sisters removed her from the group, leading to years of litigation over her right to reference Sister Sledge. She says: "Did it strengthen me? Absolutely. I learned to keep my eye on the prize."
Current Projects and Future
Today, Kathy and sister Kim share rights to the Sister Sledge brand, while Debbie performs with her family as Sledgendary. Kathy is meeting production companies for a film adaptation of her autobiography Memoir of a Little Sister. She says: "Kim is my neighbour; we grab coffee. Family is bigger than any stage."
Her London concert on June 5 is her focus. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
