As we tour the nation this November, it offers the unique opportunity to delve into the remarkable journey of Kathy Sledge. As lead singer of a truly iconic band spanning 6 decades, Kathy is in her own right a renowned singer, songwriter, author, producer, manager, and Grammy-nominated music icon, whose boundless creativity and passion has garnered praise from critics and a legion of fans all over the globe. Her artistic triumphs include chart-topping hits, platinum albums, and successful ventures into various genres of popular music. With Kathy’s signature vocal, Sister Sledge has inspired millions of listeners across many generations.

Early in her career, Kathy was often called the female counterpart to Michael Jackson, since both came of age on stage as the youngest siblings and lead vocalists in a family group. Fuelled by a prodigious musical talent, Kathy’s journey began in Philadelphia, the youngest of five daughters born to Edwin and Florez Sledge. Her grandmother was an opera singer who taught her harmonies while her father was one-half of Fred & Sledge, the tapping duo who broke racial barriers on Broadway. “I learned the appreciation and the art of music through my mother, father, and my grandmother,” says Kathy. She and her sisters honed their act around Philadelphia and signed a contract with Atco Records. At the tender age of 13, Kathy’s lead vocals on “Mama Never Told Me” (1973) furnished the group’s first international hit record in the U.K. Their follow-up “Love Don’t You Go Through No Changes On Me” scored them major hits everywhere from the U.K. to Japan, plus a coveted Silver Award at the Tokyo Music Festival. At 14 years old, Kathy and her sisters were invited to perform at Zaire 74, a three-day music festival that promoted the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. “To this day, that was one of the most powerful and impactful experiences I’ve had,” she remembers fondly.

However, it was the collaboration with ground-breaking producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards (the CHIC Organization) that revolutionized Sister Sledge’s career. The release of their #1 album “We Are Family” (1979) catapulted them to international stardom, earning critical acclaim from the rock press. Rolling Stone’s Stephen Holden wrote, “‘We Are Family,’ beautifully sung by Kathy Sledge, is a near perfect fusion of gospel fire and disco cool.” Iconic producer Nile Rodgers says it best: “Kathy has one of the most original and unique voices in pop music. Always has and always will!” While Kathy Sledge has tapped into the power of her voice, she consistently sets new standards of excellence. To this day, Sister Sledge remains one of popular music’s defining vocal acts, Billboard recently named the group’s original recording of “We Are Family” one of the “Top 20 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time” (2017).

Now, Sister Sledge is ready to bring their magic to the stage once again with the “Sister Sledge Live” UK tour featuring Kathy Sledge. Audiences can expect an electrifying fusion of soulful harmonies, captivating performances, and a celebration of Sister Sledge’s phenomenal musical journey. Supported by some amazingly talented musicians and performers, this theatrical experience promises to be an original testament to the enduring legacy of Sister Sledge and an opportunity for fans to create lasting memories with Kathy.