Faith, Love and Legacy: How The Legendary Sister Sledge Will Forever Keep It All In The Family

By: Ann Marie Collymore

If there’s one song known internationally from the drop of the first note, I think many would agree that “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge fits the bill. The iconic track is an incomparable classic from their third studio album of the same name. The unification and joy the song brings to people worldwide are noteworthy. It’s the type of music indescribably etched into celebratory or cultural moments evoking memories. It’s a renowned song and will continue to be for many more years. I remember the constant clicking and playback from playing out my 8-track non-stop when I first got my hands on the album. Do you remember the first time you heard “We Are Family,” “Thinking Of You” or “Easy To Love”? I do, and it has remained with me ever since.

In 1979, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards brought the magic with their production, and Sister Sledge—comprising sisters Kathy, Debbie, Kim, and Joni—brought the adhesive and vocals. Together, they created a chart-topping and Grammy-nominated album of R&B hits. Fast forward to the present day, and many albums later, Sister Sledge is still creating, performing and sharing the same message they imparted when they appeared on the scene; it’s all about strength, female empowerment, community and love.

Speaking with Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary, the warmth and togetherness of the group were apparent. The combination of the family last name with the legendary moniker compliments each other wonderfully. Now comprising of original group member Debbie Sledge, alongside her family members Camille Sledge, David Sledge, Thaddeus Sledge and vocalist Tanya Ti-et, it’s all love. But what’s in a name? Where did Sledgendary come from? Well, everyone has their take, especially Camille Sledge and Thaddeus Sledge.

“Sledgendary, is a name that speaks of the second generation of Sister Sledge. We are all family here. We’re also a very, very close family, even with our band. It’s one of the original bands that we’ve had. They’ve been with us for many years, and we’ve pretty much become family. Also, Sledgeandary, as you said, we’re remembering the original group, Sister Sledge. So, we’re just carrying that over with the second generation and they are legendary,” says Debbie Sledge with a broad smile.

Camille Sledge and Thaddeus Sledge agreed but also begged to differ—jokingly of course—about the origin of the name and who created it. With their playful banter, they explained how the emphasis on ‘gen’ in the word legendary in their logo, represents the new generation of Sister Sledge. It’s fitting because even with the different iterations of the group and the trials and tribulations over the years (Joni Sledge’s passing and the suing of Kathy Sledge, which is all in the past), it’s impressive that they have still managed to keep it all in the family through generations.

Debbie shared that the secret to their success lies in the family holding down their legacy and genuine love for each other and for those who paved the way. “Love. Love is the key. And respect. There’s respect and love, and we’re going to continue that. I hope that they’re learning that, and I think they are,” Debbie Sledge says, referring to the next generation in the group. “There’s also such a thing as honour. It’s something you don’t hear very much. So we honour the set of artists who taught us so much. They stand out, they’ve given so much to all of us.”

As a tight-knit unit, there are many correlations to aspects of their relationship. Another that is apparent is mentorship. Through mentorship, valuable lessons are learned while being educated about the craft’s idiosyncrasies. It also comes with the weight of continuing to pass down what has become the family heirloom—the group itself. Camille noted how her aunts and mom have mentored her and impacted her life. She continues to bestow the same knowledge on her daughter and shares it with the synergy she knows best.

“It’s been a huge influence on my daughter,” says Camille Sledge. “I’m really proud that my mom and aunts always gave us a strong sense of empowerment with our walk with God, our spiritual walk, family life, and business life. I think a woman can do anything, and I’m really proud that I saw that growing up and embody it in my work.”

Even though the additional vocalist, Tanya Ti-et, sat quietly and comfortably in the background, she also shared her perspective and privilege on standing in this Sledgendary light. “I usually save my power for the stage, not that I am not powerful in life,” says Ti-et. “I also come from a family that didn’t have a whole lot of men. So as women in our family, we kind of empowered ourselves and just kept going. That’s how I’ve learned to walk through life. I know I’m going to be okay.”

“Music kind of helps with that as well. I convey that every time I step on a stage. I’m little and a little quiet when I move through life, but when I step on that stage, you better believe I own it! (Laughs) I want somebody else to feel that with love. It’s more of a ‘That’s right, I’m going to stand in this gift that I’ve been given and blessed with.’”

Sitting back and watching the group interact with each other made me feel like a part of the gang. I felt like a girlfriend sitting at the dinner table learning, laughing and communing, taking in the energy. It was inviting, boisterous and joyful. We cackled while discussing their favourite Caribbean destination, but somehow ended up salivating over jerk chicken and Trinidadian cuisine. But we also talked about the importance of legacy and how authenticity, love and unity will help them continue to move forward in music alongside fans, projecting the inner workings of their family unit.

“It’s real and it’s authentic. Authentic family doesn’t necessarily have to be blood family either. A lot of people create their own family. Many are adopted into family, by love or by God, people are brought together,” says Ti-et.

“Of course, mostly by love, and music unites people, too. I always think that’s really important because many people may not have a loving family, but they’ve got a village—they’ve got a community and friends that come together and make sure that they are embraced. That’s something that the legacy of Sister Sledge has always carried on. Nothing is perfect. Family is certainly not perfect and this world is certainly not perfect. But love is perfect. And love ties everything together. So you can always share that and that’s always going to help unify.”

About Ann Marie Collymore

Montreal-born Ann Marie “amc” Collymore is a veteran independent writer, blogger and copywriter with more than 20 years of experience writing for various print and online publications in Canada and the U.S. Her work has been featured on Centric TV/VH1 Networks, Toronto Life, Bustle.com, Revolt.tv and ByBlacks.com to name a few. amc was the host of a popular radio show/podcast with DJ Sean Sax called The Rhythm with AMC, which was syndicated on four American stations and one Canadian station. Always a creative at heart, you’re bound to