Sister Sledge
Sister Sledge is an American vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, primarily composed of sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge. Formed in 1971, they became international icons of the disco era, best known for their anthem of unity, "We Are Family".
The Sledge sisters were born into a family of performers; their father was a Broadway tap dancer and their mother an actress. They received classical vocal training from their grandmother, Viola Williams, who was an opera singer. Before forming Sister Sledge, they performed at local events under the name "Mrs. Williams' Grandchildren". They started singing in local churches, initially performing as "Mrs. Williams' Grandchildren" before becoming Sister Sledge.
In 1979, after two earlier albums, the group achieved major success through a collaboration with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. Their album We Are Family produced significant hits, including "He's the Greatest Dancer" (No. 1 R&B) and the title track "We Are Family" (No. 2 Pop, No. 1 R&B). The song "We Are Family" became the anthem for the 1979 World Series winners, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Other hits from the album included "Lost in Music" and "Thinking of You". Later, they had a UK No. 1 hit in 1985 with "Frankie" and covered Mary Wells' "My Guy" in 1982.
In 1989, Kathy Sledge, who had been a lead vocalist on many early songs, left the group to start a solo career. As a trio, Sister Sledge released the album African Eyes in 1997, which received a Grammy nomination. The group performed for notable figures such as President Bill Clinton and Pope Francis. Joni Sledge passed away in 2017 at the age of 60.
Following Joni's death and Kim's departure from touring, Debbie Sledge continues the group's legacy. The current iteration, sometimes billed as Sister Sledge ft. Sledgendary, includes Debbie's daughter and son, Camille and David Sledge, and Joni's son, Thaddeus. Kathy Sledge also performs globally with her own show. The group remains active in 2025 with scheduled performances.
Circle of Love
Songwriter – Faye Hauser, Patrick Adams 3:30
A2 Cross My Heart
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 3:22
A3 Protect Our Love
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 4:10
A4 Give In To Love
Songwriter – Linda Creed, Thom Bell 4:55
B1 Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 3:24
B2 Don't You Miss Him Now
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 3:15
B3 Pain Reliever
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 3:30
B4 You're Much Better Off Loving Me
Songwriter – Gwen Guthrie, Patrick Grant 3:17
B5 Fireman
Songwriter – Sampson, Guthrie, Grant 3:40
Label: ATCO Records – SD 36-105
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, PR
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Circle Of Love, released in 1975, is the debut studio album by Sister Sledge. Recorded when the sisters were all teenagers—Kathy Sledge was only 15—the album serves as a precursor to their later disco dominance with Chic.
Modern retrospectives generally view the album as a "decent, if uneven" collection of Philly soul. Critics praise the "youthful exuberance" and strong vocal abilities of the sisters, particularly Kathy's lead vocals, which already sounded remarkably mature for her age.
Some reviewers find the production by Tony Silvester and Bert de Coteaux a bit "saccharine" or "old fashioned" compared to the group's later work. It is frequently noted as not being in the same class as their 1979 classic We Are Family.
Key Tracks:
"Love, Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me": Widely considered the album's highlight and "immediate gem," this single reached #31 on the R&B charts and is noted for its wistful vocals.
"Circle Of Love (Caught In The Middle)": The title track is praised for its "reassuring harmonies" and joyous delivery.
"Pain Reliever": Described as a "disco-inclined strut" and a driving dance cut.
"Fireman": Often cited as a fun, giddy, and slightly silly closing track that showcases the group's personable presence.
The 40th Anniversary Special Edition (released by Big Break Records in 2016) is highly recommended by fans for its remastered sound and extensive bonus material, including ten extra tracks like "Mama Never Told Me" and "Cream Of The Crop".