Joni Sledge

Joan Elise Sledge (September 13, 1956 – March 10, 2017[1]), better known as Joni Sledge, was an American singer–songwriter and producer. Sledge was best known as a founding member of the American family vocal group Sister Sledge.[2][3] Sledge performed the song "Then Came You" with the Spinners on the television music show The Midnight Special in 1975.[4]

In addition to singing, Sledge was also a songwriter and producer. She wrote and produced the song "Brother, Brother Stop" for a Sister Sledge greatest hits album in 1996. Sledge's production of their album African Eyes which was released in 1997 was nominated for a best–production Grammy.

Sledge was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She studied at Temple University. She had one son Thaddeus Sledge.

Sledge was found dead by a friend at her home on March 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 60.[5] Her death was originally considered due to unknown circumstances as she didn't have any known illnesses, according to close family sources.[6] On March 14, 2017, Sledge's cause of death was ruled "natural causes".[7]

References

  1. Ebony – Joni Sledge, Joni Sledge, Founding Member of Sister Sledge, Has Died – March 11, 2017
  2. "Sister Sledge singer Joni dies at 60". BBC News Online. BBC. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  3. "Joni Sledge obituary". Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  4. The Spinners & Joni Sledge (Then Came You) 1975
  5. Adam Sweeting (March 12, 2017). "Joni Sledge obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  6. Fox2 — Joni Sledge of Musical Group Sister Sledge dies at 60 — March 11, 2017
  7. "Sister Sledge singer Joni dies at 60". BBC News. March 12, 2017.