So far, there is no word on the cause of death. Her publicist said Joni had not been ill, and had been found dead in her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
This was the announcement from that Sister Sledge page on Facebook:
"Important Announcement:
Yesterday, numbness fell upon our family. We are saddened to inform you that our dear sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin, Joni passed away yesterday. Please pray for us as we weep for this loss. We do know that she is now eternally with Our Lord.
We thank you in advance for allowing us the privacy to mourn quietly as a family. We miss her and hurt for her presence, her radiance, and the sincerity with which she loved & embraced life.
We love you; God Bless You all.
The Sledge Family"
Yesterday, numbness fell upon our family. We are saddened to inform you that our dear sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin, Joni passed away yesterday. Please pray for us as we weep for this loss. We do know that she is now eternally with Our Lord.
We thank you in advance for allowing us the privacy to mourn quietly as a family. We miss her and hurt for her presence, her radiance, and the sincerity with which she loved & embraced life.
We love you; God Bless You all.
The Sledge Family"
We Are Family, from 1979, was perhaps their greatest hit, but they were also known for other anthems of the disco era. (Much as it was fashionable to hate disco, I enjoyed a lot of that musical style.)
He's the Greatest Dancer.
From 1980, Got To Love Somebody.
Another loss for the music world.
Great music. Top Joni.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was great.
DeleteDisco was popular during my high school years. And as a girl with three sisters, that song resonated. I was so sad to hear the news yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAs was I. This was music of my 20's.
DeleteI remember this group. They were played routinely in the dance bar I frequented back in Charlottesville.
ReplyDeleteGee, and I never visited a dance bar. Guess I was no fun!
DeleteWow... I honestly have sung both the first (atleast a newer version of it) and third songs many a time but I am ashamed to say I did not know the band name...
ReplyDeleteWe are Family truly was an anthem for more than one generation.
Godyears.net
It was an anthem. It still sticks in my mind.
DeleteOnly 60, sad! That song is played so often at weddings, family reunions, bar mitzvahs, it is just a part of the fabric of celebrations to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, that song shared so many of our family moments. They were family!
DeleteI seem to be constantly shocked by all the losses in the music world. RIP, Joni Sledge.
ReplyDeleteRIP.
DeleteI loved the 'We are family' song very much!
ReplyDeleteLovely music, Alana! Thank you for sharing!
Just wish it would have been under different circumstances.
Delete