“We Are Family” is an iconic and classic song known by almost everyone. It’s used in movies and ringtones; you could even find yourself humming the chorus from time to time. A member of the group who sang this song, Joni Sledge, recently died at the age of 60, which has caused an upset in the nation.

Sledge passed away in her apartment in Phoenix from causes not yet known on March 10. Her family mourns the untimely loss of their singing companion, daughter, and sister.

Joni was a member of Sister Sledge, a music band created between her and her 3 other sisters, Debbie, Kim, and Kathy Sledge, in 1971 in Philadelphia, their hometown.  After the first few years of creating the band, the sisters were frustrated that they were not acknowledged by either music companies or the public. After teaming with the Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers from the hit group Chic, they released an album “We Are family.”  The title song “We Are Family” became an instant hit and is remembered to this day as a classic. The infectious title track became a symbol of women empowerment as well. It was even nominated for a Grammy. Other dance songs we released by the Sisters, such as “He’s the greatest dancer,”  “Lost In Music,” “Thinking Of You,”  etc.

Students from WHHS are upset about the death as well. “I always sang ‘We Are Family’ with my little sister whenever we watched the movie ‘Despicable Me’ or played freeze dance together. Joni Sledge did die, but her song will always be a legacy,” said sophomore Angelica Papadatos. “I knew her and the band she was [part of because my dad always likes to play the songs created by them. It’s sad to know that she died, especially because it was unexpected,” said Victoria Di Donato, Sophomore.

Sledge will be remembered by her family as a vibrant woman who never stopped dancing and singing. The family will hold a private funeral for her.