Kathy Sledge Press Kit

Web Sites
Website: www.kathysledge.com
Website: http: www.brightersideofday.com
Social Media Outlets
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kathy-Sledge/134363149719
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KathySledge
Contact Info
Theo London, Management Team
Email: [email protected]
Kathy Sledge is a Renaissance woman — a singer, songwriter, author, producer, manager, and Grammy-nominated music icon whose boundless creativity
and passion has garnered praise from critics and a legion of fans from all over the world. Her artistic triumphs encompass chart-topping hits, platinum
albums, and successful forays into several genres of popular music. Through her multi-faceted solo career and her legacy as an original vocalist in the group
Sister Sledge, which included her lead vocals on worldwide anthems like "We Are Family" and "He's the Greatest Dancer," she's inspired millions of listeners
across all generations. Kathy is currently traversing new terrain with her critically acclaimed show The Brighter Side of Day: A Tribute to Billie Holiday plus
studio projects that span elements of R&B, rock, and EDM. Indeed, Kathy's reached a fascinating juncture in her journey.
That journey began in Philadelphia. The youngest of five daughters born to Edwin and Florez Sledge, Kathy possessed a prodigious musical talent. Her
grandmother was an opera singer who taught her harmonies while her father was one-half of Fred & Sledge, the tapping duo who broke racial barriers on
Broadway. "I learned the art of music from my father and my grandmother. The business part of music was instilled through my mother," she says. Schooled
on an eclectic array of artists like Nancy Wilson and Mongo Santamaría, Kathy and her sisters honed their act around Philadelphia and signed a recording
contract with Atco Records. Featuring leads by Kathy, "Mama Never Told Me" (1973) and "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes On Me" (1974) scored
the group major hits everywhere from the U.K. to Japan, plus the Silver Award at the Tokyo Music Festival. At 15 years-old, Kathy was invited to perform with
her sisters at the historic Zaire 74 concert conceived by Hugh Masekela.
However, groundbreaking producers Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards (the CHIC Organization) completely revamped the group's image. "Nile and Bernard
stylized us," says Kathy. "They saw that these girls can be hot so let's give them some hot, sexy tracks." The #1 We Are Family (1979) album went platinum
and earned plaudits from the rock press. "'We Are Family,' beautifully sung by Kathy Sledge, is a near perfect fusion of gospel fire and disco cool," wrote
Stephen Holden in Rolling Stone. The song's sentiment also stuck a personal chord with Kathy, who recorded her vocals in one take. "To me, that song is
obviously something that my sisters and I were exuding that we didn't even know we had." Gracing magazine covers and appearing on the era's most popular
music programs like Soul Train, American Bandstand, and Solid Gold, Kathy and her sisters continued working with top producers like George Duke and
Narada Michael Walden. She adds, "I knew I was in the presence of geniuses when working with George Duke and Narada. George was one of the kindest
people you'd ever meet. Narada would pull me aside and give me wisdom that I've applied to things I do in my life.“
After vetting offers from industry impresarios like Clive Davis and Terry Lewis, Kathy Sledge debuted her first solo project Heart (1992) on Epic Records. "I felt
like it was a long time coming," she says. "Heart is my baby. People tell me that they think it's one of the strongest albums they've ever heard." The number
one club hit "Take Me Back to Love Again" was just one of many musical flavors on the album, which also included a few of Kathy's original compositions.
"The soft and sophisticated urban tone of the Heart album does work quite well," enthused Billboard. Though Kathy enjoyed singing with her sisters, the time
as the four original sisters in the group has run its course. She explains, "I learned that our real story isn't 'We Are Family' … it's 'Lost In Music. 'We really did
get lost in music. The music business got in the way of family. How a family works together does not define their love for each other."
In the years since her cover of Stevie Wonder's "Another Star" (1995), as well as several other single releases, Kathy Sledge has only expanded creatively as a solo artist, a
process that O Magazine asked her to explore in her contribution to the magazine's feature article, "Better Than Ever“ (2012).
One of her most highly lauded endeavors is The Brighter Side of Day: A Tribute to Billie Holiday, a show she premiered in 2010 that celebrates the musical legacy of
Billie Holiday. Long before the recent resurgence of the late jazz singer's music on Broadway, Kathy had sought to honor Lady Day, whose songs she'd been singing
onstage since she was 16 years-old. "I just felt like her story's not over yet," says Kathy. "In Brighter Side of Day, we get to see her at her best. We're not changing history,
we're just bringing out a different part. I just take you to the music." Kathy's tribute has been hailed as "a spine-tingling musical journey of an American icon" (NBC 10) and
has also gathered momentum through rave word-of-mouth reviews. "It excites me because people leave feeling lifted," she says."They're loving Billie. She persevered
through everything." Currently, Kathy's preparing Brighter Side of Day for a special presentation at Buckingham Palace in December 2014. Legendary jazz artist Stanley
Clarke will also co-produce a companion album for the show and has invited some of his jazz icon colleagues to be featured in the project, which includes Kathy's selfpenned "Take Away Two" and "Brighter Side of Day.“
Of course, Kathy Sledge is also inspired by a new generation's discovery of the classic hits that bear her signature voice, a phenomenon exemplified by Will Smith's charttopping sample of "He's the Greatest Dancer" on "Gettin' Jiggy With It" (1998) and her collaboration with Aristofreeks on the EDM-powered remake of "We Are Family"
(2013). In tandem with the latter effort, she received the "Outstanding Contribution Award" at the 2013 Ibiza DJ Awards. Re-teaming with Aristofreeks, she co-wrote the
infectious "Keep It Movin'" for the club and EDM festival circuit. "Dance music is more about capturing a feeling," she explains. "I feel like if we're going to be out there
dancing, let's really put a message in the song." While recording in Ibiza, Kathy also co-wrote "Everybody Get On Up" for Next Step, a trio that features original CHIC
vocalists Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, and Norma Jean Wright. "I wanted to write something in honor of Bernard Edwards, something that's staccato," says Kathy, who also
sings on the track. "Then I added harmonies and scatting. People hear it and they go, 'That's a hot song!' I'm proud of that." The release of "Keep It Movin'" and
"Everybody Get On Up" inaugurates Kathy's relationship with her new label home, Pacific Electronic Music (PEM).
Beyond posh Ibiza clubs and her regional tour of The Brighter Side of Day, Kathy has partnered with talented songwriters and producers in both rock and urban milieus.
Written and produced by Grammy-winning duo Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias (Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Justin Timberlake), "A Little A Lot" finds Kathy in a
contemporary R&B mode. "I like to call 'A Little A Lot' the song that brought me back to the reality of the fact that my voice was missed," says Kathy, who released
the single on iTunes earlier in 2014. Her appearance at the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in April 2014 generated her forthcoming project with Carmine Appice on an
updated version of "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy," the #1 song he co-wrote with Rod Stewart. "It was exciting because I love that song and it was the first time I'd ever sung
rock," says Kathy. "I learned that I have a rock voice. Carmine said, 'I want to record you singing 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy.' The company loves the idea so we're going to
record it!
"In both music and her other creative pursuits, Kathy Sledge is setting new standards of excellence in her career. "Music is my passion," she declares. "It's what I love to
do." While sitting on the Board of Directors for Nile Rodgers' We Are Family Foundation and serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, Kathy's also
finishing up her first book No, Means Next. "It's really another way of me explaining what I'm going through in my life," she says. "It's not just a manual of how to make it in
the industry but my own personal advice." Just like Tina Turner before her, Kathy is hardly slowing down in this next chapter of her career. "Tina's my idol," she says. "If
she could do it at 50, so can I."Tina Turner might have hung up her dancing shoes, but they're a perfect fit for Kathy Sledge.
SOLO PROJECTS
Keep It Movin -Aristofreeks Feat. Kathy Sledge
Pacific Electronic Music
2014
Give Yourself Up-Adam Barta
Featuring Kathy Sledge (CD, Single)
Global Groove Ent.
2011
King Brit Presents SYLK 130
Featuring Kathy Sledge
Six Degrees Records
2001
Freedom Robert Miles Featuring Kathy Sledge
DBX (Italy)
1997
Another Star (Maxi)
Narcotic Records
1995
Another Day (Maxi)
Narcotic Records
1995
Good Times (12")
Narcotic Records
1995
Heart
Epic
1992
Take Me Back to Love (Maxi Single)
Epic
1992
All of My Love (CD, Single)
Epic
1992
SISTER SLEDGE PROJECTS
Sister Sledge Live In Concert
Tring International PLC
1993
When The Boys Meet The Girls
Atlantic
1985
Bet Cha Say That To All The Girls
Cotillion
1983
The Sisters
Cotillion
1982
All American Girls
Cotillion
1981
Love Somebody Today
Cotillion
1980
We Are Family
Cotillion
1979
Together
Cotillion
1977
Circle of Love
ATCO Records
1975
The Brighter Side of Day Promo Video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHtbEgf7MsE
Somewhere in the ethereal heavens, legendary jazz icon Billie Holiday is surely
smiling ever so brightly. Another illustrious vocalist, the acclaimed Kathy Sledge, has
come along and captured all the magic that made Ms. Holiday so unforgettable. It's
as if the two women knew each other personally. Ms. Sledge has effortlessly
brought the effervescent Billie Holiday back to life through the magnetic musical;
The Brighter Side of Day. This musical is a captivating theatrical production that
propels you into the distinct sound of the 40's era. Symphonious horns, driving
rhythms, captivating melodies, and an alluring atmosphere exemplify what we have
to know as simply Billie Holiday. For those who remember these times, you will find
your experience hauntingly reminiscent. For those born in a different era, you will
be pleasantly surprised how the music of the 40's was so significantly
uplifting....ASTOUNDING! From the onset, this theatrical presentation muses the
spirited musical cadence of that epoch. Ms. Sledge channels Billie Holiday's unique
voice, creating an enchanting experience that makes The Brighter Side of Day one of
the most noteworthy musical celebrations of our time. This Broadway-bound show
takes you on a journey that allows you to experience Billie Holiday in a way never
portrayed before. The Brighter Side of Day introduces you to another side of
Billie Holiday that exposes and highlights her creativity and vivacity, leaving you with
no doubt why she was referred to as "The Lady”
The Brighter Side of Day Music
"Them There Eyes"
https://soundcloud.com/kathysledge/sets/the-brighter-side-of-day/s-0lQIO
"Good Morning Heartache"
https://soundcloud.com/kathysledge/good-morning-heartache?in=kathysledge/sets/the-brighter-side-o
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KATHY SLEDGE STARS IN "THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF DAY: A TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAY” ... AT NEW YORK CITY"S
METROPOLITAN ROOM
Recording legend Kathy Sledge brings her critically acclaimed Billie Holiday tribute
August 19, 2014 -- NEW YORK, NY -- Internationally renowned recording artist Kathy Sledge celebrates the legacy of Billie Holiday in an
intimate one woman show that’s been hailed as “a spine-tingling musical journey of an American icon” (NBC 10). In this riveting theatrical
production, Kathy Sledge sings signature Billie Holiday masterpieces like “Good Morning Heartache” and “Lover Man (Oh Where Can You
Be)” while capturing all of the magic that made Billie utterly unforgettable.
Since the May 2010, Philadelphia premiere of The Brighter Side of Day, Kathy Sledge has immersed audiences in the distinctive sound of the
1940s, an era synonymous with melodious horns, driving rhythms, enchanting melodies, and alluring atmosphere. This captivating
experience fully embodies the soul of Billie Holiday's unique voice, making The Brighter Side of Day one of the most noteworthy musical
celebrations of our time. Kathy introduces audiences to another side of Billie Holiday, a side that exposes the late singer’s creativity and
vivacity, leaving no doubt about why she was called “The Lady.” Listeners who experienced the 1940s firsthand as well as those just
discovering the era will both be astounded by how Kathy summons the spirit of Billie in this magnetizing musical revue.
Currently, Kathy Sledge is putting the final touches on The Brighter Side of Day studio album, which includes dynamic songs of the era
featured in the production, like; "Night in Tunisia," “Five Guys Named Moe,” Kathy's beloved renditions of "Them There Eyes" and “God
Bless the Child,” along with original songs penned by Kathy; “Brighter Side of Day” and “Take Away Two.” The CD, which is co-produced by
Phil Lightfoot and legendary jazz artist Stanley Clarke also highlights collaborations with a star line-up of notable guest musicians.
Kathy continues her tour of The Brighter Side of Day at New York City's famed Metropolitan Room on September 6, 2014, 9:30PM show
time. For tickets: http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=166073&cart. Kathy Sledge began her regional tour of The Brighter Side of Day
with 4 sold out performances in Washington, DC at Blues Alley on Friday, August 8th and Saturday, August 9th. The production culminates
in London at Buckingham Palace's "Jazz at the Palace" December 2014. Indeed, Kathy Sledge’s unique voice has illuminated concert halls
around the world for many years. This time she brings something different to the stage ... The Brighter Side of Day.
###
Fall 2014 Kathy Sledge will release a new dance single, "Keep It Movin’" (EDM) as well as a new urban single "A Little A Lot." She is internationally known as
the iconic voice of "We Are Family," penned by hit songwriters Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. A number one hit across the globe, “We Are Family”
secured Kathy's rightful place in music history. In 1992, Kathy Sledge signed with Epic Records as a solo artist. Her first LP Heart featured the singles "Take Me
Back to Love" and the ballad "All of My Love.” The remix of "Take Me Back to Love" shot to #1 on Billboard dance chart. After departing from Epic Records,
Kathy recorded several dance hits on independent and European labels, including a cover of “Another Star” off Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life and the
CD single "Another Day."
A trailblazer in front of and behind the camera, Kathy’s upcoming book No, Means Next will inspire readers and offer keen insight on how to maintain and
sustain a career in the music and entertainment industries. She is also the creator and executive producer of an upcoming reality show about her next
generation.
Philly.com
http://articles.philly.com/2014-10-17/news/55112635_1_bennerstreetlegendary-\locals-fishtown
Star Pulse.com
www.starpulse.com/news/Suzanne_Rothberg/2014/08/25/kathy_slege_celebrates_the_legacy_of_
BroadwayWorld.com
www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Kathy-Sledge-Coming-to Metropolitan-Room-99-20140805
Oprah Magazine
www.oprah.com/spirit/Finding-Youth-Feeling-Young-in-Spirit
SoulTrain.com
www.soultrain.com/2014/08/08/qa-kathy-sledge/
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2014 Linda Creed Shining Star Award
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2012 Honorable Recognition and Mention PA
Press Release: http://www.pahouse.com/pr/191032812.asp
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2011 Good Will Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda
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2011 Nations Builder Award Pennsylvania
Press Release: http://www.pahouse.com/pr/191012612.asp
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2010 Honorary Chairperson for 1000 Women for 1000 Girls Mentorship Campaign
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2009 Honorary Spokesperson Lupus Foundation
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2008 Honored Artist Award- Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund
Honorary Shirley Chisholm Award- NCBW Recognition Award.
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2007 Honorary Artist Award- LIFEBEAT The Music Industry Fights AIDS
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2006 Honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters
Metropolitan College Of New York
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2000 Honored White House Guest Artist of President and Mrs. Clinton Millennium
Christmas Dinner
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1980 Grammy Nominee - The National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences We Are Family
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1975 Tokyo Music Festival, Honored Silver Award Recipient