Joni Sledge has died at age 60.
The second oldest member of Sister Sledge passed away Friday at her home near Scottsdale, Arizona. According to reports, she was found by a friend, but no other details have been made available as yet.
Sister Sledge posted a statement on Facebookon Saturday that said: "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...We miss her and hurt for her presence, her radiance, and the sincerity with which she loved and embraced life."
Sister Sledge was formed in 1971. After limited success, they burst on the scene with two Billboard Top 10 hits in 1979, "He's the Greatest Dancer," which peaked at number-nine, and its follow-up, "We Are Family," which reached number-two and was certified platinum for a million sales. Both songs topped the R&B chart. Although it had two other Top 10 R&B hits, its only other Top 40 pop record was a 1982 cover of the Smokey Robinson-Mary Wells song "My Guy."
Joni's sister Kathy, who sang lead on their hits, left the group for a solo career in 1989. Joni, Debbie and Kim Sledge had worked as a trio ever since. They were occasionally joined by Kathy both live and on recordings. (AZCentral.com)