Kathy Sledge on disco, discovery and being true to yourself
‘When your passion meets your purpose, you’re aligned with destiny’
Singer Kathy Sledge joined us ahead of her December 2025 Royal Festival Hall appearance, to look back at her life in music and reflect on the power of disco to break down divisions.
Kathy Sledge’s musical journey began whilst still a teenager, singing with her sisters in a fun pastime that would soon become a profession, as they began performing as the group Sister Sledge. In this interview Sledge looks back at her earliest years, and the rapid musical rise that would see her experience international success whilst still at school.
She also reflects on the uplifting power of disco, not only in its spontaneous sound and upbeat tempo, but also in how it broke down boundaries, merging the previously separate worlds of Black R&B, and White pop music.
Sledge goes on to share her pride at her musical legacy, of its power to unite and bring people together, and of having maintained her commitment to women’s rights and Black rights throughout her musical journey. Something she is keen to impart on young musicians, encouraging the next generation of aspiring stars to be true to themselves, and their music.
‘What is so timeless about disco is the feeling that you get of feeling uplifted, and the messages in those disco hits are not only uplifting but they’re powerful’
Kathy Sledge
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