Tributes as Sister Sledge star Joni dies at 60

SISTER Sledge star Joni Sledge has died aged 60.

The singer, who performed on a string of hits including We Are Family and He’s The Greatest Dancer, was found at her home in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday. The cause of death is unknown.

The star, pictured, had been due to perform with sisters Debbie, 62, and Kim, 59, in Los Angeles next weekend and the group planned six UK dates this summer.

A statement on the Sister Sledge Facebook page on Saturday said: ‘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 embraced life.’

British soul singer Beverley Knight tweeted: ‘So sad to hear this. Thank you for the sweet harmony #Joni #SisterSledge xxxx.’

Chic star Nile Rodgers, who co-wrote and co-produced We Are Family, wrote: ‘My heartfelt condolences to your family because they are my family too.’

Joni Sledge was born in Philadelphia in September 1956, the third of five daughters of Edwin Sledge, a tap dancer, and his actress wife Florez. Her eldest sister Carol became a teacher. Joni formed Sister Sledge with Debbie, Kim and youngest sister Kathy, now 58, in 1971.

They had their first UK hit in 1975 with Mama Never Told Me but their big break came in 1979, when they met Rodgers and Bernie Edwards, who wrote and produced their first album.

In 1985 the band had their only British No 1 with Frankie. Kathy left the group in 1989 but three remaining sisters continued to perform and record, singing for Pope Francis in 2015.