We Are Family
Stories from the people on why Sister Sledge's disco hit ‘We Are Family’ is more than just a feelgood dance record. From 2019.
We Are Family written by Nile Rodgers and performed by the Sledge Sisters Kathy, Kim, Debbie and Joni was released in 1978 at the height of disco's popularity.
Kim Sledge says it has become the anthem for diverse groups of people around the world who come together on the dance floor to form a family.
Professor Tim Lawrence says disco at its best was an inclusive music movement that welcomed people of all races and genders, unlike rock music which in the early 1970s appealed to a predominantly white male audience.
We Are Family epitomised dance music's appeal to traditionally marginalised groups in the USA - African Americans, Latinos, women and gay men.
Listen to the stories of some of the people for whom the song is linked with some of the most significant experiences of their lives.
Produced by Maggie Ayre.
First broadcast on Â鶹Éç Radio 4 in December 2019.
Last on
More episodes
Six hopeful songs that have helped people through adversity
How songs can inspire and unite in the darkest of situations
Broadcasts
- Wed 18 Dec 2019 09:00Â鶹Éç Radio 4
- Wed 18 Dec 2019 21:30Â鶹Éç Radio 4
- Fri 10 Feb 2023 20:30Â鶹Éç Radio 4 Extra
Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem
Podcast
-
Soul Music
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact