1979 Disco-Funk Anthem Became a Breakthrough Hit for All-Female Family Band
A late-'70s disco-funk anthem didn't just light up dance floors. It helped launch an all-female family group into stardom.
Sister Sledge quickly became a standout singing group of the disco era, blending soulful harmonies with undeniable dancefloor energy. "He's The Greatest Dancer" helped cement their place in music history, turning them into one of the decade's most recognizable and beloved groups.
The vocal group was made up of four sisters: Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge. The siblings hailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and were taught to sing by their grandmother, Viola Williams, a former lyric soprano opera singer, as reported by The Philadelphia Tribune.
"When we were very little, our grandmother, who played the piano and sang, used to take us up to the keyboard and say ‘sing.' She's the one who taught us how to properly use our voices," recalled Kim. "She was a tough task master and taught us discipline. But we loved to sing so we didn't mind at all."
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The group, which formed in 1971, performed at churches and community events, honing their performance and vocal skills. Seven years later, the sisters met with Chic founders Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, who took the group under their wing and revamped their image to reflect the disco era.
Rodgers and Edwards worked with the group to release their debut LP, We Are Family, which featured the hit songs "He's the Greatest Dancer," "Lost in Music," "Thinking of You," and "We Are Family."
"He's the Greatest Dancer" was the singing group's debut, released on February 3, 1979. The song was one of the first tunes to mention name brands, including Halston, Gucci, and Fiorucci, mainstays of the fashion worn during the disco era.
However, "He's The Greatest Dancer" was initially intended for legendary disco band Chic to record while Sister Sledge was slated to record one of Chic's best-selling singles. Kathy Sledge shared details of the switcharoo with Headliner Hub.
"[I Want Your Love]" was our song, and 'He's the Greatest Dancer' was their song. At the last minute, they flipped it," she revealed.
The original lineup of Sister Sledge was altered in 1989 when Kathy left to pursue a solo career. Debbie, Joni, and Kim continued to perform as Sister Sledge.
According to the Billboard Database, "He's The Greatest Dancer" was the band's second-biggest hit, ranking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Surpassing it is "We Are Family," which hit No. 2.
Joni Sledge died in 2017. The band now primarily performs as "Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary," featuring Debbie and her kids Camille Sledge, Thaddeus Sledge, David Sledge, and Tanya Tiet. Kathy continues to tour, while Kim primarily stays out of the spotlight.
Related: 1976 Pop Rock Classic, Became a Beloved Heartbreak Anthem, Despite Not Reaching No. 1
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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 5:08 AM.