On May 11, 1981, Sister Sledge were scheduled to perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City when they got news that Bob Marley had died in Miami at age 36.
The siblings — Debbie, Joni, Kim and Kathy — were determined to show the reggae king some love.
They decided to do a reggae version of He’s Just A Runaway, one of the songs from All American Girls, their album which had been released in February that year.
“It was interesting how it all evolved. On the day of his passing we were performing live at Radio City Music Hall with Marvin Gaye. We performed a tribute version of Runaway with a reggae tempo and feel. It was so well-received, our record label requested the version be recorded. We were honored to pay homage to such a legend,” said Kathy, now 62.
The sisters never met Marley, but ironically Gaye performed alongside him in Kingston in May, 1974 at a benefit concert. Kathy Sledge lists Buffalo Soldier, Could You Be Loved and Jammin’ as her favorite Marley songs.
Produced by Narada Michael Walden, All American Girls heard Sister Sledge at the height of their popularity. Prior to its release, songs like We Are Family, He’s The Greatest Dancer and Thinking Of You had made them a force in the world of disco.
The group had a big hit in the United Kingdom with the reggae-flavored Frankie in 1985.
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