Sister Sledge, formed in Philadelphia in 1971, is an American vocal group best known for their uplifting disco and soul anthems that became staples of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Comprised of sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge, the group first found moderate success before achieving international stardom with their 1979 album We Are Family, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. The title track, along with hits like “He’s The Greatest Dancer” and “Lost In Music,” became defining songs of the disco era, celebrated for their joyful energy and tight vocal harmonies.
Beyond the dancefloor, “We Are Family” became a cultural touchstone, embraced as an anthem of unity and empowerment. Over the decades, Sister Sledge’s music has remained timeless, influencing generations of artists and securing their place as icons of soul, disco, and pop history.
Sister Sledge’s 1985 hit “Frankie” was a surprising yet delightful shift for the group, showcasing a lighter, more playful side of their sound. Written by Joy Denny and produced by Nile Rodgers, the song tells the story of a charming man named Frankie, wrapped up in a bouncy, feel-good melody that was impossible to resist. The single soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of their biggest hits in Britain, even though its style was quite different from their disco classics like “We Are Family.” With its catchy chorus and sunny vibe, “Frankie” remains a fun reminder of Sister Sledge’s versatility and their ability to connect with audiences well into the 1980s.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 29th June 1985.
| A-Side | Frankie (3:53) (Joy Denny) Produced By Nile Rodgers |
| B-Side | Hold Out Poppy (3:57) (Kathy Sledge Lightfoot, Charles Kelly] Produced By Nile Rodgers |
| Genre | Funk, Soul, Pop |
| Release Date | 20th May 1985 |
| Label | ATLANTIC |
| Catalogue Number | A 9547 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 8th June 1985 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 13 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [13 Weeks] – 8th June 1985 – 31st August 1985 |
| 29-11-2-[1]-1-1-1-2-4-10-17-21-32 |
Officially Released Versions
Frankie [Single Version] [3:53]
Frankie [Club Mix] [6:18]
Frankie [Dub Mix] [5:09]
Frankie [Album Version] [4:17]
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Hey Frankie!
I was walking down the street one day
When I looked up I saw a friend
Hey Frankie – do you remember me?
He looked at me and then I blushed
‘Cause I remembered I loved you so much
Way back then we were friends going together
But then you left me
Frankie, do you remember me?
Frankie, do you remember?
You were fifteen
I was twelve
It was summer
We were so in love
I never loved anyone this much
Look at me
I’m thrilled to your touch
Hey Frankie, do you remember me?
Frankie, do you remember me?
Oh how you brought me down – down down
All I did was runnin’ around – around
You’ll never know how much I loved you
Frankie, do you remember?
Do you remember me? Frankie
You walked me to the Deli
Then we sat in the booth where it all began
I looked into your big eyes
And I said to myself we coulda have twins
Hey Frankie, do you remember me?
Oh how you brought me down, down down…
He looked at me and then I blushed …
Frankie, do you remember me?
Do you remember me?
Frankie
My Frankie
My baby
Frankie, do you remember me?
Frankie, do you remember me?
Frankie
Written by Joy Denny
