We Are Family: Lead Sheet / Fake Book
We Are Family Sheet Music Preview

We Are Family: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

As performed by Sister Sledge

Item: 35-DS00377814
Digital Download
$3.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00377814

More about this title

About the Artist: Sister Sledge

Sister Sledge emerged from Philadelphia in the 1970s as one of the defining voices of disco and funk. The four sisters combined tight harmonies with infectious grooves, recording some of the era's most enduring hits while maintaining genuine musicianship beneath the dance floor energy.

Their 1979 album "We Are Family" became a cultural touchstone, with the title track transcending its disco origins to become an anthem of unity and celebration. The group's ability to layer vocals and build momentum made them studio innovators and compelling live performers.

Why we love this

This lead sheet captures one of the most universally recognized hooks in popular music, making it instantly engaging for students and audiences alike. The straightforward chord progression and syncopated rhythm create an accessible entry point for keyboardists exploring funk and disco stylings while building confidence with groove-based comping.

What to expect

Pure joy and movement. The track radiates warmth and inclusivity, with a rhythm that makes you want to lock in and stay there. It feels celebratory without ever getting pretentious, maintaining an infectious lightness that forty-plus years hasn't diminished.

Who it's for

Keyboardists and singers working on accessible pop standards with funk roots will find this lead sheet straightforward and immediately useful. Teachers building units on 1970s and 1980s popular music, disco's cultural impact, or groove-based comping will appreciate having this in lead sheet form for classroom and ensemble work.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the left hand relaxed and syncopated; the pocket matters more than note-for-note precision with a click or accompaniment track.
  • Lock into the signature hook melody early so singers can negotiate phrasing choices around it rather than fighting against it.
  • Lean into the relative simplicity of the changes to focus energy on laying down that infectious groove that made this song a phenomenon.
  • If adding horns or additional voices, resist overcomplicating the arrangement; the original's appeal lies in its clarity and repetition.

How to use it

Pair this with other disco and funk standards to build a set that connects pop history with musical fundamentals. It works equally well as a pep rally closer, a jazz ensemble novelty, or a rehearsal brain-break that reminds everyone why groove matters. Consider programming it during a unit on rhythm section concepts or popular music history.

Skills your students will build

  • Syncopated left-hand comping patterns in funk and disco styles
  • Locking rhythm section parts to create cohesive grooves
  • Reading and interpreting lead sheets for performance
  • Understanding harmonic movement in popular music forms
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment in ensemble settings

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