The Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters are an American R&B group that originated in Oakland, California. The group's repertoire has included such diverse genres as pop, disco, jazz, bebop, blues, soul, funk, dance, country, and rock. The Pointer Sisters have won three Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. The group had 13 US top 20 hits between 1973 and 1985.

Formation and early years

The group's origins can be traced to when sisters June and Bonnie Pointer began performing in clubs in 1969 as "Pointers, a Pair." The lineup grew to a trio when sister Anita joined them. They signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and released several unsuccessful singles. The trio became a quartet when sister Ruth joined in December 1972. They then signed with Blue Thumb Records and recorded their debut album.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, received positive reviews. The first single, "Yes We Can Can," reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second album, 1974's "That's a Plenty," featured the country song "Fairytale," written by Anita and Bonnie. The song reached number 13 on the pop charts and number 37 on the country charts. This success led to the group becoming the first Black group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. In 1975, The Pointer Sisters won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance for "Fairytale."

Trio success and mainstream breakthrough

In 1977, Bonnie Pointer left the group for a solo career. The remaining sisters, Anita, June, and Ruth, continued as a trio and signed with producer Richard Perry's Planet Records. This move marked a shift in their musical direction towards a more rock-oriented sound. Their first album as a trio, "Energy" (1978), featured a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Fire," which went to number two on the US pop charts and was certified gold.

The 1980s marked the peak of The Pointer Sisters' commercial success. Their 1980 single "He's So Shy" reached number three, and "Slow Hand" (1981) peaked at number two. The 1983 album "Break Out" became their biggest-selling album, certified triple-platinum. It produced a string of top-10 hits: "Automatic," "Jump (For My Love)," a remix of "I'm So Excited," and "Neutron Dance." "Jump (For My Love)" and "Automatic" earned the group two Grammy Awards in 1984. "Neutron Dance" was also featured on the soundtrack of the film "Beverly Hills Cop."

Later career and lineup changes

The group continued to record and tour throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, releasing albums on RCA, Motown, and SBK Records. In 1994, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. June Pointer left the group in 2004 due to health issues and was replaced by Ruth's daughter, Issa Pointer. June passed away from cancer in 2006. Bonnie Pointer passed away in 2020, and Anita Pointer in 2022. Ruth Pointer continues to perform with her daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako Pointer, carrying on the group's legacy.

Discography

Studio Albums

• The Pointer Sisters (1973)
• That's a Plenty (1974)
• Steppin' (1975)
• Having a Party (1977)
• Energy (1978)
• Priority (1979)
• Special Things (1980)
• Black & White (1981)
• So Excited! (1982)
• Break Out (1983)
• Contact (1985)
• Hot Together (1986)
• Serious Slammin' (1988)
• Right Rhythm (1990)
• Only Sisters Can Do That (1993)

Live Albums

• Live at the Opera House (1974)