Anita Pointer, Founding Member of The Pointer Sisters, Has Died
Photo Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Anita Pointer, longtime member of Oakland R&B and pop girl group The Pointer Sisters, died on Saturday at 74-years-old.
Anita Pointer, founding member of legendary Grammy-winning R&B and pop group The Pointer Sisters, died on Saturday (December 31) at her Beverly Hills home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 74.
“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace,” Pointer’s family said in a statement. “She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us. … Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there.”
Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters has passed at the age of 74. https://t.co/QwP03EaLGA pic.twitter.com/V7VOIFWkgu
— The Pointer Sisters (@PointerOfficial) January 1, 2023
The second of oldest of four sisters, Anita initially started the group as a duo in 1969. Later becoming a trio, The Pointer Sisters made their mainstream introduction in the 1970s, releasing their eponymous debut album in 1973 with first single “Yes We Can,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Hot Soul Songs chart.
The group continued funneling fourteen more albums, including Steppin’, Energy, Break Out, and 1993’s Only Sisters Can Do That, which remains their final LP to date. The following year, The Pointer Sisters were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although Anita received high acclaim for being in a powerhouse group, in 2003, her only child, Jada Pointer, died from cancer at 37. Anita went on to raise her granddaughter, Roxie McKain Pointer.
Check out tributes to Anita Pointer below.
#RIP Anita Pointer, 74
Let’s never forget, that as part of the Pointer Sisters, she also taught us to count.
Yes, that’s her singing Sesame Street’s iconic pinball song. https://t.co/TPttRcsU9Y pic.twitter.com/UkLqknuiAg
— Rhett (@dialmformovies) January 2, 2023
SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO READ AND WRITE IN THE AMERICA. SESAME STREET WAS MY SCHOOL AND HER VOICE IS ALL I REMEMBER BUBBA REST IN PEACE ANITA POINTER https://t.co/Wo9WxWRmKd
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 2, 2023
Anita Pointer, co-founding member of The Pointer Sisters, has died at the age of 74.
The group had 13 US top 20 hits between 1973 and 1985 including the classics “Automatic,” “Jump (For My Love),” “Fire,” “He’s So Shy,” “Slow Hand,” “I’m So Excited” and “Neutron Dance.” pic.twitter.com/DDicQdwMAb— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) January 1, 2023
Sing In Power Anita Pointer. I was lucky enough to do songs for The Pointer Sisters back in the day. Anita was not only a great singer but a great person as well🎤💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) January 2, 2023
Anita Pointer of the fabulous vocal group the Pointer Sisters died yesterday at 74. You may not know much about them, but y’all gon’ learn today. Thread incoming… pic.twitter.com/3eBLhv251P
— Deen Freelon (@dfreelon) January 1, 2023
I am so tired of saying goodbye to those who provided the soundtrack to my life. I bet you all are too. May the talented #AnitaPointer rest in peace. 💔🕊️ https://t.co/u4E8qxq4Lt
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) January 1, 2023
To the world, she was part of a chart topping trio with an arsenal of hits…to me she was my jr high school friend @DrGinaMalak’s bonus mom. Talented, kind and always a class act. Heartbroken by this loss. Rest well Miss Anita. #AnitaPointer #ThePointerSisters pic.twitter.com/KSyEFmLx1D
— Lonnell Williams (@3LWTV) January 1, 2023
RIP Bonnie Pointer, who passed away today at age 69. 1 of the original 4 Pointer Sisters, the Grammy-winning vocalists from Oakland, CA. (Pictured top l. to r.: June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Bonnie Pointer. Bottom: Anita Pointer.) pic.twitter.com/tVeRKIzVe6
— DJ Soul Sister (@djsoulsister) June 8, 2020
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