Anita Pointer, Founding Member Of The Pointer Sisters, Dies At 74

Anita Pointer, a founding member of the iconic pop group The Pointer Sisters, died of cancer on Saturday. I Pointer was surrounded by family at the time of her death, according to a statement made by her publicist, Roger Neal.

Pointer was part of the Grammy-winning group, The Pointer Sisters, who were prominent in the 70s and 80s with the hit single “I’m So Excited” among many others.

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She was the second oldest of four sisters. She is survived by her sister Ruth, brothers Aaron and Fritz and granddaughter Roxie.

The four sisters grew up singing in their father’s church in Oakland, California. As The Pointer Sisters, the group fused funk, soul and jazz and often dressed in retro style.

Pointer’s daughter, Jada, died in 2003. Her sister Bonnie, who was also a founding member, died in 2020. The youngest sister, June, passed away in 2006.

“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,” the family wrote 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.”

The Pointer Sisters began as a trio in 1969 when Anita quit her job as a secretary to join up with her sisters Bonnie and June. Bill Graham signed them to a contract, and the group went on tour with blues and rock legend Elvin Bishop. The oldest sister, Ruth, joined the group in 1972.

The Pointer Sisters came out with their debut album in 1973. The single “Yes We Can Can” sat at No. 11 on the Billboard charts.

The group won a Grammy in 1974 with their breakup song “Fairytale.”

Bonnie Pointer left the group in 1977 to pursue a solo career with Motown Records. The remaining three sisters then changed their retro style for a more modern pop sound. They became one of the most prominent acts of the 80s with hits including “He’s So Shy” and “Jump (For My Love).”