Singer Bonnie Pointer, Member Of The Pointer Sisters, Dies At 69

Bonnie Pointer, a member of the popular singing group The Pointer Sisters, died on Monday from cardiac arrest at age 69.

Anita Pointer, group member and Bonnie’s sister, said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie died this morning. Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.” She later added, “The Pointer Sisters would never have happened had it not been for Bonnie.”

Anita also posted a picture of her younger sister on Instagram, the caption read, “Too soon. RIP Sweet baby sister. Torn apart by this great loss.”

Bonnie’s niece Issa Pointer posted on Instagram and said, “Your beautiful voice, smile and the joy you filled a room with will always be remembered. Rest in the sweetest peace.” Issa is the daughter of Ruth Pointer, a fellow band member and sister to Bonnie. 

Bonnie and sister June Pointer founded the group which was then called The Pointers in 1969. Anita joined in 1970 and is also when they changed the name to The Pointer Sisters. Ruth joined in 1972. 

In 1974 The Pointer Sisters released their country hit song called “Fairytale” which was co-written by Bonnie and Anita. The song won a Grammy for Best Vocal by Duo or Group, Country and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Song. 

In 1978 Bonnie signed with Motown and left the group to start a solo career. In 1990, Anita told The Associated Press, “We were devastated. We did a show the night she left, but after that, we just stopped. We thought it wasn’t going to work without Bonnie.”

Bonnie released “Heaven Must Have Sent You” with Motown and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Bonnie made an appearance on Soul Train in 1985. In 1994, The Pointer Sisters received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.