Legendary Grammy-winning artist, Anita Pointer of the iconic Pointer Sisters that have produced an array of unforgettable pop, country, and R&B tunes including “I’m So Excited,” “Jump (For My Love)” and “Fire” tragically passed away on Saturday due to cancer at the age of 74. Her publicist released a statement announcing her tragic passing.
Surrounded by her family in the comfort of her own Beverly Hills home, Pointer passed away peacefully. Roger Neal, the publicist to the star, announced that she had gone.
Anita, the second oldest of four sisters and formerly a secretary, quit her job in 1969 to join June and Bonnie’s musical duo. This ultimately led to the formation of their trio group; as stated by their official biography.
Ruth, the last of the remarkable Pointer Sisters still alive, formed a quartet with her siblings for some time. However, Bonnie eventually left in the late 1970s and they reverted back to being triplets. Furthermore, Fritz and Aaron are Ruth’s two surviving brothers from this dynamic family group.
In 2003, Anita’s daughter Jada tragically passed away, and Anita valiantly stepped up to care for her granddaughter Roxie McKain Pointer.
“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. 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 family wrote in a statement.
Raised in Oakland, California under the wings of their reverend father, the sisters grew up harmonizing praise songs within their parish.
The Pointer Sisters made a mark in the music industry with some of their biggest hits, including “Fire” in 1978, “He’s So Shy” in 1980, and the ever-popular classic song “I’m So Excited” from 1982. In 1981 they released “Slow Hand” to critical acclaim and later soared even higher with 1983 releases such as “Neutron Dance,” “Automatic,” and “Jump.”
In the recent past, Ruth, her daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako have worked together to keep the group alive with their soulful performances.
