Bonnie Pointer, a founding member of the Grammy award-winning vocal group, The Pointer Sisters, has passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by her sister, Anita Pointer in a statement saying, “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.”
Bonnie was born in Oakland, California and, together with her younger sister June Pointer, initially started out as a vocal duo called The Pointers. After their sister Anita joined the fold, the trio cut their teeth singing backing vocals and opening up on tours with artists like Grace Slick, before signing to Atlantic Records in 1971. Their fourth sister, Ruth joined the group in 1972, and the group’s debut album, 1973’s The Pointer Sisters, landed them on the Billboard charts with singles “Yes We Can Can” and “Wang Dang Doodle.”
The Pointer Sisters | “Yes We Can Can”
Their second album, 1974’s That’s A Plenty earned the group their first Grammy award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with the crossover country hit “Fairytale” which was co-written by Bonnie and Anita and later covered by Elvis Presley.
The Pointer Sisters | “Fairytale”
And, while their first Grammy-winning song was a through-and-through country tune, the group would go on to find their greatest success as an R&B act with a later career marked with dance floor hits. 1975’s Steppin’ LP would be Bonnie’s last with the group, riding out on a high with hits like "Live Your Life Before You Die,” and “How Long (Betcha’ Got a Chick on the Side)” before leaving to pursue a solo career in 1977.
The Pointer Sisters | “How Long (Betcha Got A Chick On The Side)”
After signing with Motown Records, Bonnie’s successful solo career saw her release three albums, Bonnie Pointer Red Album (1978), Bonnie Pointer Purple Album (1979) and If the Price Is Right (1978) which saw her smash her way back to the top of the pop charts with her disco-make-over of The Elgins’ “Heaven Must Have Sent You”.
Bonnie Pointer | “Heaven Must Have Sent You”
“I was the first one to step out and start singing in public,” Bonnie said in 1979. “I wanted to be in show business, and everyone else was sort of, ‘Well we might not make it … it’s going to be hard.'”
Bonnie's youngest sister and fellow founding Pointer Sister member, June Pointer, passed away in 2006 after a battle with cancer. Bonnie Pointer is survived by her sisters Ruth and Anita. Her oldest sister, Anita said in a statement, “Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day, we never had a fight in our life, I already miss her and I will see her again one day.”
“The Pointer Sisters would never have happened had it not been for Bonnie.”
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