Anita Pointer, the acclaimed singer and founding member of the Pointer Sisters group, has passed away at the age of 74. The singer died peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at her home in the presence of her family.
The official cause of her death has not been revealed yet; however, her publicist has said in an interview that Anita had a ‘somewhat lengthy and heroic battle with cancer.’ The Pointer Sisters was one of the most popular groups in the 1970s and 80s and was the winner of three Grammy Awards. Read on to know more about Anita Pointer’s life and career.
Anita Pointer Dies at 74
The singer’s family confirmed her death with a statement: “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 and 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. Please respect our privacy during this period of grief and loss. Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there,” the statement read further.
Anita is survived by her sister Ruth, brothers Aaron and Fritz, and her granddaughter Roxie McKain Pointer. The other founding members of the Pointer Sisters, June and Bonnie, preceded Anita in death. The youngest sister, June, died of cancer in 2006, and Bonnie passed away in 2020.
Tributes Pour in for the Singer
As soon as the sad news broke, Anita’s friends and fans started mourning her death and paid their tributes. “I can’t believe we’re kicking off 2023 with yet another LEGENDARY light gone. One time for Anita Pointer. Phenomenal career, ICONIC group. RIP Queen #ThePointerSisters,” wrote a fan.
Another tweeted, “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.”
“My deepest condolences to Anita Pointer’s family. Whilst on tour in 1985 with Wham! The Pointer Sisters & Chaka Khan, Anita was so kind & generous with her friendship & guidance to me. I learned a lot standing side of stage every night watching her amaze and excite the crowd,” wrote singer Katrina.
Anita Pointer Made it to the Hollywood Hall of Fame in 1994
Anita founded the Pointer Sisters group with her younger sisters Bonnie and June in 1969. The group shot to fame in 1973 with their self-titled album. They continued their success with several hit singles in the 1970s and 80s, including Jump, I’m So Excited, Fire, He’s So Shy, Slow Hand, and Neutron Dance.
The Pointer Sisters also became the first Black girls’ group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1974. In 1975, they won their first Grammy Award for the country single Fairytale. In 1994, the group was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Four years later, they made it to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Anita retired from the Pointer Sisters following undisclosed health concerns. In 2020, she launched a book with her brother Fritz. The book is titled Fairytale: The Pointer Sisters’ Family Story and is based on the group’s journey over the years.
Our condolences to Anita Pointer’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace!
