Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters Has Passed Away at 74

Anita Pointer of the Grammy award-winning group Pointer Sisters died of cancer on Saturday, her publicist announced. She was 74.

She was surrounded by her family at the time of death.

“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 said in a statement.

Anita’s only daughter, Jada, died in 2003. Her death also comes after her sister Bonnie, who died in 2020. The younges lt sister June passed away in 2006.

Anita was the second oldest of the four sisters, who began singing in their father’s church in Oakland, Calif., more than 50 years ago. 

The Pointer Sisters started as a trio in 1969 when Anita quit her secretary job to join her sisters Bonnie and June, according to the statement.

The oldest sister, Ruth, joined the group in 1972 to form the quartet. Bonnie left the group mid 1970s to start a solo career.

The Pointer Sisters released their debut album in 1973, with their single “Yes We Can Can” becoming an instant hit, ranking #11 on the Billboard charts.

They won a Grammy a year later in 1974, with their crossover hit “Fairytale,” which Anita wrote with Bonita and Elvis Presley also recorded later.

The group would go on to win two more Grammy awards in 1984 for “Automatic,” part of their bestselling album “Breakout,” later receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.

Among their greatest hits was the R&B sensation “Fire,” which reached #2 on the charts, “So Excited,” and “Jump (For My Love).”

Anita is survived by her sister Ruth, brothers Aaron and Fritz and granddaughter Roxie.

Sending condolences to her family and friends.

R.I.P. Anita Pointer.