By Joseph Green-Bishop
Metro News Correspondent
Anita Marie Pointer, the foundation of one of the most globally-popular female singing groups in history, has died. She was 74, just a little over three weeks shy of her 75th birthday on January 23.
Ms. Pointer, and three of her sisters started their group, The Pointer Sisters, in 1973. One of the songs on their initial album, “Yes We Can Can,” reached number 11 on the Billboard Charts.
The second eldest of the four Ms. Pointer was a three-time Grammy Award winner and she was preceded in death by June and Bonnie. Only one member of the famed group sister, Ruth, is still living.
Another single by The Pointer Sisters, “I’m so Excited” reached number three on the record charts. And other top hits for the group included, “Jump For My Love,” “Slow Hand” and “Neutron Dance.”
In 1994, the group was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sisters also toured and performed with the Broadway musical hit, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin.’
Ms. Pointer is also survived by two brothers, Aaron and Fritz and one granddaughter, Roxie. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jada Harper.
According to reports, Ms. Pointer died of cancer and the family released the following 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 & 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.”
