Tribute to ANITA POINTER

Next to ABBA, The Pointers Sisters are my all time favourite group, and it is with great sadness that I mark the passing of the third of the four original members of that sibling superstar act - Anita Pointer. Best known for their R&B hits from the 1970's and 80's, the 'Pointy' Sisters as I have affectionately dubbed them, traversed other genres too; including country (being the first black winners of a Grammy in that category for 1974's 'Fairytale) and funk, disco and pop. Winners of every prize possible for their string of hits, Anita belted out the lead vocal on their breakthrough hit 'Yes We Can Can' in 1973 and then co-wrote the aforementioned country classic with her sister Bonnie the following year. Anita Pointer only issued one solo album,, so I have used the extended remix of the single 'Overnight Success' to honour her today. It would be too easy to use of the Sisters' biggest hits like 'Jump', 'Automatic', 'Dare Me', 'Neutron Dance' or 'I'm So Excited', and whilst they had the most dynamic and beautiful harmonies, each sibling was an exemplary vocalist in their own right, and so it feels apt to use a solo recording. Sadly 'Overnight Success' was not true to its name, but it is quintessential 80's funk and I have used a mix of images of the late great Anita Pointer, as well as images of the trio (June & Ruth with Anita) and the early line up with Bonnie. The music of the Pointer Sisters has filled my rooms, my headphones and my heart for nearly 50 years and they have provided invaluable joy and motivation for me across my lifetime. Their songs still sound so great, so many decades on. Sadly, only the eldest of the singing Pointer sisters is left standing - Ruth Pointer. My deepest condolences to the extended family as they deal with yet another passing. Thank you for the music ,Anita Pointer.