Anita Pointer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anita Pointer
Pointer in 1974
Background information
Birth name	Anita Marie Pointer
Born	(1948-01-23)January 23, 1948 Oakland, California, U.S.
Died	December 31, 2022(2022-12-31) (aged 74) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul pop dance
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1969–2015
Labels	Atlantic Blue Thumb ABC Planet RCA Motown SBK

Anita Marie Pointer (born January 23, 1948 – died December 31, 2022) was an American singer and songwriter. She was a founding member of the famous singing group, the Pointer Sisters. Anita helped write their hit song "Fairytale". She also sang the main vocals on this song. "Fairytale" won the group their first Grammy Award in 1975. Anita was also the lead singer on many other popular songs. These include "Yes We Can Can", "Fire", "Slow Hand", and "I'm So Excited".

Anita Pointer's Early Life and Family

Anita Pointer was born in Oakland, California, on January 23, 1948. She was the fourth of six children. Her parents were Sarah Elizabeth and Reverend Elton Pointer. Even though Anita was born in California, her parents were from Arkansas.

Because of this, her family often traveled from California to Arkansas. They visited Anita's grandparents in Prescott almost every year. During these visits, Anita sometimes stayed with her grandparents. She attended school there for a few years. While in Prescott, she played the alto saxophone in the McRae High School band.

In 1969, Anita decided to join her younger sisters, Bonnie and June. They formed a singing group called the Pointer Sisters. Their sister Ruth joined the group later in 1972.

Anita Pointer's Music Career

Anita and her sisters became famous in 1973. This happened when Anita sang the lead on the song "Yes We Can Can". This song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1974, Anita's songwriting skills helped the group make history. Their song "Fairytale" became a hit on the country music charts. This made the Pointer Sisters the first black female group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

"Fairytale" was written by Anita and her sister Bonnie. Anita sang the lead vocals on the song. It won the group their first Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. It was also nominated for Best Country Song in 1975.

The Pointer Sisters' Big Hits

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Pointer Sisters became even more successful. Anita was the lead singer on many of their big hits. These included "Fire" (1978) and "Slow Hand" (1981). Both of these songs reached number 2 on the Billboard pop chart. She also sang lead on "I'm So Excited" (1982), which stayed on the charts for 40 weeks.

The group had other popular songs too. These included "He's So Shy" (1980) and "Neutron Dance" (1984). "Neutron Dance" became very popular after being featured in the movie Beverly Hills Cop. Between 1973 and 1985, the Pointer Sisters had 13 songs that reached the top 20 on the pop charts in the United States.

Solo Music and Other Achievements

In 1986, Anita had success with country singer Earl Thomas Conley. Their song "Too Many Times" reached number 2 on the country chart. In 1987, she released her first solo album, called Love for What It Is. The first song from her album, "Overnight Success," reached number 41 on the Billboard R&B chart. Another song from the album, "More Than a Memory," also charted.

In 1994, Anita and her sisters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a special honor for entertainers. In 1998, Anita was also inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame by herself. She retired from the Pointer Sisters in 2015 due to health reasons.

In February 2020, Anita released a book called Fairytale: The Pointer Sisters' Family Story. She wrote it with her brother, Fritz Pointer. The book tells the story of the Pointer family and their journey. It also shares their experiences growing up as young black women in the San Francisco Bay Area. The book covers their challenges and successes in music. It also includes their song history and other interesting facts.

Anita Pointer's Personal Life

Anita Pointer was married several times and had one daughter. Her daughter, Jada Rashawn Pointer, was born in 1966. Sadly, Jada passed away from cancer in 2003 when she was 37 years old.

Anita's daughter, Jada, was the inspiration for one of the Pointer Sisters' most loved songs, "Jada." The group wrote this song, and it was released on their first album in 1973.

Anita's older brother, Aaron Pointer, was a professional baseball player. He later became a referee in the National Football League. Her cousin Paul Silas was a professional basketball player and coach.

Health and Passing

In October 2021, Anita Pointer was scheduled to appear on the TV show The Masked Singer. She was supposed to sing a duet with her sister Ruth. However, Ruth shared that Anita could not perform because she was dealing with an illness.

Anita Pointer passed away from cancer at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 74.

Discography

Albums

Love for What It Is (1987 RCA Records)

• "Overnight Success" (4:45)
• "Love Me Like You Do (5:25)
• "The Pledge" (duet with Philip Bailey) (3:16)
• "You Don't Scare Me" (3:40)
• "More Than a Memory" (4:45)
• "Have a Little Faith in Love" (5:56)
• "Love for What It Is" (5:05)
• "Beware of What You Want" (5:42)
• "Temporarily Blue" (4:20)

Singles

Guest Singles

Soundtracks

• 1996: The Associate

Images for kids

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  Pointer in 1974

See also

In Spanish: Anita Pointer para niños