Bonnie Pointer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bonnie Pointer
Pointer in 1974
Background information
Birth name	Patricia Eva Pointer
Born	(1950-07-11)July 11, 1950 Oakland, California, U.S.
Died	June 8, 2020(2020-06-08) (aged 69) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Soul R&B disco funk
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1969–2020
Labels	Atlantic Blue Thumb ABC Motown Private I
Associated acts	The Pointer Sisters June Pointer

Patricia Eva "Bonnie" Pointer (July 11, 1950 – June 8, 2020) was an American singer. She was best known for being a member of the famous singing group, The Pointer Sisters. After leaving the group in 1977, Bonnie Pointer had several solo songs that became popular. One of her biggest hits was a disco version of "Heaven Must Have Sent You". This song became a top 20 pop hit in the U.S. in 1979.

Bonnie Pointer's Music Career

Bonnie and her youngest sister, June Pointer, started singing together in their father's church. This was in West Oakland, California. In 1969, they formed a group called the Pointers. Later that year, their sister Anita Pointer joined them. They then changed their name to the Pointer Sisters. Between 1971 and 1972, they recorded several songs for Atlantic Records.

In December 1972, their oldest sister Ruth Pointer joined the group. The Pointer Sisters released their first album in 1973. This album included their hit song "Yes We Can Can". From 1973 to 1977, the Pointer Sisters wore 1940s-style clothes. They sang in a way that reminded people of the Andrews Sisters. Their music mixed different styles like R&B, funk, rock and roll, gospel, country, and soul.

How "Fairytale" Became a Hit

Anita and Bonnie wrote the group's country hit song, "Fairytale", in 1974. This song also became a Top 20 pop hit. It helped the group win their first Grammy Award for Best Vocal by a Duo or Group, Country. Anita and Bonnie were also nominated for Best Country Song.

In 1977, Bonnie decided to leave the group to start her own solo career. The other sisters kept making hit songs into the 1980s. They had a huge success with their 1983 album Break Out.

Bonnie's Solo Music

In 1978, Bonnie Pointer signed with Motown Records. That same year, she released "Heaven Must Have Sent You". This song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. Bonnie released three solo albums, including two self-titled albums for Motown.

A music critic named Robert Christgau wrote about her 1978 album. He said that Bonnie's singing on the album was very complex and funky. He felt that some of her new versions of old songs were even better than the originals.

Later Performances and Acting

Bonnie Pointer appeared on the TV show Soul Train in 1985. She continued to perform live. She also reunited with her sisters a few times. They came together when the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. They also performed together in Las Vegas in 1996, singing "Jump (for My Love)".

In early 2008, Bonnie went on a music tour in Europe. She also worked on writing her life story. Pointer performed at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in October 2008. She also acted in the 2010 movie Road to Nowhere.

Personal Life and Passing

In 1978, Bonnie Pointer married Jeffrey Bowen, a music producer from Motown Records. They separated in 2004 and officially divorced in 2016.

Bonnie Pointer passed away at her home in Los Angeles on June 8, 2020. She was 69 years old.

Discography

Albums

Singles

See also

In Spanish: Bonnie Pointer para niños