June Pointer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
June Pointer
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | June Antoinette Pointer |
| Born | November 30, 1953 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 2006 (aged 52) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1969–2004 |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | |
June Antoinette Pointer (born November 30, 1953 – died April 11, 2006) was an American singer. She was best known as the youngest founding member of the famous singing group, The Pointer Sisters.
Contents
Early Life and Music Career
June was the youngest of six children. Her parents, Reverend Elton and Sarah Pointer, were ministers. June and her sisters loved to sing from a young age.
In 1969, June and her sister Bonnie started a singing group called The Pointers – A Pair. They sang in many clubs. Later that year, their sister Anita joined them, making it a group of three. They officially changed their name to The Pointer Sisters.
The trio signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. They released a few songs, but these did not become big hits. In 1972, their sister Ruth joined the group. This made them a quartet (a group of four). After this, the sisters signed with Blue Thumb Records, and their music career really began to take off.
The Pointer Sisters' Success and Solo Work
The Pointer Sisters released their first album in 1973. It was called The Pointer Sisters. They quickly became famous with popular songs like "Yes We Can Can" and "Wang Dang Doodle." Their next albums also had top songs like "Fairytale," "How Long (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side)" and "You Gotta Believe."
In November 1975, June left the group for a short time. This was because she was very tired from touring and performing. Bonnie Pointer also left the group in 1977 to start her own solo music career.
When June returned, the remaining sisters became even more successful. In 1979, they had a huge hit with a cover of Bruce Springsteen's song "Fire." This led to many more hits, including "Happiness," "He's So Shy" (1980), "Slow Hand" (1981), "American Music," "Should I Do It," and "I'm So Excited."
In 1983, the group released their biggest album yet, Break Out. This album included several Top 10 hits: "Automatic"; "Jump (For My Love)"; a new release of "I'm So Excited" (which became an even bigger hit); and "Neutron Dance." Later albums had hits like "Dare Me," "Freedom," and "Goldmine." June sang the main vocals on many of the group's top songs, such as "Happiness," "He's So Shy," "Jump (For My Love)," "Baby Come And Get It," and "Dare Me."
While still with The Pointer Sisters, June also started a solo career. She released her album Baby Sister in 1983. One song from it, "Ready for Some Action," was a modest hit. She released another solo album, June Pointer, in 1989. Its song "Tight On Time (Fit U In)" also charted. June also sang the song "Little Boy Sweet" for the 1983 movie National Lampoon's Vacation. In 1987, she had a Top 5 pop hit with Bruce Willis with their cover of "Respect Yourself." In September 1994, The Pointer Sisters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Later Life and Passing
June was married to William Oliver Whitmore II from 1978 until 1991.
On February 27, 2006, June had a stroke. She passed away at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, on April 11, 2006. She was 52 years old. Her family shared that she died "in the arms of her sisters Ruth and Anita and her brothers Aaron and Fritz by her side."
Solo Music Releases
June Pointer released two solo albums during her career.
Baby Sister Album (1983)
This album was released by Planet Records. It included the song "Ready for Some Action," which was a hit on the R&B charts.
June Pointer Album (1989)
This album was released by Columbia Records. It featured the song "Tight on Time (I'll Fit U In)." This album also included a duet with Phil Perry called "Why Can't We Be Together."
June also recorded a duet with Dionne Warwick, titled "Heartbreak of Love." This song appeared on Dionne's 1987 album, Reservations for Two.
See also
In Spanish: June Pointer para niños
