Bonnie Pointer from The Pointer Sisters dies at age 69, sister Anita pays touching tribute
The Pointer Sisters' Bonnie Pointer has died at the age of 69 and her sister Anita Pointer confirmed the news through a statement. According to a report in Variety, she said of her sister, Patricia, aka Bonnie, “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning."
She added, "Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.” The Pointer Sisters’ most popular tracks which also featured in top 10 lists in the late 70s and early 80s include 'Fire', 'He’s So Shy', 'Slow Hand', 'Automatic', 'Jump for My Love', 'I’m So Excited' and 'Neutron Dance' among others.
The sister group had won three Grammys and three American Music Awards during the peak of their career. Anita spoke more about her late sister and said, “Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day. We never had a fight in our life. I already miss her and I will see her again one day.”
The Pointer Sisters consisted of members of the Pointer family -- Anita, Bonnie, June, and Ruth. June died in 2006 and a few months ago, Bonnie and Anita had released a tribute song for their sister titled, 'Feels Like June'. A spokesperson of The Pointer Sisters also confirmed that this tribute song happened to be Bonnie’s final recording.
The Pointer Sisters began as a duo act with Bonnie and June after which Ruth and Anita joined them. The sisters received vocal training at their father's church in West Oakland, California. The sisters also were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
Bonnie left the Pointer Sisters in 1977 and pursued a career as a solo artist. As a part of her solo career, Bonnie produced a disco cover of the popular song 'Heaven Must Have Sent You'.
Two of her sisters, Ruth and Anita, and her two brothers, Aaron and Fritz, were by her side at the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California, when she died. The cause of death was not revealed.