Pointer Sister Bonnie Pointer Dies of Cardiac Arrest
The music world mourns as the sad news came in that Bonnie Pointer of the Pointer Sisters died yesterday at the age of 69. A representative states that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Photo Credit: Sky News
Anita Pointer, Bonnie’s sister, who was also in the band, released the following statement on behalf of the family. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of the Pointer Sisters that my sister Bonnie died this morning. Our family is devastated. On behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.”
On a personal note, Anita stated, “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.”
Bonnie is the second Pointer Sister to pass away. June Pointer died in 2006. Bonnie released a tribute song for her sister just a few months ago called, “Feels Like June”. This would be her last recording.
The Pointer Sisters began their careers singing in their father’s church, the West Oakland Church of God, over 50 years ago. Bonnie was always motivated to do more. Her sister Ruth explains in her memoir, I’m So Excited, My Life as a Pointer “Bonnie in particular was driven, citing a desperate need to do something with her life. She was wild, fierce, and not to be denied. She hung out in Haight-Ashbury with the hippies, protested at Berkeley, wrote poetry with Angela Davis, and dated Huey Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party.”
Bonnie’s dreams of stardom would eventually come true as the Pointer Sisters went on to have much success in their careers. They entered into a management contract with Bill Graham in 1969 and eventually got signed to Atlantic Records. At that time, they sung music reminiscent of the 30’s and 40’s and were known for their outrageous vintage styles.
The Pointer Sisters’ musical career took many twists and turns and, in the years that followed, they went through different managers and record labels. Highlights of Bonnie’s career include her Grammy win in 1974. She won the award in the country music category for her crossover song “Fairytale” which was later recorded by Elvis Presley.
Bonnie left the Pointer Sisters in 1977, shortly before they released some of their biggest hits like “Fire” and “Neutron Dance”. She recorded and released four solo albums with her most notable being, “Heaven Must Have Sent You” which made it to number 11 on the music charts in 1979.
Bonnie reunited with her sisters later in life. One stand out occasion was when the group got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. She continued performing as a solo artist and also had a role in the independent film, “Road to Nowhere”.
Bonnie is survived by her brothers Aaron and Fritz and her sisters Ruth and Anita. Her music will live on in the hearts of many.
