Anita Pointer, one of the members of the multi-Grammy Award-winning band The Pointer Sisters, known for their 70s and 80s pop, country and R&B hits such as “I’m So Excited,” “Jump (For My Love)” and “Vogon”, died of cancer on Saturday at the age of 74, his representative announced, Reuters reported on Sunday.

Anita Poynter died surrounded by her family at her home in Beverly Hills, her publicist Roger Neal said.

She was the second oldest of the four sisters who made up The Pointer Sisters.

The group began as a duo with June and Bonnie in 1969 and soon became a trio after Anita quit her secretarial job to join the group, according to an official biography.

The Pointer Sisters later became a quartet after co-opting Ruth, the only surviving sister. In the late 70s, Bonnie left the group and the band returned to the trio formula.

After the death of her daughter Jada in 2003, Anita took over the upbringing of her granddaughter Roxy McCain Poynter.

“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted that she is now with her daughter Jada and sisters June and Bonnie and at peace. She was the one who kept us all close and together for so long. Her love for our family will live in each of us,” the family said in a statement.

The sisters grew up singing in their father’s church, a priest in Oakland, California. Their debut album in 1973 included their first hit, “Yes We Can Can”.

The group’s hits also include “Fire” from 1978, “He’s So Shy” from 1980, “Slow Hand” (1981) and “Neutron Dance”, “Automatic” and “Jump” (1983).

However, 1982’s “I’m So Excited” remains the group’s best-known song.

In recent years, The Pointer Sisters have continued to appear as Ruth, her daughter Issa, and granddaughter Sadako.

(source: news.ro)