Ruth Pointer
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Ruth Pointer (born March 19, 1946 in Oakland, California) is an American R&B singer, best known for being the eldest member of the legendary sister group, The Pointer Sisters.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Ruth Pointer began her vocal training as a director of a junior choir in her father's church. Ruth and her sisters Anita, Bonnie and June alongside their two brothers were not allowed to listen to secular music by their parents though when they were gone the sisters often would sing in front of family to secular music. Marrying right after high school and having two children, Ruth was eventually convinced by her younger sisters to join their family group, now known as The Pointer Sisters.
[edit] The Pointer Sisters
Joining her sisters in 1972, the Pointer Sisters released their first album, in 1973. The group eventually found fame with songs like "Yes We Can Can" (1973), their country crossover hit, "Fairytale" (1974) and "How Long" before Bonnie's exit in 1977. Continuing on as a trio, the group found their biggest success covering tunes of rock, pop and New Wave with successive singles such as "Fire" (1978), "He's So Shy" (1980), "Slow Hand" (1981) and "I'm So Excited" (1982). The group found its biggest success with the release of the Break Out album, in 1983. It's notable for featuring Ruth-assisted lead vocals in the hits "Automatic" and "Neutron Dance". Both songs hit the top ten of the Billboard charts and led to the group winning two Grammy Awards. She currently is still a member of the Pointer Sisters alongside Anita, and daughter Issa. The group was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.
[edit] Personal life
Besides being the eldest of the four Pointer sisters, Ruth is a mother of five, including twins Ali and Conor from her current husband Michael Sayles, whom she married in 1990. She and her husband and their children currently reside in Hopedale, Massachusetts. She is also a grandmother.
