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Ruth Pointer (born March 19, 1946, Oakland, California, United States) is an American R&B singer, best known for being the eldest member of The Pointer Sisters.

Biography

Early life

Ruth Pointer began her vocal training as a director of a junior choir in her father's church. Marrying after high school and having two children, Ruth was eventually convinced by her sisters to join their family group in December 1972.

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 (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side)" before Bonnie's exit in 1977. Continuing as a trio, the group found their biggest success covering tunes of rock, pop and New Wave with singles such as "Fire" (1978), "He's So Shy" (1980), and "Slow Hand" (1981). The group found its biggest success with the release of the Break Out album in 1983 which featured hits such as "Automatic", "Jump (For My Love)", a re-released version of "I'm So Excited", "Neutron Dance", and "Baby Come And Get It". It's notable for featuring Ruth's lead vocals on "Automatic" and "Neutron Dance", which hit the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and led to the group winning two Grammy Awards. Of the original members, Ruth, along with her sister Anita, are still active with The Pointer Sisters. They were joined by Ruth's daughter, Issa, in the 1990s. The group was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.

Personal life

Ruth Pointer 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. Pointer is also a grandmother. Sadako Pointer (a model) is her second granddaughter and resides in New York City. Her other daughter Issa is from the former Temptations member, Dennis Edwards.^[1] Her son Malik is also a singer with his band Fat Sam.^[2]

She has married 4 times:

• Larry Woods (August 9, 1964 - 1970) (divorced) 2 children; Faun (born: 1965) and Malik (born: 1966)
• Carl Abram (November 7, 1973 – 1975) (divorced)
• Donald Boyette (October 3, 1984 – 1988) (divorced)
• Michael Sayles (September 8, 1990 – present) 2 children; Twins Ali and Conor (born: August, 1993)

References