June Pointer, a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning pop group the Pointer Sisters, which stormed the charts with hits such as “I’m So Excited,” has died at the age of 52, according to the group’s Web site.
Pointer, who was the lead vocalist on “Jump (For My Love)” and “He’s So Shy,” died of cancer yesterday in Santa Monica, California, the Associated Press reported, citing a statement from her family.
Pointer was one of four sisters who started the group in their native San Francisco Bay area in the early 1970s, according to the Web site. The group sang back-up for artists such as Boz Scaggs and Taj Mahal before recording its first album in 1973.
The Pointer Sisters became a trio when Bonnie Pointer left for a solo career in 1977, according to the Web site. June Pointer recorded her first solo album in 1983 and later left the group as well, AP said.
The group won three Grammy Awards between 1975 and 1985. Its cover version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Fire” reached No. 2 on the pop charts in 1978 while “Slow Hand” hit No. 2 three years later, according to the Web site.
The group still performs as a trio and includes Issa Pointer, daughter of founding member Ruth Pointer Sayles. The remaining sister is Anita Pointer.
