“Yes” and “Yes” to the two questions in the headlines. Dad had a Church in Oakland, California, and that is where the quartet honed their skills as youngsters growing up. Later, they were the 1st African-American “group” to perform on the Grand Old Opry program and the 1st “contemporary act” to showcase their talents at the San Francisco Opera House. Though the group in later years featured some of the original cast mixed with younger members of the family, the family continued performing until about the end of 1993.
ANITA, RUTH, BONNIE, and JUNE were the originals, who hit the “big time” in 1973, and in 1974, the group was honored with their own star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, amassing 3 Grammy Awards and 13 United States “Top 20” hits from ’73 to ’85. Also, their famous 1983 album— Break Out—soared to “triple platinum” and took home 2 American Music Awards!
Some other well-known and top selling hits included “Yes We Can Can,” “Slow Hand,” “Neutron Dance,” “Jump (For My Love),” and “I’m So Excited.”……. Written by the Pointer Sisters and Trevor Lawrence, everybody was singing this song for quite some time: ”I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it…..I’m about to lose control, and I think I like it…..I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it…..And I know, I know, I know, I know…..I know I want you, want you! I want to squeeze you, please you…..” Reports say that this song was named #23 on BILLBOARD’S list of all-time Greatest Girl Group Songs.
A little more background research tells us that Bonnie and June (Pointer) performed as a “pair” in 1969. The pair soon became a “trio” when Annie joined them. Then the quartet was formed in 1972 when Ruth joined in! The four sisters were a big hit! Some more hits included “Fire,” “Automatic,” “He’s So Shy,” and “Fairytale.”
And, to conclude, a little more research indicates that the Pointer Sisters sang the iconic vocals (uncredited) for PINBALL NUMBER COUNT, a series of animated “Sesame Street Shorts” that were designed to teach children numbers and counting—and left many adults with this infectious “ditty” rolling around in their heads when they were trying to concentrate upon other things!
And now, as I prepare to sign off and go to “recliner,” I cannot get “I’m So Excited; I Just Can’t Hide It” out of my mind! Good night to all, and a continued “HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.