Anita Pointer, Founding Member of The Pointer Sisters, Has Died

Anita Pointer, longtime member of Oakland R&B and pop girl group The Pointer Sisters, died on Saturday at 74-years-old.

Anita Pointer, founding member of legendary Grammy-winning R&B and pop group The Pointer Sisters, died on Saturday (December 31) at her Beverly Hills home following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 74.

“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace,” Pointer’s family said in a statement. “She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us. … Heaven is a more loving beautiful place with Anita there.”

The second of oldest of four sisters, Anita initially started the group as a duo in 1969. Later becoming a trio, The Pointer Sisters made their mainstream introduction in the 1970s, releasing their eponymous debut album in 1973 with first single "Yes We Can,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Hot Soul Songs chart.

The group continued funneling fourteen more albums, including Steppin', Energy, Break Out, and 1993's Only Sisters Can Do That, which remains their final LP to date. The following year, The Pointer Sisters were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Although Anita received high acclaim for being in a powerhouse group, in 2003, her only child, Jada Pointer, died from cancer at 37. Anita went on to raise her granddaughter, Roxie McKain Pointer.

Check out tributes to Anita Pointer below.