Happy birthday, Ruth Pointer!

Still beautiful and still so excited, Ruth Pointer, member of the awesome Pointer Sisters, was born March 19, 1946 in Oakland, California.  She joined her younger sisters, Anita, June and Bonnie in 1972, making the group a quartet.  They released their first album The Pointer Sisters in 1973.

Bonnie left the group after their third album, Steppin' and they continued as a trio. 

In 1990, Ruth married Michael Sayles (her final husband) and in 1993 gave birth to twins at age 47.  She continues to perform with her daughter Issa and her grandaughter Sadako. 

She sings lead on Neutron Dance and Back in My Arms. 

I read her autobiography Still So Excited back in January.  Such a great woman!

The Pointer Sisters release "Break Out" 1983

My girls, the Pointer Sisters, released their most successful album and all-around awesome Break Out, November 6, 1983.  Although it was their 10th studio release, it burst on to the music scene selling over 3 million copies and giving the girls four top 10 hits: Jump (For My Love), Automatic, Neutron Dance and I'm So Excited, a remix from the previous album So Excited.  The fifth single, I Need You, was also a hit but did not make it to the Billboard Top 40.  A sixth release, Baby, Come and Get It, was a minor hit in 1985.

Break Out did win two Grammys:

Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or more Voices for Automatic
Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals.

And two American Music Awards:

Favorite Soul/R&B Band Duo or Group
Favorite Soul/R&B Band Duo or Group Video Artist