Pointer, Ruth (1946–)

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Pointer, Ruth (1946–)

African-American pop singer. Born Mar 19, 1946, in Oakland, CA; dau. of ministers; sister of Bonnie, Anita and June Pointer.

Joined June, Bonnie and Anita as the Pointer Sisters (1972), recording "Yes We Can Can" and "Wang Dang Doodle" for ABC's Blue Thumb label, which hit both the pop and R&B charts (1973); minus Bonnie, signed with Planet Records and had a string of hits (1980s), including "Fire," "He's So Shy," "Slow Hand," "I'm So Excited," and "Neutron Dance"; also had 2 platinum albums, Break Out and Contact; with sisters, released album Only Sisters Can Do That (1994).

See also Women in World History.