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Just 5 days ago, we highlighted the late Bonnie Pointer, and her "Great Song" debut after leaving her sisters for a solo career: 1979's "Heaven Must Have Sent You."
There's some irony here today, because yesterday, her sister Anita Pointer passed away from cancer at the age o 74. Here is the obituary from Variety Magazine: https://variety.com/.../anita-pointer-dead-pointer.../
After Bonnie left left the group in 1978, Anita became the lead singer, and the "Great Songs" just kept on coming--well into the '80s.
Today, we're taking a look at Anita's lead-singing debut: 1979's "Fire," a song written and originally sung by Bruce Springsteen.
When the Pointers (Anita, Ruth, and June) were putting together "Energy," their first album as a trio, their producer, Richard Perry, played them Bruce's version to get their reaction.
Immediately, Anita told Richard the song was too low for her range, so Ruth should sing it. Richard told Anita that SHE woiud be singing it.
Anita was dubious, but went along with it--and when the song was released as a single, Richard was proven to be a genius.
As 1979 crossed into 1980, "Fire" became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in 5 countries, including Canada. In the US, it was a 3-chart hit: #2 on Billboard's Hot 100, #11 on the Rhythm & Blues Chart, and #21 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.
Billboard later placed "Fire" at #48 on their list of the "Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time."
As a quartet with Bonnie, The Pointers already had a number of "Great Songs" to their credit, but this was their first as a trio, and according to Anita, it certainly gave their career an extra boost.
You might even say, their career really caught "Fire." Sorry, I couldn't resist.
"Fire" by The Pointer Sisters: A "Great Song of 1979-80!" Rest in Peace, Anita Pointer. Give our regards to Bonnie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xGGoTgdads
Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxnNidqdOZI
Tomorrow: This one's for the birds.
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