by Barbara Smith

The career trajectory of Ruth Pointer is nothing short of phenomenal. We know the Pointer Sisters from such classics as “I’m So Excited,” “Jump,” and “Slow Hand.” And now the Grammy-winning vocal group will be performing at Morongo Resort and Casino on Saturday, August 23, in a show that promises to keep the crowd jumping with excitement.

Over the years since they began rocking the stage in the 1970’s, the members of the group have changed, but it’s always stayed in the family with all the sisters — June, Bonnie, Anita and Ruth — thrilling audiences at different times. Now Ruth, with daughter Issa and granddaughter Sadako, form the trio of the Pointer Sisters, spreading the joy and continuing the legacy of this iconic group.

In anticipation of the upcoming concert, Ruth took time to reflect on her extensive career and profound musical roots, her life in and out of the Pointer Sisters, and the faith that has sustained her, bringing her to the peace she feels today.

Born in West Oakland, Ruth and her sisters were raised in the church (their father was a pastor), and Pointer offers that singing in the church choir was the best training ground for their musical education. Intuitively absorbing techniques in different octaves, beautiful, blended keys, and harmonies helped to shape their unique sound. “Singing for us was like the air we breathe,” she recalls. “At that time, we weren’t really aware of the gift we were being given,” but because of their training, their repertoire grew to encompass multiple musical genres including pop, R&B, country and soul. In a barrier-breaking achievement, they were the first Black female vocal group to appear at the Grand Ole Opry. Throughout their career, they have sold some 50 million records garnering both critical acclaim and commercial popularity.

With all the fame and accomplishments, Pointer remains humble and projects a sense of wonder at all that she, along with her sisters and now the newest generation of the Pointer Sisters, has achieved, calling it “a blessing and a gift.” Reflecting on the unexpected journey, she says, “I had no idea it was going to blow up the way it did.” Unlike many artists today who have voice coaches and other guiding forces, she laughs as she remembers, “We didn’t have anyone to guide us through the business, like lawyers or managers or assistants. We were just flying by the seat of our pants, hitting the stage and singing, then getting on buses and station wagons and checking into hotel rooms where we’d never been. I mean, it was really just a crap shoot that turned out okay.”

“Okay” is a serious understatement when you consider the group’s massive impact and accomplishments. The 70’s and 80’s were a banner year for the sisters with the group placing 13 US top 20 hits. Add to that three Grammys, a Carnegie Hall performance, appearances in films like “Car Wash,” a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, European tours, and always dazzling adoring audiences.

She recounts fond memories of her close friendship with Natalie Cole, who she calls her “dear, dear sweetheart friend.”  When Cole learned that Ruth had twins at age 47, she flew directly to her from her tour in Italy, bearing gifts for the new arrivals. “I still have precious pictures in my home of her sitting on the floor with my babies.”

At age 79, Pointer is still a radiant stage presence, exuding joy and passion performing with her daughter and granddaughter, and while she is a bit more careful with the stomps, bumps, and jumps, the act still thrills with audience members often leaping to their feet.

Along with the group’s successes came temptations, and Ruth is candid in speaking about her struggles with drug addiction. Her 2016 book Still So Excited! chronicles both the highs and lows in her meteoric career. Now, with support of family and loved ones, and over 35 years in recovery, she is grateful. “Somewhere in the mercy of the thing I call God,” she says, “I’ve been able to get past it. And hopefully someone else can see this in my story, and they too can recover and still have life after those years.”

Now as the last remaining Pointer sister, Ruth speaks with quiet reverence about her sisters, offering that they saved her life during her darkest days. “I feel like I have the spirit of those beautiful divas with me every time I hit that stage,” she shares. “I hope I can make them proud.”

Now audiences can share that pride and party down with Ruth, Issa and Sadako, a grand evolution of the Pointer Sisters. Doors open at Morongo Resort and Casino at 7 pm with the show starting at 8. For tickets, visit https://www.morongocasinoresort.com/.