News

June of the Pointer Sisters Dies of Cancer

June Pointer of the Pointer Sisters died Tuesday in Los Angeles from an undisclosed form of cancer. She was 52.

A family statement says that the youngest member of the singing trio died "in the arms of her sisters, Ruth and Anita and her brothers, Aaron and Fritz, by her side." A fourth sister, Bonnie, who was originally part of the group but left before they achieved major commercial success, was "unable to be present [but] was with her in spirit."

The Pointer Sisters had a string of massive dance pop hits throughout the late '70s and early '80s, including "I'm So Excited," "Jump (For My Love)," and "Neutron Dance," which was featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop. Sisters Ruth and Anita continue to perform as the Pointer Sisters with Ruth's daughter, Issa, filling in as the third member. June, who recorded two solo albums in the '80s, eventually left the group.

In 2004, June Pointer was arrested for cocaine possession and ordered into a rehab facility. Her cancer diagnosis was first disclosed when she was hospitalized in late February.

-- The ARTISTdirect Staff
04.12.06