DeepSummary
The Pointer Sisters, along with their brother Fritz, reminisce about their upbringing in Oakland, their early musical influences, and their journey to success in the music industry. They share stories about their family's involvement in various social and political movements, as well as their experiences overcoming racial barriers in the country music scene.
The group discusses their unique approach to music, blending different genres like jazz, pop, rock, and soul. They recount their collaborations with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Aretha Franklin. They also share insights into the creative process behind their iconic hits like "Fire," "He's So Shy," and "I'm So Excited."
The Pointers reflect on the challenges they faced in breaking into mainstream success, including radio's reluctance to play their music because of their genre-blending style. They also touch on their experiences with racism and the industry's preconceptions about what kind of music black artists should be making.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- They had humble beginnings in Oakland and Arkansas, overcoming adversity to become successful musicians.
- Their performances often featured unconventional elements, like dressing up in historical costumes.
- They experienced pressure from producers to deliver their best performances in the studio.
- Radio stations were initially reluctant to play their genre-blending music.
- The Pointer Sisters had a unique musical style that blended various genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and soul.
- They faced racial barriers and preconceptions in the music industry, being told they couldn't sing certain genres because of their race.
- They collaborated with legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Aretha Franklin, which influenced their sound.
- Despite facing challenges, they achieved mainstream success with hits like "Fire," "He's So Shy," and "I'm So Excited."
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We were dressed like Billie Holidays and everything. That was so wonderful.“ by Speaker D (Bonnie Pointer)
- “We didn't have indoor toilets. And this is in the fifties, and.“ by Anita Pointer
- “When they told you you couldn't sing songs like that. You guys are black girls and you.“ by Anita Pointer
- “They wouldn't play it. The radio said they refused to play it because there's no such thing as black rock and roll.“ by Anita Pointer
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Episode Information
Questlove Supreme
iHeartPodcasts
6/17/24
Remembering the late Anita Pointer and Bonnie Pointer for Black Music Month, listen back at Questlove Supreme's special 2019 episode with The Pointer Sisters. Anita, Bonnie, and brother Fritz tell Team Supreme about growing up in San Francisco, breaking barriers in Country music, and writing a new chapter for the group during the 1980s.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.