Their 1973 debut album gave us the singles, "Yes We Can, Can," which reached #11 on Billboard magazine's pop singles chart. The album was certified gold and the group had become the most talked-about new act of the year.

The following year, the sisters released "That's A Plenty," an album that included a bona-fide country-western tune, "Fairytale," written by the sisters which was a huge success on both the country and pop charts. As a result, the sisters became the first black female group to ever perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. They also became the first contemporary act to perform at the San Francisco Opera House and released a live recording of the performance. In 1975, "Fairytale" won the sisters their first Grammy Award, for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Elvis Presley later covering the tune. That year, the Pointers released their fourth album, "Steppin'," which included the track, "How Long (Betcha Got A Chick On The Side)" which went to the top 20 on the pop charts and sailed all the way to #1 on R&B. In 1977, the Pointer Sisters released "Having a Party," their last album as a quartet before one of the sisters, Bonnie, went on to pursue a solo career.

In an effort to change their style, the sisters teamed up with producer Richard Perry and decided to record a rock 'n roll album. The group's debut single, Bruce Springsteen's "Fire," went all the way to #2 on the pop charts and went gold. Boosted by "Fire," the album was certified gold and went on to spawn another top single with "Happiness." In 1980, the group released the gold-certified "Special Things" featuring the song "He's So Shy" that went to #3 and gold status. Then in 1981, the group released "Black & White," which included one of the biggest hits of the year, "Slow Hand." The single topped out at #2 on the Billboard charts, and became an anthem for women across the country.

Following "Black & White," the sisters released the 1983 album, "Break Out." And that's exactly what the trio did. Upon its release, Stereo Review called the new album "the Pointer Sisters at their sassiest, brassiest, up-tempo best." The Pointer Sisters landed all over MTV, becoming one of the first black acts to be played in heavy rotation. "Jump (for my love)" raced to #3 on the pop charts and "I'm So Excited" hit the Top 10 and became a Pointer classic! To date, the song has been played over 2.5 million times on radio. The success of the album earned the sisters two Grammy Awards (Best Vocal by a Duo or Group for "Jump" and Best Vocal Arrangement for "Automatic") and two American Music Awards. Break Out was certified triple-platinum, making it the biggest selling album of the Pointer Sisters' career.

Three hit records and more than 20 years later, the group has spent recent years performing with some of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world, including San Francisco, Jacksonville, Atlanta's symphony orchestra and the renowned Boston Pops. In 2003, Ruth's daughter; Issa Pointer joined the group to fill the very large shoes of her aunt, June, who had left the group to pursue other interests (June passed away on April 11, 2006). Issa has been singing since childhood and is a natural performer.

Over the years, she has occasionally joined her mother and aunts on the road and on stage - just for fun! During the Pointer Sisters' 1985 tour, Issa, then just 7 years old, was fitted with a bright red wig to match her mom's wild hairstyle! Well, she's all grown up now and has the vocal chords to prove it. Ruth, Anita and Issa were a smash hit at Night of the Proms, which spanned over 50 sold-out performances throughout Germany, Holland and Belgium, and has secured the group many more successful tours in Europe. In 2004, the group recorded a live CD/DVD, which captured the energetic Pointers performing the hits that fans of all ages continue to enjoy! Ruth, Anita and Issa maintain a busy touring schedule and perform the music of The Pointer Sisters all over the world.

Tickets for The Pointer Sisters on Friday & Saturday, March 9 & 10 at 8pm, are on sale now. Ticket prices are $100/85/75/55. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com