Ruth Pointer

Soul and R&B singer Ruth Pointer was born on March 19, 1946 in Oakland, California. She's the eldest member of the hugely popular and successful soul and R&B group The Pointer Sisters. Ruth began her formal vocal training as director of the junior choir at her priest father Elton Pointer's church The Church of God. Ruth got married right after graduating from high school and had two children. She worked as a keypunch operator prior to joining The Pointer Sisters in December, 1972. Ruth contributed the song "Streets of Gold" to the soundtrack of the Disney feature "Oliver & Company" and sings a song with Billy Vera on the soundtrack for "Iron Eagle II." Ruth is an international spokesperson for the USO and has traveled on several occasions overseas to put on solo shows for American soldiers stationed in various foreign countries. In addition, Ruth works for such charities as the Special Olympics and Best Buddies. She sings background vocals on Celine Dion's 1990 album "Unison." Ruth married her second husband Michael Sayles in the garden of her Malibu, California home in 1990 and gave birth to twins at age 47. Ruth lives with her husband Michael at his home in Hopedale, Massachusetts. Ruth Pointer still continues to sing and perform with The Pointer Sisters along with her sister Anita and daughter Issa.