Since Bonnie Pointer’s passing yesterday, so many are revisiting the poppy R&B hits she and her sisters released during the 80s. But too much heartbreak and a little James Taylor inspired a song that brought the Pointer Sisters country stardom, too.

The eldest sister Anita began penning “Fairytale” after an ill-fated relationship, Bonnie gave it some finishing touches, and the song’s success on both the Billboard Country & Western AND Pop Hot 100 charts landed the Pointer Sisters a gig as the first African-American group to sing at the Grand Ole Opry. The ladies even won the 1975 Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, making them the first all-female vocal group to win ANY Grammy. Bonnie and Anita were specifically recognized with a nomination for Best Country Song.

Rightfully so, Anita had an earful for anyone who might question the group’s crossover success. “People think because we’re always trying something different we’re not sincere,” she once observed. “For us, it’s no joke… Our folks came from Arkansas and we grew up singing country songs. It’s part of us.” Though she and the Pointer Sisters recorded and charted with other country songs, “Fairytale” is definitely their piece de resistance.

Here, all FOUR Pointer Sisters – Anita, Bonnie (in green), June and Ruth – perform “Fairytale” live, and to see their sweet individuality outside of the typical glitz and glare of their 80s girl group persona is a rare treat.

In memory of Bonnie. All of our love as you move on.

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘:
“But now the way that things have been
I think I’m better off alone
Than to be with you
You don’t love me it’s plain to see”

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 | 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬