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ONE of the hallmarks of Rhythm and Blues has been great harmony groups: The Supremes, The Impressions, The Temptations, The Chi Lites, The Pointer Sisters.

The Pointer Sisters make their first appearance in Jamaica this week on the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

Ruth Pointer and her younger sister Anita, are survivors of the classic lineup from the 1980s that had massive dance hits such as “I’m So Excited”, “Neutron Dance” and “He’s so Shy”.

Ruth’s grand-daughter, Sadako, completes the current line-up.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer from California, Ruth said the Pointers have never allowed themselves to be boxed in by labels.

“Maybe that has to do with our parents being from the South, and us growing up listening to everything, from gospel to R&B and country,” she said.

“We always wanted to be different.”

Those indiscriminate tastes can be heard in their extensive repertoire. Fairytale, one of their first major hits, won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1975.

Their 1981 summer hit, “Slow Hand”, also had a country flavour. “The sultry Fire”, another big song for the Pointers, was written by rock star Bruce Springsteen.

These days, Ruth says the group’s itinerary is built largely around summer festivals and corporate or private functions.

At different stages, the group has included sisters June (who died in 2006) and Bonnie, as well as Issa, Ruth’s daughter.

They still have the flow, Ruth boasts.

“We have similar energy even if our voices aren’t the same. It just blows my mind,” she said.

In addition to Fairytale, the Pointer Sisters’ other big 1970s hit was the funk song “Carwash”, from the movie of the same name.

They were one of the biggest acts in the 1980s.

Their high-energy songs and performances suited the emergence of music videos and glam fashion, which helped propel “I’m so Excited”, “Neutron Dance” and “Jump” to prominence on the pop charts.

Though they achieved a solid foothold in the pop market, Ruth Pointer said the group never lost its R&B roots. She believes It is not the same in today’s game.

“There’s a lot of hip hop and pop but not a lot of serious R&B,” she said.

The Pointer Sisters perform on closing night of the January 29-31 festival.

Among the event’s headliners are Mariah Carey, former GAP Band singer Charlie Wilson, Peter Cetera, and Canadian pop/reggae band Magic! – Jamaica Observer.