The Pointer Sisters – Fire

“Fire” – Single by The Pointer Sisters from the album Energy
B-side: “Love Is Like a Rolling Stone”
Released: October 2, 1978 (US), March 9, 1979 (UK)
Recorded: 1978
Label: Planet
Songwriter: Bruce Springsteen
Producer: Richard Perry
Charted No.2 in US and No.34 in UK

Unedited live recording. January 27, 1981. Attic Night Club, Greenville, NC. [Jake’s Video Collection]

This smoldering song was written by Bruce Springsteen, who at the time was embroiled in litigation with his former manager, which kept him from recording his own songs. His friend Robert Gordon was the first to record it, releasing it on his 1978 album Fresh Fish Special. The song became a hit when the Pointer Sisters recorded it later in 1978 at the suggestion of their producer, Richard Perry, their version hitting #2 in the US.

Springsteen wrote this for Elvis Presley, his idol growing up. He sent Elvis a demo of it in 1977, but Presley died soon after. The song would have fit well for Elvis, as it’s about a passionate lust a couple has for each other.

Anita Pointer later recalled, “[‘Fire’] became [the Pointer Sisters’] first gold single: we had had gold albums before but I didn’t realize what a difference a gold single made, ’cause…that one song [is played] over and over all over the world. [‘Fire’] really became a major hit for us and made a total difference in our career.”

Billboard named the song No. 48 on their list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

Musicians:
Anita Pointer – lead & backing vocals
Ruth Pointer – backing vocals
June Pointer – backing vocals
Davey Johnstone – guitar
Gerald Johnson – bass
Rick Jaeger – drums
Lenny Castro – tambourine
David Paich – organ, high piano
Jai Winding – acoustic piano