Slow Hand
"Slow Hand" is a song recorded by American vocal group the Pointer Sisters for their eighth studio album Black & White. The song, written by Michael Clark and John Bettis, was released by the Planet label in May 1981 as the lead single from Black & White.
Background and impact
Although its sultry style recalls the Pointer Sisters' first American top-ten hit, the 1978 number two hit "Fire", "Slow Hand" was not written for the group; in fact John Bettis stated that "the Pointer Sisters were the furthest from minds." However producer Richard Perry said he "knew 'Slow Hand' an instant smash ...that...would recapitulate and expand on the intimacy 'Fire'." Like "Fire"—which also featured Anita Pointer on lead—"Slow Hand" peaked at number two on the [Billboard Hot 100|Billboard Hot 100], for three weeks, behind "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. "Slow Hand" reached that position in August 1981 when it also reached number seven on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In September 1981, the single was certified Gold by the Recording [Industry Association of America|RIAA]. "Slow Hand" also afforded the Pointer Sisters international success, including the first appearance by the group in the top-ten on the UK Singles Chart.Personnel
The Pointer Sisters- Anita Pointer – lead vocals
- June Pointer – backing vocals
- Ruth Pointer – backing vocals
- John Barnes – electric piano
- William "Smitty" Smith – organ
- Paul Jackson Jr. – guitar
- Tim May – guitar
- Nathan Watts – bass
- John Robinson – drums
- Paulinho da Costa – percussion
Charts