Best known for her 1975 Number One single Lovin’ You, singer Minnie Riperton was gifted with an angelic five-octave vocal range, and inspired great artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur. She bravely spoke up about her battle with breast cancer, and the benefits of early detection in the months before her passing.
Minnie Riperton was born in Chicago on November 8th 1947, as the youngest of eight children. Though there were seven other young people to take care of in the household, young Minnie was still able to pursue some creative habits; she began with taking dance lessons then moved on to study classical music. It was there her parents recognized her vocal abilities and encouraged her to pursue music – and by the age of 11, Minnie had developed the beginnings of her operatic vocals, for which she is so well known.
With dreams of becoming a singer she continued to study music, drama and dance at Chicago’s Lincoln Centre, where she received operatic vocal training from her coach, Marion Jeffery. He trained her to use her full range and had her sing operettas and show tunes in preparation for a career in opera. However, Minnie was more interested in soul, rhythm, blues and rock.
At 15 Minnie began singing professionally, signed to the famed Chess Records and became one of four members of the group The Gems. Together, the group found little success but were able to sing backing vocals for a number of artists, including Etta James. In 1967 she joined Rotary Connection. With their music somewhere between rock, jazz and experimental genres, the style of Rotary Connection was very progressive in its time.
During this time, Minnie met songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph, and they married in 1970. Together they had two children; a son, Marc Rudolph in 1968 and in 1972, well-known actress and comedian Maya Rudolph.
Minnie’s debut solo album, Come to My Garden, was released in 1970, and led her to perform several shows with the album. Although the album didn’t do well commercially, it has since been recognised as a masterpiece by critics in the music industry. For the following three years Minnie took a break and focused on raising her children with her husband in Gainesville, Florida. But after being rediscovered by an employee from Epic Records Minnie and her family moved to Los Angeles. With her career back in full swing Minnie sang with Stevie Wonder on his album Fulfillingness’ First Finale, providing background vocals to tracks ‘Creepin’’ and ‘It Ain’t No Use’. She became a member of his backing unit Wonderlove and was able to tour with him.
Stevie Wonder agreed to co-produce Minnie’s 1974 album Perfect Angel, and it became a hit, reaching the #1 spot in the US charts, and #2 in the UK. The album included the internationally successful single ‘Lovin’ You’. Written by herself and her husband, the single proved a major boost to Riperton’s career, and turned her into a household name. Later albums such as 1975’s Adventures in Paradise and 1977’s Stay in Love ensured that she remained popular amongst her fans.
While recording her final album, Minnie Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. She later became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society after speaking bravely and publicly about her disease and highlighting the importance of self-examination and the benefit of early detection. This earned her a Society Courage Award, which was presented to her by the former US President, Jimmy Carter. Despite her declining health Minnie continued performing and was able to complete her final album, Minnie (1979).
Minnie Riperton peacefully passed away in her husband’s arms on July 12 1979, at 31 years of age, while listening to a recording Stevie Wonder made for her. Today, she is remembered as one of soul music’s most unique and unforgettable voices.
Minnie Riperton, born 8 November 1947; died 12 July 1979
Fun fact: Mini Minnie: Maya Rudolph has honoured her late mother by naming her third daughter after her; Minnie, born in 2013 – the fourth of four children.
