On May 21, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, Minnie Riperton, a singer-songwriter best known for her song “Lovin’ You,” passed away at the age of 31 from breast cancer.
Minnie Riperton was about to distinguish herself from her contemporaries by the middle of the 1970s. She made the decision to go solo after spending years singing background and lead vocals for the renowned Chicago band Rotary Connection and enjoying minor success.
Riperton, who was renowned for having a five-and-a-half octave vocal range, met Richard Rudolph, her future songwriting collaborator while singing with Rotary Connection.
Her debut album, Come to My Garden, was created by them jointly with the outstanding producer and arranger Charles Stepney in 1970.
How did Minnie Riperton meet her husband?
According to Rudolph, he first met her in Chicago at the Kinetic Playground’s Electric Theater. Live performance of her song with the Rotary Connection. He had never before heard her sing. That was when he fell in love with her.
