Best known for her hit “Loving You” from 1975, Minnie Riperton was an American singer-songwriter.
Her stunning five-octave coloratura soprano range was another of her notable vocal talents. She has been dubbed the “Queen of the Whistle Register” due to her well-known use of the whistle register when singing.
In her teen years, Chicago-native Minnie, who was born in 1947, sung lead vocals for the neighborhood female band the Gems.
Soon, she began providing support vocals for a variety of celebrities, including Chuck Berry, Etta James, Fontella Bass, and Muddy Waters.
‘Lovin’ You’ became her first US number one song in 1975.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in January 1976, Minnie underwent a mastectomy in April.
Only six months were given to her because the cancer had spread by the time it was discovered. She continued travelling and recording in spite of this.
On July 12, 1979, Riperton passed away from cancer at the age of just 31.
Parents and Siblings
Thelma Inez Matthews Riperton who lived from 1911 to 2005 and Daniel Webster Riperton, a Pullman porter, who lived from 1898 to 1991, gave birth to Riperton in Chicago. Being the youngest of eight children in a musical household, she developed an early love of the arts.
Spouse and Children
From August 1970 until her passing in July 1979, Minnie Riperton was wed to lyricist and music producer Richard Rudolph.
Marc Rudolph, a music engineer who was born in 1968, and Maya, a comic performer who was born in 1972 were their two offspring.
