Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton (November 8, 1947 - July 12, 1979), a soul singer from Chicago, Illinois. She scored her greatest commercial success with the memorable one-hit wonder "Lovin' You", a soulful pop ballad that showcased her amazing five-octave vocal range, as well as her ability to hit an F6 note in the whistle register.

As a child, Minnie studied music, drama, and dance, and seriously considered a career in opera. However, her affiliation with the famous Chess Records record label soon allowed her to sing backup for Etta James, Fontella Bass, and Stevie Wonder. Minnie sang lead vocals for several small, unsucessful bands before teaming up with her husband, composer Richard Rudolph, to start her solo career. Stevie Wonder agreed to produce her 1974 album, "Perfect Angel", featuring "Lovin' You", a ballad to her two-year old daughter Maya.

Riperton was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had a mastectomy in 1976. She became an active spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society and was awarded the Society Courage Award from President Jimmy Carter. She died in 1979 at the age of 31.

In addition to her musical legacy, Minnie Riperton is survived by her daughter, Maya Rudolph, a current cast member of Saturday Night Live.