Minnie Riperton

• Genre: Soul

About

Remembered for her five-octave range, showcased to perfection on the 1974 hit "Loving You," Minnie Riperton, like many youngsters growing up in the Chicago area, started her singing career in church. After moving to Los Angeles with her husband in 1973, Riperton's big break came when she was picked to sing background vocals on Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale. She toured with Wonder as part of Wonderlove, his backing group, and got Wonder to produce her breakthrough album, Perfect Angel. Although subsequent recording efforts proved less fruitful commercially, Riperton continued to make music and tour throughout the 1970s. She died of breast cancer in July 1979.

- Linda Ryan