Minnie Riperton

Minnie Julia Riperton Rudolph^[1] (November 8, 1947 - July 12, 1979),^[1] known professionally as Minnie Riperton, was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You". She was well known for her R&B singing. She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in 1979. They had two children: music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya Rudolph.^[2] She was born in Chicago, Illinois. She died of breast cancer at the age of 31 on July 12, 1979.

Minnie Riperton
Riperton in 1977
Background information
Birth name	Minnie Julia Riperton
Also known as	Andrea Davis
Born	(1947-11-08)November 8, 1947 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	July 12, 1979(1979-07-12) (aged 31) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Soul, R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Years active	1962–1979
Labels	Chess, GRT, Epic, Capitol

Early life

Riperton was born in Chicago to Thelma and Daniel Riperton, a Pullman porter.^[3] She was the youngest of eight children. She was raised in a musical family. She embraced the arts early. Although she began with ballet and modern dance, her parents recognized her vocal and musical abilities and encouraged her to pursue music and voice.