Before there was Beyonce Knowles, Mariah Carey or Jennifer Hudson, there was Minnie Riperton. When I was a little girl I was mesmerized by her melodic voice. She had a vocal quality that is hard for me to describe. Her singing in the whistle register gives me chills. Her beautiful version of "Lovin' You" has been remade numerous times, but to me, every other version pales in comparison.
Minnie was one of the first artists to publicly share her cancer diagnosis but didn't disclose that it was terminal. She served as a spokesperson for the National Cancer Society and received their Courage award from President, Jimmy Carter. Minnie passed away on July 12, 1979 in the arms of her husband, Richard Rudolph. I was almost 10 when she died, but no other female artist has touched me as much as Minnie.
Here's a picture of her with her children, Marc and Maya. Does that cute little girl look familiar?
She's actress, Maya Rudolph. Here she is posing like her mom on the Perfect Angel album.
Lovin' You: (sorry if it's not a direct link. I have had a hard time posting one since blogger changed. :-(
2 comments:
What a beautiful voice.
I wish I could hit those high notes!
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