Minnie Riperton (November 8 1947 – July 12 1979) was an American singer and songwriter noted for her rare five-and-a-half octave vocal range, and her 1975 hit single "Lovin' You".

Minnie Riperton (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer and songwriter noted for her rare five-and-a-half octave vocal range, and her 1975 hit single “Lovin’ You”. Biography As a child, Minnie Riperton studied music, drama, and dance at Chicago’s Lincoln Center. As a teen Riperton sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group the Gems. Her early affiliation with the legendary Chess record label afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for such acts as Etta Jame