What Minnie Riperton’s music means 50 years after ‘Lovin’ You’

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Stevie Wonder was remembering – and a little struggling to remember – recording his song “Lovin’ You” with his late friend, Minnie Riperton, about fifty years ago.

He remembers being at the Record Plant, playing a Fender Rhodes keyboard, while she sang – and sounded amazing, as always. He’s now playing the harpejji, an electric string instrument many people recognize from his performances on shows like the Grammy Awards and “Dancing With the Stars.”

He described it as a truly magical period, then demonstrated with his playing – flowing, beautiful melodies that shifted unexpectedly between happy and sad tones.

He apologizes for being distracted, explaining he’s reflecting on the past compared to the current state of the country, which he feels is deeply troubled. For Stevie Wonder, 75, Minnie Riperton’s music represents a more peaceful and harmonious time, and her voice embodies a dedication to music, peace, unity, and bringing people together.

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For me, Minnie Riperton’s talent really shines through in “Lovin’ You.” It went to number one in 1975, and it’s just a beautiful, simple song about love. It feels incredibly intimate, like you’re accidentally listening in on a private moment between a couple. Plus, that song has one of the most iconic high notes *ever* – it’s truly unforgettable! Stevie Wonder actually helped produce it alongside Minnie’s husband, Richard Rudolph, on her album “Perfect Angel.”

Following the hit song “Lovin’ You,” Minnie Riperton’s “Perfect Angel” reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart, staying there for three weeks until Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World” took its place. After more than ten years as a professional singer, Riperton finally appeared poised for lasting fame. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer just five years later, at the young age of 31, cutting short a promising career.

Fifty years after the release of “Lovin’ You,” Minnie Riperton will be celebrated with a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday. The show will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Lizz Wright, Aloe Blacc, Alex Isley, Chanté Moore, and more artists to be announced.

Wonder believes the show can help people rediscover facts and clarity, especially now when so many feel lost and uncertain.

Music

The classic R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire put out ‘That’s the Way of the World’ in March 1975, and it remains a significant album today. Here’s a look at why.

Riperton’s music continues to have a lasting impact, as evidenced by several recent events. In 2019, Jordan Peele famously used her song “Les Fleurs” in the climax of his film “Us.” Last year, Norah Jones began performing that same song in her concerts, and Andra Day sang “Memory Lane” at the NAACP Image Awards. Just this May, a video of SZA attempting the challenging high note in “Lovin’ You” went viral after being filmed backstage at the American Music Awards.

Many, including Stevie Wonder, believe that Minnie Riperton doesn’t get the recognition she deserves, likely because her career was cut short. She was known for her incredible high-pitched singing voice, often called a ‘whistle register,’ but hasn’t yet received the widespread appreciation she earned.

Patrice Rushen, a seasoned jazz and R&B artist and former head of the popular music program at USC, explains that some things about Minnie Riperton just *are* what they are – you either understand it, or you don’t. Rushen highlights Riperton’s unique vocal talent, noting her ability to sound both delicate and grounded simultaneously – a rare and special quality.

In 1980, Rushen collaborated with the late Minnie Riperton on a special duet for the album “Love Lives Forever.” The album, released a year after Riperton’s passing, also included performances by Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Michael Jackson, and Roberta Flack. Rushen explains that while Riperton’s song ‘Lovin’ You’ seems simple, it actually demonstrates a high level of skill. “It shows a real understanding of what makes a song effective,” she says.

R&B artist Isley, whose father is Ernie Isley from the Isley Brothers, considers Minnie Riperton a master of subtle vocal power. Riperton’s influence can be heard in the intimate singing styles of artists like Prince and Janet Jackson, and continues to inspire contemporary musicians such as Isley, with her song “Good & Plenty,” and Ravyn Lenae’s hit “Love Me Not.”

Rudolph, father to actress and comedian Maya Rudolph, shares that he’s deeply touched that Minnie Riperton’s music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Born and raised in Chicago, Minnie Riperton began her musical journey as a teenager in a girl group signed to Chess Records, where she also worked as a receptionist. She later gained experience singing backup vocals on several of the label’s popular songs, including Fontella Bass’s “Rescue Me.” That track also featured the talents of Maurice White on drums and Charles Stepney on vibraphone – both artists who would later become famous with the band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Prior to her solo career, Minnie Riperton joined the psychedelic soul-rock group Rotary Connection, thanks to a connection made by producer Richard Stepney. The band released several records in the late 1960s that have since become popular samples for artists like DJ Shadow and A Tribe Called Quest. Riperton met her future husband, Rudolph, in a chance encounter at a rock club – a moment he describes as something out of a movie. They quickly fell in love, and Rudolph began collaborating with Stepney on songs for Riperton’s first solo album, 1970’s “Come to My Garden,” a uniquely atmospheric and psychedelic record that Stepney also produced.

Rudolph says he and Charles dreamed of becoming a famous songwriting duo like Burt Bacharach and Hal David. He remembers writing the lyrics to their song, “Les Fleurs,” while driving a bus for a Chicago nursery school. Unfortunately, their album wasn’t successful, so they moved to Florida, where Rudolph had grown up. They rented a house in Gainesville near a duck pond, and he took on various jobs, even making sandals for a local shop.

Both Riperton and Rudolph were songwriters as well. “Lovin’ You” actually started as a looped lullaby they recorded for their daughter, Maya, allowing them a few moments to themselves while she played. “The Edge of a Dream” reflected on their feelings about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact after his death. A representative from Epic Records discovered them while they were living in Gainesville and played their music for the label’s executives. Epic signed Riperton, and the couple then moved to Los Angeles with their family.

I heard a really cool story about how Minnie Riperton met Stevie Wonder! Apparently, a friend of her manager played matchmaker and introduced them. Stevie was instantly impressed and asked Minnie to sing backup vocals on his album, ‘Fulfillingness’ First Finale.’ It’s amazing how these musical connections happen, right?

Music

After a forty-year hiatus from releasing new music, the former teen star is embarking on his biggest concert tour yet.

According to Rudolph, while Stevie Wonder was recording his album and a separate project for his former wife, Syreeta, he suggested they also create one for Minnie Riperton during the sessions at the Record Plant studio. The album, “Perfect Angel,” featured many of the same musicians as Stevie’s other records, including drummer Ollie E. Brown and bassist Reggie McBride. However, Rudolph ended up playing guitar on the track “Lovin’ You” because guitarist Michael Sembello developed carpal tunnel syndrome.

Stevie Wonder and Minnie Riperton playfully tried to distract me while I was recording,” Rudolph recalls with a laugh. “They had me listening to a click track with them both talking in my headphones, saying all sorts of things to make me mess up! Once the initial recording was done, Stevie decided the song needed the sound of chirping birds – birds they’d actually heard while recording a demo at home. So, Stevie, Minnie, and I went to the UCLA botanical gardens with a microphone and recorder to capture that sound.

Due to his Motown contract, Stevie Wonder couldn’t release “Perfect Angel” under his own name. He used the pseudonym El Toro Negro for the album, but he jokes, “I think most people figured out who the bull really was.”

The album wasn’t initially successful; sales didn’t pick up until the single “Lovin’ You” became popular months later. Rudolph recalls a short, hopeful period before Riperton received a cancer diagnosis. Despite her illness and treatment, Riperton continued to work tirelessly, touring with George Benson, appearing on television, recording three more albums – including the Grammy-nominated “Minnie” in 1979 – and advocating for the American Cancer Society.

Benson fondly remembers a night on tour with a friend. He recalls his manager being very punctual – almost to a fault. “He’d say things like, ‘It’s one minute past ten – you should have been on stage a minute ago!” Benson explains. Once, the manager tried the same tactic with the opening act, Minnie, telling her the promoter was angry about her tardiness. Minnie’s response was blunt: ‘If he wants the show to start, he needs to get out there and *start* it himself, because I’m clearly not ready yet!’”

Minnie Riperton passed away in Los Angeles in July 1979. Just two months later, Stevie Wonder honored her with a heartfelt tribute on “Soul Train,” sharing kind words before playing a mix of her songs “Lovin’ You” and the title track of “Perfect Angel,” a song he had written. Years later, Wonder revealed that his 2005 song “My Love Is on Fire” from the album “A Time to Love” was inspired by Riperton.

He explains the song was inspired by a romantic fantasy he had about her. While they never had a physical relationship – she was married – he felt a deep and complex love for her.

Rudolph describes listening to his late wife, Minnie Riperton’s, music as a bittersweet experience – sometimes beautiful, sometimes deeply painful. He currently splits his time between Los Angeles and Japan. Recently, while at a bar in Japan, he heard Riperton’s 1975 album, ‘Adventures in Paradise,’ played by the DJ.

It was really tough being around everyone. I tried to join the conversation, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I ended up having to just sit there and experience everything all over again in my head.

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2025-09-23 22:32