Posted on 05/03/2025 11:55:00 AM PDT by nickcarraway
The Chicago-born songbird’s years of paying dues were rewarded with a hit single that traveled far and wide.
The tragedy of Minnie Riperton’s death from cancer at the age of just 31 in 1979 is a story for another day. For now, we’re celebrating the pinnacle of her chart career four years earlier. After topping the Billboard Hot 100, her signature hit “Lovin’ You” came close to repeating that success in the UK.
After years of paying dues, as a solo artist and with the group Rotary Connection, the Chicago-born songbird had failed to make the impression she was hoping for with 1970’s Come To My Garden album. Riperton became semi-retired from music for a while, but a new deal with Epic and the enthusiastic endorsement of Stevie Wonder led to a fresh start with the Perfect Angel LP.
She had toured with Stevie, and sang on “Creepin’” and “It Ain’t No Use” from his Fulfillingness’ First Finale album, released around the same time as Perfect Angel. Wonder agreed to co-produce Minnie’s LP with her husband and co-writer Richard Rudolph. But the Motown star insisted on the pseudonym El Toro Negro, and the production company credit Scorbu Productions.
‘Arranged by Wonderlove’
The album made an early US chart entry in the summer of 1974. But when Riperton and Rudolph’s dreamy composition ‘Lovin’ You” appeared as a single in the new year, Stevie wasn’t really fooling anybody. The Epic label for the 45 didn’t mention him, but contained the credit “arranged by Wonderlove.”
Listen to The Greatest Soul 45s playlist, featuring 45 of the finest moments in soul, from Barry White to the Brothers Johnson and from Isaac Hayes to the Impressions.
The song was the perfect showcase for Riperton’s stratospheric vocal leaps, also featuring ear-catching birdsong in that Wonderlove arrangement. It quickly raced to the top of the Hot 100, spending a week there in April 1975 and starting its international chart adventure at the same time. On the UK chart of May 3 that year, it spent the first of two weeks at No.2, held off the top only by British pop group Mud’s remake of Buddy Holly‘s “Oh Boy.”
Phoebe Snow hit at about the same time. They had a similar musical profile.
Matters not black or white, skinny or fat... I good voice, is a good voice and will always be remembered...
I just played that song yesterday because it was on a playlist. What’s with the birds tweeting? Were they recorded live while Minnie was singing? It doesn’t improve the insipid song or distract from her poor singing skills.
I hate that screechy thing.
Where did Steevie grab her to get those high notes?
I am with you, I hate that song.
Wayne Newton and Ellen Griswold’s duet was interesting.
Yep, Bernie and Tom Leadon, too. Bernie was part of the Eagles with Felder when they started, and Tom was part of Mudcrutch. I know there were others. Just can’t think of them right now.
A fun read:
“ Music Everywhere: The Rock and Roll Roots of a Southern Town”
https://www.amazon.com/Music-Everywhere-Rock-Roots-Southern/dp/0813062586
I’ve gotta be honest..I didn’t listen to it!
The original version was bad enough.
I don’t think there is ANYTHING that would
improve this horrid song.
It also was waaaaaaaay too long!
One of the few popular artists who mastered the whistle register.
Pretty cool, takes natural talent and work.
I never thought of Helen Reddy as a hottie, but that pic makes me want to reconsider.
Are those their names from left to right?
When i hear this song along with some Pointer Sisters music it remindss me of the very early morning radio & drive in to DC working for the Bureau. Rven at that time- patking wad tertible. Get up in the dark and drive home in the dark 🤓
Olivia, Helen, Minnie, Linda left to right.
Thanks!
YW
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