Also known as: Riperton, Minnie
Origin: Chicago, IL, USA
Minnie Julia Riperton, born on November 8, 1947, is probably best known for her #1 smash hit 'Lovin' You' and also having a unique, five-octave coloratura soprano voice range, solidly hitting some incredibly high notes throughout her recording career. She was raised on the south side of Chicago as the youngest of eight siblings within a large musical family. She developed an early interest in the arts, first taking up ballet and modern dance, but her parents quickly recognized her extraordinary singing talent and encouraged her to pursue music and voice instead. She first received formal opera…