Minnie Riperton was a American R&B/Soul singer, songwriter and recording artist. Born: 8 November 1947 in Chicago, IL - died: 12 July 1979 (aged 31) in Los Angeles, CA. Possessed a five-octave vocal range, enabling her to sing in 'whistle register', famously demonstrated on her 1974 hit 'Lovin' You'. She was married to Richard Rudolph and is the mother of actress and comedienne Maya Rudolph.