Minnie Julia Riperton Rudolph

 Minnie Julia Riperton Rudolph (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979), known professionally as Minnie Riperton.

She was best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You". Her early affiliation with the legendary Chicago-based Chess Records afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for various established artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Muddy Waters. While at Chess, Riperton also sang lead for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection, from 1967 to 1971. On April 4, 1975, Riperton reached the apex of her career with her #1 single, "Lovin' You". The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album entitled Perfect Angel. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1976, and underwent a radical mastectomy. Despite this, the cancer had already spread and she was not expected to live much longer. However, Minnie continued to record and became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. Riperton was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from August 1970 until her death in July 1979. Together, Riperton and Rudolph had two children; music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedian Maya Rudolph. She succumbed to the disease at age 31 in 1979, and is interred at Westwood Memorial Park.