THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

503-Minnie Riperton-Lovin’ You.

1975-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.23. I bet your surprised to see I’ve included the birdie song.

Minnie Julia Riperton Rudolph was born on November 8th, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, she died from breast cancer at the age of 31, on July 12th, 1979. Riperton’s parents recognised her vocal abilities from a young age, and sent her for operatic vocal training, however the young Riperton was more interested in Soul, R&B,and Rock music.At the age of 15 Riperton joined the all girl group ‘The Gems,’ providing backing vocals for some songs recorded on the ‘Chess’ record label including ‘Rescue Me’ for Fontella Bass. With ‘The Gems,’ and using different names, she featured on many mid to late 1960’s singles, as well as releasing her first two solo singles using the pseudonym Andrea Davis. In 1966 Riperton joined the American Psychedelic Soul band ‘Rotary Connection,’ who released six Albums between 1967-1971. In 1970 Riperton released her first solo Album ‘Come to My Garden,’ before going into a period of semi retirement from music, to raise a family.

In 1973 an employee for ‘Epic Records’ persuaded Riperton to record again, the result was the 1974 Album ‘Perfect Angel.’ ‘Lovin’ You’ was the fourth single released from the Album, the record label were wanting to promote Riperton as a ‘Soul’ and ‘Rock’ singer, and had been reluctant to release a ballad, but finally gave in to Riperton’s, and Richard Rudolph’s insistence. As well as being Riperton’s husband, Rudolph was also the writer of ‘Lovin’ You’ (see also best songs 735.) After the success of the song reaching Number 1 on Billboard, Rudolph has gone on to write, and produce hundreds of songs for many of the worlds top artists.

Minnie Riperton asked Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65) to produce ‘Perfect Angel,’ on which he also wrote two of the nine tracks, including the title track, he also played many instruments on the Album, and also on this single. Wonder asked Riperton, and Rudolph to come up with a tune that they considered to be their ‘most embarrassing song,’ Riperton mentioned a lullaby she sang to her daughter ‘Maya’ to put her to sleep at night, so that she and Rudolph could spend some ‘grown up time’. The song became ‘Lovin’ You,’ and was recorded with Wonder on electric piano, and synthesizers, the unusual addition of chirping bird noises was recorded from a sound effects reel.

I am sure it will come as no surprise whatsoever that Mariah Carey (see also best songs 822) states Minnie Riperton as a significant influence.

‘Stay with me while we grow old, and we will live each day in springtime.’