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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZRIPERTON, Minnie(b 8 Nov. '48, Chicago; d 12 July '79, L.A.) Soul singer with operatic training, five-octave range. Joined girl-group the Gems, worked as receptionist at Chess; group sang backing for Fontella Bass, Etta James etc; she sang lead with group Rotary Connection, who had two hit LPs '68; recorded solo as Andrea Davis. Solo LP as herself Come To My Garden was critically praised. Toured with Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones etc; did studio work; signed with Epic for Perfect Angel, prod. by Stevie Wonder: no. 4 hit LP incl. no. 1 USA/2 UK single "Lovin' You' '74 (co-written with husband Dicky Rudolph), whereupon first LP charted on Janus. Adventure In Paradise '75 was top 20, Stay In Love '77 did well; switched to Capitol for Minnie '79 (top 30 LP), but died of cancer. Love Lies Forever '80 made top 40 LPs, '78 tracks with new backing dubbed. |