Minnie Julia Riperton (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer and songwriter best known for her five-and-a-half octave vocal range and her 1975 single "Lovin' You." As a child Riperton studied music, drama, and dance at Chicago's Lincoln Center. In her teen years, Riperton sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group, the Gems. Her early affiliation with legendary Chess records afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for various established artist 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. In 1969 Riperton, along with Rotary Connection, played in the first Catholic Rock Mass at the Liturgical Conference National Convention, Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI. produced by James F. Colaianni. Riperton reached the apex of her short, but esteemed, career with her number one hit single, "Lovin' You," on April 4, 1975. The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album entitled "Perfect Angel." (via Wikipedia)