In honor of breast cancer awareness month, October’s Pure Inspiration artist is the incomparable Minnie Riperton who died of the cancer on July 12, 1979.  Best known for her classic song Loving You and her ability to hit high notes without effort, Minnie’s musical career began when in 1961 when she signed with the legendary Chess Records in her hometown of Chicago as a member of the girl group The Gems.   Although the group would dissolve, Minnie sang background on records for greats such as Etta James and The Dells.  She also released a single, under an alias, called Lonely Girl. 

In the late sixties, Minnie used her 5-octave range as the lead singer for psychedelic/soul band Rotary Connection, enjoying some underground success.  During this time, she also released her debut album, Come To My Garden.  Unfortunately, the record did not gain much attention. In 1971 after Rotary Connection disbanded, Minnie went on tour with Stevie Wonder as a background singer.  It was Mr. Wonder himself who co-produced, with Minnie’s husband and writing partner Richard Rudolph, her next album Perfect Angel which contained Loving You and the featured song Reasons. 

Minnie’s following albums would not have the same success as Perfect Angel, but would produce radio favorites such as Memory Lane and Inside My Love.  After learning of her breast cancer diagnosis, Minnie continued to make music, perform, and became the spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society.  She was a wife, a mother to 2 children (Marc and Maya), a sister, a daughter, and all around loving and caring person.  Her talent is unmatched and her courage to fight a disease that was relatively new at the time of her diagnosis is truly inspiring. 

Easily, one of her more known songs could be have been chosen to place on the blog, but the lyrics to Reasons are perfect to describe not only Minnie Riperton’s life but every artist’s life.  Rest in Peace Minnie Julia Riperton.

Photos via Google.  Info via ArtistDirect.com.  Song downloaded from Amazon.com.