Minnie Riperton

USA, 1966–1979

American singer (1947-1979). A coloratura soprano with a five-octave range, first with Rotary Connection and then on Perfect Angel (1974), whose 'Lovin' You' put the whistle register into the pop charts. She died of cancer at 31.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced Minnie Riperton and 2 artists Minnie Riperton influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did Minnie Riperton influence?

• Chaka Khan — Riperton's singing is audible in Chaka Khan, one of the Chicago singers who came up directly behind her.
• Mariah Carey — Carey has repeatedly named Riperton as the largest influence on her singing; the whistle register is Riperton's before it is hers.