American singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton died of cancer at age 31. She worked at Chess records singing backup for various artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters.
She also sang lead for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection, from 1967 to 1971. Also a member of Wonderlove in 1973, a backup group for Stevie Wonder. The Stevie Wonder produced ‘Loving You’ gave Minnie a US No.1 single in 1975.
