Who Is Minnie Riperton? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on November 8, 1947, Minnie Riperton would have celebrated her 78th birthday in 2025. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s, becoming a prominent figure in the soul and R&B genres. Minnie was not only a talented singer but also a passionate advocate for various causes, including fundraising efforts for cancer research after her own battle with the disease.
Despite passing at a young age at 31 years old in 1979, Minnie Riperton's music and spirit continue to inspire generations of singers and fans alike.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1947 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 July, 1979 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Minnie Riperton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Minnie Riperton's physical attributes reflected her vibrant personality. Standing at an approximate height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), she maintained a graceful presence on stage. Her weight was around 135 lbs (61 kg) during her prime, contributing to her dynamic stage performances. Exact measurements are less documented, but she embraced a figure that was both healthy and fit for her energetic performances.
On August 24, 1976, Riperton revealed on The Tonight Show that she had undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer. At the time of her diagnosis, Riperton found out her cancer had already spread to the lymphatic system, and she was given about six months to live.
She continued touring in 1977 and 1978, and she became the national spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society's 1978–1979 campaign. During the recording of her final non-posthumous album, Minnie, her cancer progressed to the point that she was in a great deal of pain. Extreme lymphedema immobilized her right arm in early 1979.
In her final singing appearances on television (most notably on the Mike Douglas Show), her right arm remained in a fixed position during her performances. Near her death, in concert, she changed the end of "Lovin' You", "Maya, Maya, Maya" to "Maya, Maya, Ringo, Maya." Ringo was her nickname for her son, Marc.
By mid-June, Riperton was confined to bed. She entered Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on July 10.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Minnie Riperton was married to musician Richard Rudolph in 1970, and the couple had two children together: a son named Marc Rudolph and a daughter named Maya Rudolph, who would go on to achieve fame as a talented actress and comedian. Throughout her life, Riperton's family played a significant role in her journey, including her husband who collaborated with her professionally and emotionally supported her through her illness.
As of 2025, there is no information regarding Minnie Riperton's dating status posthumously; however, her legacy lives on through her children and the music she created.
The youngest of eight children in a musical family, she embraced the arts early. Although she began with ballet and modern dance, her parents recognized her vocal and musical abilities and encouraged her to pursue music and voice training. At Chicago's Abraham Lincoln Center, she received operatic vocal training from Marion Jeffery.
She practiced breathing and phrasing, with particular emphasis on diction. Jeffery also trained Riperton to use her full range. While studying under Jeffery, she sang operettas and show tunes, in preparation for a career in opera.
Jeffery was so convinced of her pupil's abilities that she strongly pushed her to further study the classics at Chicago's Junior Lyric Opera. The young Riperton was, however, becoming interested in soul, rhythm and blues, and rock.
After graduating from Hyde Park High School (now Hyde Park Academy High School), she enrolled at Loop College, now named Harold Washington College, and became a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She dropped out of college to pursue her music career.
Net Worth and Salary
Minnie Riperton's estimated net worth at the time of her passing in 1979 was around $500,000. Adjusted for inflation, this amount reflected her success and contributions to the music industry. While exact figures may vary posthumously, her estate continues to benefit from her timeless music, ensuring that her memory and artistry live on through royalties and tribute projects.
Career, Business and Investments
Minnie Riperton's career spanned over a decade, and she garnered acclaim for her works with the band The Gems, and later as a solo artist. Her 1975 album, "Perfect Angel," produced the iconic hit "Lovin' You," which showcased her extraordinary vocal talent and reached the top of the charts.
In addition to her music career, Riperton was involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly related to cancer research, as she battled breast cancer until her untimely death. Her efforts to create awareness about the illness demonstrate the impact she had beyond music.
On April 5, 1975, Riperton reached the pinnacle of her career with her No. 1 single "Lovin' You". The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album titled Perfect Angel. In January 1976, Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer; in April, she underwent a radical mastectomy.
By the time of diagnosis, the cancer had metastasized and she was given about six months to live. Despite the prognosis, she continued recording and touring. She was one of the first celebrities to go public with a breast cancer diagnosis, but she did not disclose that she was terminally ill.
In 1977, she became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. In 1978, she received the American Cancer Society's Courage Award, which was presented to her at the White House by President Jimmy Carter. Riperton died of breast cancer on July 12, 1979, at the age of 31.
Social Network
Minnie Riperton's influence can be observed in the ongoing popularity of her music, which continues to be celebrated on various social media platforms. While she did not have social media in her lifetime, posthumous tributes regularly circulate on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, celebrating her legacy and maintaining her connection with fans worldwide.
Education
Minnie Riperton attended the Lindblom Technical High School, where she displayed an early interest in music. Following her passion, she later pursued a career in entertainment, studying voice and performance. Though her formal education was brief, the experience she gained through her talent and stardom profoundly influenced her artistry throughout her career.
Born to inspire and uplift through her music, Minnie Riperton's legacy continues to thrive. Her contributions to the industry and her powerful voice have left an indelible mark on the world of music, making her an unforgettable icon even decades after her passing.
