From TVOneOnline.com:
With her near-operatic six octave vocal range, Riperton, the dynamic singer and songwriter, is best known for her quietly stunning 1975 ballad Lovin’ You. Riperton began her career with the 60s pop group Rotary Connection but it was the success of Lovin You that had seemingly propelled her to solo superstardom. Instead, tragically, she was diagnosed with breast cancer the following year. Riperton used her celebrity to serve as the first Black woman spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and was later honored by President Jimmy Carter with the Societys Courage Award. Sadly, on July 12, 1979, at the age of 31, Riperton died in the arms of her husband Dick Rudolph, while listening to a song written for her by Stevie Wonder. With exclusive interviews from her family and friends, UnSung explores the both heartbreaking and inspiring story of Minnie Riperton.
15 comments
Where can I view this episode now?
It is not available but here is a good doc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIvJMcek23Q
Ok. 🥺 Thank you.
I just discovered the fabulous TV program on Minnie Ripperton, aired some years ago.. Thank you so much to whoever made this available online !!! I cried throiugh it all.
Minnie was a most remarkable person and singer and deserves much more recognition then she ever received. I eagerly bought every one of her albums as thjey were released (and again, thankfully, on CD)I
I have always marvelled at her positive outlook on life especially after she knew of her worsening illness. She surely never gave up on life and was an inspiration to all of us.
I can now relate to all of this since I also lost my beautiful young wife last year from cancer. The similarities are amazing to me (I being white and my wife was black; my wife having amazing talent too (as a fashion designer).
My Bernadette was (like Minnie) gorgeous and (like Minnie) she never complained about her cancer but took a positive outlook on life, this being a tremendous inspiration to everybody who knew her including our children and myself.
I can now understand the awful gut-wrenching pain of losing someone so undeserving of such a fate and would like to convey my (much-delayed) condolences to all Minnie’s family and friends.
As you no doubt know, the tough part is missing the lost soul (and partner, friend, daughter, mother, sister) every day.
May God bless all of you with sweet memories as He has me.
Andy (Toronto, Canada)
Thanks so much for such a thoughtful response.
Where can I buy the Unsung Doc. on Minnie Ripperton?
Thanks,
Pati
We dont think they are onsale yet but you can view that one whenever you want by coming here.
Any chance R. Kelly will be unsungable?
What happened to that one guy Is’real Benton from the Billy Preston episode. I googled him and found he has a large following overseas. I really feel his music its different. im a fan any chance he is unsungable? He seems to be connected with a lot of really powerful people and stuff like that.
He has an album out on itunes.
What happened to that one guy Is’real Benton from the Billy Preston episode. I googled him and found he has a large following overseas. I really feel his music its different. im a fan any chance he is unsungable? He seems to be connected with a lot of really powerful people.
Another things that was sad was I also lost my mother due to breast cancer she was also young as well. ….
We are so sorry to hear that
Minnie was the first case I’d ever heard of.
Wow her story was sad and also touching how life can be taken away from us so fast , We should enjoy each day we get a chance to live. May god bless every one was affected my her death and may god hold your hand each time you feel sad …….
Very sweet