The breadth and depth of Minnie Riperton’s chess writings | So Good News

Stevie Wonder said of the late Minnie Riperton (singer died July 12, 1979) that it was an honor to work with her and that “she was a very talented woman who in her lifetime was underappreciated by her wonderful voice.” . His talent shines on the compilation album Minnie Riperton: Her Chess YearsContains 16 songs recorded between 1963-71, spanning her work with the girl group The Gems to the Chicago-based psychedelic soul group Rotary Connection.

Listen to Minnie Riperton: Her Chess Years collection now.

Born in Chicago, Riperton was an accomplished opera singer with a rare five-octave range, and few singers of his generation could match his vocal abilities. After being signed to Chess Records as a teenager, he trained as a backing vocalist before achieving solo success with an album released by Wonder.

Singing with The Gems allowed Riperton to showcase his talents and he had minor hits with “All Of It” and – Andrea Davis – “Zalgyz Kyz”, two tracks from this collection. Both feature his sparkling falsetto high notes.

In 1968, he became the lead vocalist of the band Rotary Connection, which gained some notoriety after being used as a backing band on electric albums by Marshall Chess. Muddy waters the and Howlin’ Wolf. Riperton recorded six albums with Rotary Connection, including one that combined psychedelia, soul and Christmas. The work is shown His chess years The tracks “Christmas Love,” a song written by chess songwriter Cash McCall (aka Morris Dollison) and the traditional hymn “Silent Night,” are given a psychedelic update.

Sidney Barnes, co-founder of Rotary Connection and co-writer of the track “Magic World,” Chess songwriter Sidney Barnes believes his best singing came in the late 60s, when he was the lead singer of an experimental group. Cadet Records is an additional chess label. They took notes Eric Clapton written together Cream Covered “Tales Of Brave Ulysses” and also “We’re Going Wrong” which was a hit for Cream. Jack Bruce. Barnes said, “Minnie hit some notes on ‘We’re Going Wrong’ that I’m sure no one has heard before or since.”

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Other successes include a slow and catchy cover version Otis Reddingof “Respect” and version Jimi Hendrix“Lightning of the Nightlight.” There’s also “A-Muse,” a sweet acoustic ballad written by Rotary Connection’s John Stocklin.

His chess years Minnie gives a taste of the complexity and depth of Riperton’s work. Many great artists were taken too young, but Minnie Riperton’s death was her daughter actress and comedian Maya Rudolph – Breast cancer at the age of 31 cut short a brilliant career in the 60s and 70s, which will no doubt lead to dozens of great music.

Minnie Riperton: Her Chess Years can be purchased here.

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