In 1975 people enjoyed a plethora of classic-in-the-making radio hits. There was Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Loveâ€, The Eagles with “One of These Nights†and “Sweet Emotion†by Aerosmith rockin the airwaves, alongside irresistible R&B grooves by Earth, Wind & Fire (“Shining Star†and “That’s the Way of the Worldâ€) Even country-crossover had a voices in top 40 with “Rhinestone Cowboy†by Glen Campbell and “Wildfire†by Michael Murphy. The phenomena of disco started to rear its global-dominating head with “Pick up the Pieces†by Average White Band and “Lady Marmalade†courtesy of Labelle. So many classics.
What a great year for music.
Curiously, one of the most impactful songs of ‘75 was a beautiful, simplistic love ballad which introduced a new star with a five-octave vocal range. The song was “Lovin’ You†and the artist was Minnie Riperton.
Richard Rudolph began composing “Lovin’ You” in 1971, while he and Riperton were living in Chicago. The couple later moved to Florida, where work on the song continued after their daughter Maya was born in 1972 (Maya Rudolph of SNL and Bridesmaids fame). Riperton developed the final melody, while Rudolph wrote the lyrics and the bridge. Stevie Wonder produced the track for her. Due to contractual obligations, Wonder’s name could not appear on the credits, so he’s listed as “Black Bull Productions” (Wonder’s zodiac sign is Taurus, thus the bull).
“Lovin’ You” was among the first of several songs to top the U.S. pop chart without the help of a percussion instrument. Prior examples of percussion-less #1 tracks were Jim Croce – “Time in a Bottle” (1973), The Beatles – “Yesterday” (1965), and on the UK Singles Chart, The Beatles – “Eleanor Rigby” (1966).
Minnie Riperton died of cancer on this day (July 12) in 1979 at age 31. While “Loving You†was her only hit, she is held in high regard by music professionals and music lovers.
Thank you Ms. Riperton.