Watch CBS News

Philly Journalist Pens Book On Minnie Riperton

By Cherri Gregg 

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new memoir by a Philadelphia journalist tells the story of Minnie Riperton, a popular 1970's soprano turned breast cancer advocate.

Sheila Simmons was just a little girl when she first heard Minnie Riperton singing "Loving You."

"I just loved the sound of that song, it was very nurturing to me," she says.

It sparked a lifelong love of the singer who had a five octave range, but only a 4 year-career on the major music charts before succumbing to breast cancer in 1979. She was 31.

"She was not an overnight wonder as some people call her," says Simmons, noting Riperton was a trained singer and wrote many of her most popular songs.

Two decades later, Simmons began her 15 years adventure to research Riperton, traveling to Chicago, New York, and L.A., interviewing folks like Mary J. Blige and Pam Grier.

"Mary J. talked about how important Minnie was musically, but also in terms of keeping a relationship going," says Simmons.

Riperton married Dick Rudolph, who was Jewish and the interracial couple experienced discrimination. But Simmons says, they were a loving couple, an example to many. Their daughter is Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live fame; Riperton sings to her young daughter in "Loving You."

Simmons says in finding Riperton, she discovered many surprises about who the singer, while finding herself.

"This was absolutely a journey of self discovery," says Simmons.

Simmons will be signing copies of her book, 'Memoirs of a Minnie Riperton Fan' tonight at Warm Daddy's from 6 to 8 p.m. The book is available on Amazon.com.

A new memoir by a Philadelphia journalist tells the story of Minnie Riperton-- a popular 1970s soprano turned breast cancer advocate. As author Sheila Simmons tells KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg in this podcast, in the journey to find Riperton, she actually finds herself. (19:25)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.