Minnie Riperton (Nov 8, 1947 - Jul 12, 1979) was an American singer who is … Read Full Bio ↴Minnie Riperton (Nov 8, 1947 - Jul 12, 1979) was an American singer who is best remembered for her 1974 hit ballad, Lovin' You.

The tragic 1979 death of 31-year-old Riperton silenced one of soul music's most unique and unforgettable voices - blessed with an angelic five-octave vocal range, she scored her greatest commercial success with the chart-topping pop ballad, "Lovin' You". Riperton was born in Chicago on November 8, 1947. As a young girl, she studied music, drama, and dance at the city's Lincoln Center and later contemplated a career in opera. Her pop career began in 1963 when she joined the local girl group called The Gems (not to be confused with the 60s New York-based girl group Gems, led by Louise Bethune), who were also known at times as The Starlets (1963-1966), signing to the famed Chess label to release a handful of singles as well as lend backing vocals to acts including Fontella Bass, The Dells, and Etta James. After graduating from high school, Riperton went to work at Chess as a receptionist. A year before The Gems' dissolution in 1967, she also signed with the label as a solo act, releasing a single, Lonely Girl, under the alias Andrea Davis (a pseudonym she used in honor of Billy Davis, her mentor at Chess who wrote the song for her).

In 1967, Riperton was installed as the lead vocalist of the psychedelic soul band Rotary Connection, which debuted that year with a self-titled LP on Cadet Concepts. The singles "Amen" and "Lady Jane" found a home on underground FM radio, but the group failed to make much of an impression on mainstream outlets. While still a Connection member, Riperton mounted a solo career. Teaming up with producer/arranger Charles Stepney and her husband/composer Richard Rudolph, she issued her brilliant 1970 debut, Come to My Garden, but again commercial success eluded her. After Rotary Connection dissolved in the wake of 1971's Hey Love, she and Rudolph took a two-year sabbatical in Florida before relocating to Los Angeles, where she sang on Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale and toured as a member of his backing unit Wonderlove.

Wonder agreed to co-produce Riperton's 1974 album Perfect Angel, which included the international blockbuster "Lovin' You". The record made her a household name, although subsequent LPs like 1975's Adventures in Paradise and 1977's Stay in Love failed to repeat its success. By this time, however, commercial woes were the least of Riperton's concerns - diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a mastectomy in 1976, later becoming a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and earning a Society Courage Award from then-President Jimmy Carter. Riperton continued performing despite her declining condition, with 1979's Minnie, the final record completed during her lifetime - but died in Los Angeles on July 12 of that year. Unreleased vocal tracks with new instrumental backing constituted 1980's posthumous collection, Love Lives Forever. - Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

genres: Soul, Pop-Soul, Chicago Soul, Smooth Soul, AM Pop, Uptown Soul.

Whenever Wherever
Minnie Riperton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm flying high about the clouds
Wherever we choose to be
A barren land becomes a paradise,
Your touch is all that I need
Whenever we are, wherever we are

Never, ever say you don't love me truly
Whenever, however, wherever

For as long as you live be faithful to me
Forever, whenever, wherever
Whenever, however, wherever

How my days are passing differently
When I'm with you the universe has no mystery
The reasons clear, for you are here

Your love colors my days
Whenever we are, wherever we are

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Minnie Riperton's song "Whenever Wherever" speak of a love that transcends location and circumstance. The singer is flying high above the clouds with their loved one, and wherever they are, they create a paradise together. The barren land around them becomes beautiful because of their love, and the singer proclaims that their partner's touch is all that they need. The lines "Whenever we are, wherever we are" reinforce the idea that their love is not bound by physical location, but is a constant presence.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in the relationship. The singer implores their partner to never say that they don't love them truly and to always be faithful. The repetition of the phrase "whenever, however, wherever" accentuates the idea that the love between them is unwavering, and that no matter what happens or where they are, their commitment to each other remains steadfast. The final line, "Your love colors my days," reveals the depth of emotion that the singer feels, and how their love enhances and enriches their life.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm flying high about the clouds
Feeling ecstatic and happy

Wherever we choose to be
No matter our location

A barren land becomes a paradise,
With the presence of loved ones, even a lifeless place feels like heaven

Your touch is all that I need
Physical affection from the loved one is necessary

Whenever we are, wherever we are
Regardless of time and place

Never, ever say you don't love me truly
Assurance and commitment to one another's love is imperative

Whenever, however, wherever
Repeated reminder of the enduring nature of their love

For as long as you live be faithful to me
Expectations of loyalty and fidelity

Forever, whenever, wherever
Promise of a lasting bond regardless of circumstances

How my days are passing differently
Life becomes more vibrant with the presence of a partner

When I'm with you the universe has no mystery
Their love provides all necessary answers