Minnie Riperton was an American soul and R&B singer best known for her remarkable vocal range, including her use of the whistle register. Born in 1947 in Chicago, she began her career as a backing vocalist before rising to fame as a solo artist in the 1970s. Her music blended soul, jazz, and pop influences, and she became known for her emotional delivery and vocal artistry. Riperton passed away in 1979 at the age of 31, leaving behind a lasting legacy in modern music.