Is this the HIGHEST sung note you've ever heard? Minnie Riperton was 1 in a million.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Everyone made such a big deal when Mariah did it. And I was like.. "So what, Minnie Ripperton did it in the 70's even better!" She had a beautiful voice. My canary loved this song too.

[@mistermilkman]

Minnie is my favorite singer of ALL TIME, but I don't think it's a matter of better, but preference. They have 2 different approaches & techniques with their notes. I think Minnie would b proud of Mariah. Minnie, n my opinion is thee Queen.

[@dana_brooke_27]

@@mistermilkman I agree and Minnie definitely was my preference. I'm not a big Mariah fan. I'm not into her technique of singing. Yes she has a beautiful voice but not my cup of tea. They always compared her to Whitney. I liked Whitney's technique much better. My all time favorite is Barbra Streisand. After I wrote this I had to come back and say I really admire Sade too. That's just that genre of music. Kinda classical jazz.

[@takemyhand1988]

Actually no. Minnie only rarely did actual whistle notes. She used high head voice most of the time. In the perfect angel album, loving you is the only album with whistle notes all other are head voice.

[@galenstone9097]

Mariah has given credit to Minnie countless times over the years. "No Minnie, No Mariah."

[@dana_brooke_27]

@@galenstone9097 Exactly..

[@tulyar57]

My only disagreement with this knowledgeable assessment is that she was probably one in 50 million. I remember hearing this live performance years ago. It is beautiful and insane. A violin can range between G3 to E7. She is probably the human equivalent of a stradivarius!

[@007EnglishAcademy]

Do Strads play higher than lesser violins - I think not.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

What an extraordinary comparison. Never thought of it that way before. :D

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

@@007EnglishAcademy they just have a perfect tone. They finally figured out what the difference is. The wood used was from trees that grew during the ice age. The growth rings were very small or dense. So the wood has a very unique resonance. It is also why they are virtually priceless and totally impossible to duplicate or replace.

[@johnbailey3877]

Really beautifully said

[@peterruddock9990]

Absolutely correct- maybe the only one

[@saiyanleague653]

Dude her voice is joy, something about her tonality and delivery. Just so beautiful, Angelic.

[@winterlongone]

When this came out, I was in chorus. I was a soprano with a 3 octave range. The entire class was completely blown away. No girl in class had a "whistle range".

[@pouch2598]

I tear up every time I see Minnie sing this, especially at the end when she says, “Maya, Maya...” So heartbreaking. Gone way too early in life.

[@StevesFunhouse]

Me too.

[@mariannemaloneywitherspoon6335]

Maya, Maya-refers to her daughter, Maya Rudolph from SNL fame. 3:36

[@Jerry-oo8hd]

…so do I but for a different reason. Oh it thrills me thru and thru, as it did then- but now I cry for the time I was 20 yrs. old. It’s gone. I miss the absolute innocence i had then- whether or not I believed I was innocent then, ( i did not). What an electifying trigger, Minnie is… Its the same kind of trigger I get living here in shitfuck Florida when I see some heavy duty black rain clouds dropping in from the west- I go back to Buffalo NY (spiritually) in the winter, the winter when the skies blacken up with snow and things get still…you can feel the quietude and the insulation of the snow on the march. Just seeing the clouds here, here in Shitfuck, FLA brings me to my better times, in my 20s, in my ma’s home, the homestead on thanksgiving night, when after having a good old mom-made turkey, I would head out to meet up with the gang to go get high and drive thru the blizzard. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING will ever compare to that time. thank you.

[@LaLeMay]

@@Jerry-oo8hdthis is a beautiful poignant memory…lovely to read and thank you for taking the time to write…and Florida is beautiful I do hope you can find some things to bring you joy & gratitude there…❤

[@Jerry-oo8hd]

@@LaLeMay thanks for your time and reply. Nah. Thats gone. I might've guessed in the 70s that this was the best it was gonna get. But I didn't. Have a Merry Christmas

[@starguy2718]

Minnie left us *way* too soon. What a voice!

[@drewpall2598]

Minnie Ripperton was another artist who left this earth way to soon. excellent analysis and rundown on her life! thanks Fil.

[@colb999]

My wife was a classical pianist and not overtly religious, but described her as the Voice of an Angel. God took her Home too soon. Thanks for this Fil. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it on the radio as a kid.

[@FreeSpirit47]

Minnie Riperton had 2 children. Her daughter, Maya, has 4 children. At the end of this song, where she says "Maya, Maya, Maya, Maya". She is actually singing to her daughter, Maya. I hope that at least one of Minnie's descendants will inherit her incredible vocal abilities.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

My god, what a talent. And her daughter is too.

[@cherylcrawford2221]

❤️ Maya!

[@moonstone1159]

Wow! Her "whistle register" is impressive. OMG, that final note!

[@americangirl6029]

Just a quick aside, the “Maya,” Minnie is referring to, is her then young daughter, Actress & comedienne, Maya Rudolph. 😊

[@labella9291]

THANK YOU! I love seeing people mention this.

[@imsosmart942]

Wow, did not know that Maya Rudolph was her daughter!

[@MrAdryan1603]

I had no idea Maya was her daughter... Huh. Crazy.. No wonder she can sing too, I guess. *I always thought she was singing like, "My oh, my, uh" or something like that hahah

[@jhankemeeyer1970]

Is there any way we can send this to her?

[@andrearodgers6980]

That Bridesmaid Lady Star??? omg NO

[@ebaylistentomusic]

I saw her live. Boston Symphony Hall, opening for the Headhunters. She hit all her notes with ease and grace, an amazing angelic performance, sad she passed so young.

[@AckeeandSaltfish]

Stop showing off I’m jealous! 😂😂😂. I am absolutely in love with this woman! She was pure perfection, sublime, angel just EVERYTHING 😩😩

[@mkenific]

I love that she sings her daughters name at the very end of the song.

[@amcasanave]

The daughter is the comic actress Maya Rudolph.

[@MikeCoggan]

What has always struck me was how effortless that was. Everything about the performance from how she is dressed (including the flowers in her hair - what can I say, I'm a California boy) to the backing musicians, bird sounds and stage set are quintessential mellow 70s vibe. I was 15 and a sophomore in HS when it came out, and it still gives me goosebumps. California summer nights in the park, at the beach in Santa Cruz or backyard. Ya, I'm as spoiled. Sparkling in the Sand by Tower of Power, Summer and All Day Music by War have similar vibes. Fond memories

[@GJoeJ010841]

I have the Rotary Connection LP/UNBELIEVABLE! How about Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons' CANDY GIRL? When Frankie sings the last notes: "CanDEEE Girl?

[@sagedakotalmft7763]

I was also a sophomore in high school when the song came out.

[@sunnyday_lemonbars]

So effortless and beautiful. That last high note makes me tear up

[@AnnInghamlife-goals]

Yes, it was a summer vibe for me. Northern England, though! Not so glamorous!

[@Mt-ue9qz]

You took me back there. Thank you. 🎸🌴

[@2011joser]

This lady mesmerized me with her singing in my youth just as much as Karen Carpenter did. Thank you for doing this video and making the point about the mis use of the whistle register. I also have felt that some more current singers use it as a trick and it always takes me out of their performance. Minnie was truly gifted and the we lost so much when she was taken so early.

[@GJoeJ010841]

The only one who sang higher was another Minnie: Minnie Mouse! But; she wasn't real!

[@angelafalsetta9489]

@@GJoeJ010841 TRUE! Well, LOLOL, I guess.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

I agree, I heard her live sing this song in 1975 as a sophomore. I was blown away!

[@TimBoulette]

Minnie Riperton was an astounding singer. I remember hearing this song as a small child (I was 6 when it came out) and it's haunted me ever since.

[@lelleithmurray235]

We used to do our DARNDEST to hit that top note! Thanks for making me giggle like a schoolgirl again Fil! She was quite a unique and exotic singer-another one again taken far too soon.RIP...

[@stevenuttley]

Just an unbelievable talent. I don't mean just the range, but the musicality and phrasing too, as well as the way she delivers the lyrics so they mean something. So sad that there aren't 50 MR albums as there probably would have been had she survived.

[@RalphOnofrio]

That is what an Angel sounds like....RIP,Minnie.

[@Spikeattack1]

The television show 'Soul Train' did a very moving tribute to Minnie Ripperton not too long after she passed away. She had been on the show several times.

[@maryharris2330]

This video was one.

[@prestwickpioneer3474]

@@maryharris2330 this is Burt Sugerman’s Midnight Special

[@1TrueNature]

Wow she really had the voice of an angel

[@darrickedwards9624]

True voice of a angel incredible

[@atxroque]

Such a clear and beautiful voice. It’s the only time I’ve ever heard whistle register that didn’t sound out of place. Great analysis! 🤘🏻

[@tommccarthy3052]

Find both the studio & live versions of "Inside My Love"...a better example of what she was fully capable of than this song. "Reasons" is also a good listen.

[@johngarbutt]

@@tommccarthy3052 Yes agreed.

[@elizabethhall9334]

I can hit an A7 most days (and probably higher when I was younger), but enunciating up there is definitely a challenge. A former chorus teacher used to tell the altos to do the enunciating for us lol. I wish she would have taught us how to channel Miss Minnie!!! And her AGILITY!!!!! This is so impressive 😍

[@dagmar.6954]

I remember when this song came out in 1975. Had never heard anyone sing so high before. I know she has an incredible range, I think it is 4 octave & uses what they call the whistle register which is considered the highest register of the voice. Nice to actually see it on a graph.

[@julieontology7214]

Thank you for talking about Minnie, who was a Coloratura Soprano, the highest human voice. And yes, it is very rare. I had forgotten that she studied Opera originally. What a beautiful transition into popular music, sharing her wonderful gift and all of her skills with all of us regular people who don't go to the Opera very often, if at all.

[@KimSenior]

Phenomenal voice! I remember when this song came out I was amazed at her range RIP Minnie Ripperton, great song, great video!

[@laquerisma]

That gave me huge chills. My legs are still vibrating with them. Whaah.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

She had a beautiful voice and I'm sure she wouldve gone far in her singing career if it wasnt for her untimely death. May she RIP.

[@robertakerman3570]

Hi Tammy, I believe that she DID go far. We can agree that "further" might be the word.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

@@robertakerman3570 I agree! 😉👍

[@robertakerman3570]

@@tammydoolittle6054 If only everything could be so easily resolved. U made My day TYSM!

[@tammydoolittle6054]

@@robertakerman3570You're welcome. Have a great rest of your day! 🙂

[@arxsyn]

Maya Rudolph the comedic actress (SNL) is her daughter, with a lower Mezzo soprano singing range.

[@kevinklein959]

I've listened to this song many times. Had to find a live version so I could hear if it was real or studio trickery. She was even more insane live. What a voice. And the isolated track makes it even more spectacular. Gone too soon....

[@isthisreal7274]

I was lucky enough to see a live performance of hers. I was very young, 14. She mesmerized me. She opened for George Benson at the Circle Star theater in San Carlos, CA. God Bless this angel.

[@Urroner]

I was listening to somebody analyze Boston's "More Than A Feeling" and the vocal range of Brad Delp blew me away. Towards the end of the song, the guitars hit a B5 and that was one of my favorite parts of the song. The guy who was analyzing the song, Rick Beato, got to that part of the song and isolated the guitars and sure, it was still my favorite part. He than than said he was going to isolate Rick Delp and I learnt that Rick had hit that note also. Not only did he hit it, but there was a power behind it with some to spare. I had never aware of that before, because he and the guitar blended well.

[@Scorchy666]

He was brilliant. He and Tom Scholz WERE Boston.

[@riinak7212]

Brad Delp was born in my hometown, and founded his Beatles coverband in the town I live in now. That led me to The Beatles, who inspired me to write music, while Nana Hedin inspired me to sing. :)

[@skipads5141]

Beato! as Pat Finnerty would say.

[@sharondavidson7412]

Was it the Rick Beato video you watched? If not, watch it.

[@angelafalsetta9489]

I can compare her to me one. I can compare no artist to any other.

[@lavenderbee3611]

Love Minnie Ripperton, thank you for covering her amazing vocal abilities. I really miss the soft sensual nature of these old school singers, it's so uplifting.

[@carrieorsel1340]

This is fantastic. I'd only heard a clip of this performance before this. I knew she had control of her whistle register....just not this level of control. A true talent.

[@kathleenmoser8245]

I'm so glad you did this because she really was amazing. Also very underrated. You never hear about her with is a shame.

[@philrobson4287]

Loving You came out in 1974. It’s a testament to quality that we are still admiring this piece. It will endure for many generations.

[@homegown1234]

Lovely singer. Learned she was practicing earlier in her career to be an opera singer. However, aren't we lucky she chose to sing beautiful songs like this one.

[@agingophelia9812]

Watched this performance many times, it always give me chills. Her fluidity is astounding.But so is the warmth of expression.

[@frankboogaard88]

Minnie Riperton is, as far as I know, the only person in recording who actually used WORDS in the whistling register...

[@hijodelaisla275]

"actually"

[@frankboogaard88]

@@hijodelaisla275 yep. that is actually a word, actually is :D

[@frankboogaard88]

@@hijodelaisla275 But to get more technical: She used actual words which were understandable as words, not what others did and leave it to peoples imagination. What she did, very basic explanation, was to modulate her whistle register to sound like human speech.

[@hijodelaisla275]

@@frankboogaard88 Unintelligible words are "actual" words, too. They're just incoherent.

[@frankboogaard88]

@@hijodelaisla275 When they leave it up to imagination they might be conceived as words, that still doesn't make them 'actual' words

[@barblc3202]

Cyndi Lauper, in the middle of When You Were Mine, hits a very high note like that - couldn't find a live video where she does it, though. I love it when you have such great singers on as Minnie Ripperton and others who had the skill and training to sing almost anything. Cyndi is in that group - she had a wide range.

[@riinak7212]

Cyndi also has perfect pitch, or did while growing up. They say you can lose it, so who knows if she still has it? I think she can still sing though.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I saw Cindy do a song for a friend that died from an abortion. I don't remember the title but it was an amazing song. Cindy channeled into that visceral history of female suffering, a timeless song.

[@kelrogers8480]

@@lawrencetaylor4101 Tragic for both mother and baby to die like that.

[@jenfox3980]

There’s a video on KZbin of Cyndi at the MTV music awards. It shows her accepting the award and then she performs that song for the show. It’s a long clip and it’s on my liked videos but I have no clue how to send you the link. Sorry 😞 but I’m sure you can find it?

[@kukita2003]

Wow, what an incredible voice! I remember this song from my childhood. Haven’t heard it in years. Thanks!

[@larrywalter6476]

Hello Kumita2003 how are you doing?

[@Sealust50]

I'm CRYING right now!!! The appreciation I had for the beauty and God given voice of this woman is totally over the top and broke me down. I am a singer and can only dream of hitting notes like that. The beautiful, precious songbirds in the background were MADE to accompany her voice. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@salamanca1954]

Chest voice, head voice, whistle voice. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn so much about the vocal art.

[@arxsyn]

Here's another tidbit: only Sopranos have head voices that hit C6. It's not called Soprano High C for nothing! Whistle register is also called Flageolet. Mezzo Sopranos and contraltos with their lower voices enter this register earlier than Sopranos do. This register is completely different from the modal voice, using the very top of the vocal structure. Very thin sound, hard to to control and most people can only make sounds not form entire words. I'm guessing Minnie was still in super head voice singing a phrase.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

I remember this from back in the day. What a fabulous range. Thanks Fil.

[@larrywalter6476]

Hello TN how are you doing?

[@larrywalter6476]

Where are you from?

[@parisinthe30sx]

Such a beautiful voice. So sad that She passed away so young.

[@johnj2763]

Wonderful voice, impressive vocalist. Fun Fact: Before Rotary Connection, Minnie, as part of The Gems aka Studio Three provided the background vocals for the classic Fontella Bass hit "Rescue Me' from '67.

[@flamencoprof]

Which can be heard on YT. Link for the lazy: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmillnp6j8qqftU

[@johnj2763]

@@flamencoprof Good link. If you have never seen this performance by Fontella on the old Night Music tv series with Jools Holland appearing with David Sanborn on a blazing sax and a smoking hot back up band, check it out. It's marvelous. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6C2m42eZ6lqeac

[@flamencoprof]

@@johnj2763 Excellent. Top performance from Fontella. BTW, I couldn't figure out where that high synth brass at the end was coming from tho.

[@johnj2763]

@@flamencoprof Lol. Good question. This was from the Night Music #116 broadcast in 1989. Santana, Lyle Lovett, Wayne Shorter and others were also on that show. There were plenty of musicians there and available but I can't answer that properly for you.

[@gethighonlife11]

Good to know. I like the song "Rescue Me". I used to think that it was Aretha Franklin.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

As a sophomore in 1975, I had the privilege of hearing Minnie sing this song live! I was blown away! I had never heard anything like it before, nor have I since! I am not a musician nor amazing at singing but she was truly something special and this video helps me understand in even a more full way how special she was!

[@baronessvarney9379]

I swear I suggested about a year ago that you show Minnie Ripperton's incredible range!! In case you saw that, thank you! That song came out when I was in college and everytime I heard it, I couldn't believe anyone could do that. Great show❤️

[@tracyzimmerman7912]

Minnie is so sweet here. Her expression of the lyrics is priceless. Fil I love the breaks in her voice. I don't mean in the notes. It's sort of a pleading sound...a throat sound. That is true artistry. I do think it's amazing that her regular range hits her whistle range. It's rare that you find a singer that sounds like they are conveying thier heart to some else. I'm sure you know what I mean Fil. This analysis is perfect. You always deliver.

[@carlasammons5407]

Wow….I haven’t heard that song in some time. There isn’t or hasn’t been another voice like Minnie. I dearly love that song. Such range and control. I cry every time I hear it. 💖 Thank you Fil. 👍🏻💖🙂

[@sarahpiaggio2693]

Thank you. I'd neither heard of this singer, heard her sing, nor do I remember hearing someone use the whistle register before, so there are a lot of new things here for me. It did occur to me that she sounded classically trained. She clearly put a lot of hard work and practice into her art as well as being talented. This singer is a real treasure, so it's a terrible pity that she died so young.

[@klb9142]

Minnie trained as an opera singer.

[@grammasscotsgirl]

I think I figured it out - why I love your analyses videos so much. It is the pure JOY in your face over music in general. The joy in the artistry and ability rather than looking only at genres. I've heard so many people who refuse to listen to, say for example, k.d. Lang because "she's country" - without giving the true haunting beauty of her voice. Maybelle Carter and the Carter Family - same thing. I am not a fan myself of singing within bluegrass style music - but the absolute skill these people have with various instruments has always amazed me, and so many of them "taught on Mama's knee" rather than having attended classes to learn to play. You just love MUSIC in and of itself! Much respect, young man!!! This world needs more like you who just see music as something beautiful.

[@MartineH1]

Love see your facial expression and smile when the artist does something really good. Bless.

[@salamanca1954]

A voice from my youth. I had forgotten how amazing she was.

[@PrayerWarrior37]

Wow she truly is one of a kind that is amazing

[@suchisthismystery2814]

On her live performance of "Can You Feel What I'm Saying", Minnie sings even higher than she does herein. And EVERY note is filled with feeling.

[@catherinecrow5662]

Thanks Fil. As a vocalist, I very much appreciate your channel ! 💖

[@suchisthismystery2814]

Every note, every breath, every yearning, every feeeeeeeeeling ..., the incomparable, unsurpassable Angel of Soul ❤

[@johnatyoutube]

Beautiful singer, incredible instrument and master of whistle tone, passionate interpretation, and blissful song that brings it all together organically. This song blew us all away when it emerged in the 70s as something so different on the radio. This live performance reaches another level beyond the original recording. Her control and ornamentation in her whistle range is incredible. It's not surprising she studied opera. I would have loved hearing her sing the Queen of the Night aria. I wish we had much heard more from her. It's sad that we lost her so young. This is inspiring me to listen to more of her music. Thanks so much Fil!

[@johnfarnhamexperience]

I didn't even have to watch the video and I already clicked like, just mention her name, it's an instant click... but of course I watched it, it's Minnie... Minnie really is a one in a million... bloody sensational...

[@johncourt9580]

Hi Fil, a great analysis and info on her short life, and I'm old enough to remember the sad news report at the time I've probably never listed close enough to realize how clearly she sings the words at such an incredibly high pitch. You've given me impetus to have a closer look at her music!

[@Germantownrunner]

Ironically, it's the brightest (and most beautiful candles) that shine the brightest and burn out too soon. While Minnie's American songbook was cut short, the art that she left us was so satisfying. And for those who don't know, American comedienne and actress Maya Rudolph is Minnie's daughter and (not surprisingly) Maya was blessed with much of her mom's talent. She is quite a good singer. Fil, thank you so much for profiling and analyzing Minnie's incredible talent. You are helping to keep her legacy alive and expose her talent to a new generation of KZbin viewers. Well done, my man! You truly are the Secretary of Explaining Things! #ROCK

[@mairehoward2949]

Wow - proof that "Loving You" is about Maya Rudolph! Minnie Ripperton was Maya Rudolph's mother. Maya said that Loving You was about Maya - but the record label made Ripperton change the lyrics before release. You notice at the very end of this live performance, Minnie says "Maya" several times. What love!

[@carr0760]

I read earlier today that in her final performance of this song before she died she said both Maya and Marc's names at the end.

[@carlwilliams6977]

That blew me away. Now that you mention it the physical similarity is obvious!

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

Minnie made me gasp in and shed a tear of twice in this video alone. Her singing has pulled on my heart strings and drawn tears of… joy? …something indescribable, a few times over the years. She was such a beautiful woman, a songbird with an anointed voice and energy. I have friends who remember where they were when they learned of her passing - the way people remember where they were when JFK was shot. She’s special like that. 💕 Thanks for this video. I never would’ve imagined there would be an analysis of her vocals like this. What a find!

[@lesleygraham5927]

I was only young when she passed, it broke my heart, though I couldn't work out why, I still remember where I was I was 7at the time and I lived in England at the time.

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

@@lesleygraham5927 ❤️

[@helgar791]

Lisa Fischer could in her 25 year long career with Luther Vandross and, I believe, still can, hit that F#6, even at the wonderful age of 63. Please do a reaction to her doing "How Can I Ease The Pain" live from Japan in 1992.

[@sandraperkins203]

Yes! Lisa has an incredible voice. Would love to here your analysis of her voice.

[@helgar791]

@@sandraperkins203 Just to clear, not mine, but Wings of Pegasus. Are you listening Mr. Wings?

[@marknovak6498]

I remember hearing the song in the mid-70s when it was hit. The highlitch was surreal.she had control at unbelievably high pitches

[@donquihote6023]

I very much loved this womans voice. She could make you feel things in your bones. Thanks. I have not heard her in years.

[@prestwickpioneer3474]

She really was The Black Gold of The Sun. There is a few artists whose name can make me cry. Minnie is one of those. Her stuff with Rotary Connection is also awesome.

[@To.Si.Ma.]

That song is killer!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I remember Minnie and her song, amazing tour guide for her journey through her vocal registry.

[@FreeSpirit47]

I discovered the music of Minnie Riperton long after she passed on. She has so much more music, with her vocal range, that makes each one a masterpiece. The bulk of her music has received far less acclaim than it deserves.

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Very impressive, yes! Gone too soon. Her daughter, Maya Rudolph is a very funny lady and she is a great singer, too. Thanks for this analysis, Fil. It was great 🖤🤘🏽

[@johnnymoondog]

Once heard, never forgotten !

[@fredzeppelin3969]

I had been a huge fan of the dystopian film "Idiocracy" for many years until I realized the connection that "Rita", played in the movie by Maya Rudolph, is Minnie's daughter.

[@lloydbraun6026]

Please do one on Annie Haslam of Renaissance. FYI, don’t know yet whether it’s covered in this video but Minnie Ripperton is the mother of actress Maya Rudolph who was on SNL for years. That’s why she sings Maya repeatedly

[@Rushcuckoo15]

Annie has an amazing singing voice. I believe she has a 5-octave range.

[@manofiske3318]

"FYI" - For those not residing in the United States or otherwise acquainted with its television fare/offerings, "SNL"* stands for "Saturday Night Live"(originally titled, "Saturday Night" debut Oct. 1975) a long-running comedy sketch program that airs _live_ hence... Rudolph(Maya), the biracial daughter of Riperton and song-writer-musician, producer Richard Rudolph is a comedienne who first gained wide(r)-spread notoriety when she appeared on " _SNL_ " as one of the ever-changing cast-members. She was still just a toddler when this song hit the charts, eventually, peaking at number one in 1975. * Current obsession with reducing names, titles, etc. needlessly, inconsiderately and/or carelessly is a plague society could do without. The practice, especially in the long-run, only serves to obscure and confuse.(Think: "KFC" for Kentucky _Fried_ Chicken company honchos decide that if they can get the public to go with the initials branding that somehow the "health-conscious" among us will forget or overlook the fact that the food is fatty, fried and not currently in vogue) While sinister intent may not be present in most instances, the outcome is not always innocuous. This initializing routine is often done purposely as one sets out to either deceive or mislead(obscure, what would otherwise be noted as fact) eg. "HIV" , "AIDS" on the serious side, less so, "CNN" . Your average bloke soon loses sight of what the letters/initials standing in for whole words, signify.

[@Pwecko]

@@manofiske3318 I would say she achieved fame rather than notoriety. To be notorious means to be well known for being bad or doing something bad.

[@manofiske3318]

@@Pwecko You said it; that's what _you_ would say.

[@drewpall2598]

I love the diversity of your analysis videos through your hard work your KZbin channel has become an excellent source to get a better appreciation of all artists and bands regardless of genres and decades. I wish more artists would get in touch with you as the ones you have mention. Keep Rockin' through the history of music Fil 👍

[@sdingeswho]

Killer demo, Fil ❤️! To answer your question, the highest note I’ve ever heard sung is the one at the end of the aria “Der hölle roche kocht in meinen herzen” in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” (aka the “Queen of the Night aria”). That note is right around Minnie’s top note, here 😁! P.S. A *million* thumbs up for Minnie being able to do this at all! 😮❤️😁🎶

[@bjspeck4337]

Heard her in person when she was doing small venues in Gainesville, FL back in the late 60s. My husband introduced her voice to me. Love what she did with The Rotary Connection. When my husband died, I sang You Made Me So Very Happy to him.

[@charlessweeting9669]

I was at the release of “Perfect Angle “ at the Troubadour in 1975 .

[@PrayerWarrior37]

Her voice is so clear wow

[@tasoulagoodrick2767]

I had chills when I first heard Minnie sing this song many years ago and I still get chills today. Thank you for another fantastic explanation of the most exquisite female voice of all time 👌

[@factenter6787]

I remember first hearing her singing Loving You back in 70s whilst I was recovering from a serious illness. Her voice and the song were very comforting for me. I wept when I heard that she passed away soon afterwards. She was young, talented, and pretty.

[@drewm.2790]

Minnie Riperton and Mariah Carey really are the masters of the whistle register they have the best control and creativity

[@bobbiezapata5120]

I PUT BETTY Wright ( No.2 ) after Minnie!!

[@williamb4335]

Everybody always forgets Denice Williams. She was queen of the whistle as well.

[@bobbiezapata5120]

Why is Betty Wright ,isn't mentioned? She was definitely, doing that way before some that were mentioned!

[@crystalv6122]

Chante Moore has an impressive whistle register as well

[@Matzoa07]

So impressed with this song when it came out. It was a shock and I was saddened when she passed! For her to do this live is amazing!! Thanks for the reaction! Could you do Phil Keaggy Salvation Army Band, live! There are a few versions out there but he just kills it on acoustic and his voice is amazing!! I saw your “Time” reaction which was great! I saw Phil a few times live, once in a large venue and once in an intimate setting ….. he ripped it up both times!!

[@Banglish123]

I have fond memories of this tune as a kid. This video really highlights the range she had. But I wouldn't want to live next door to her. Lol. Another great vid 👍

[@jdjohnson7299]

Wow. What a great subject! Minnie's whistle notes were actual full notes. Not like so many of them today that sound like little squeaks. Plus as you said, her notes were connected to the song. They didn't seem out of place or thrown in to try and impress. I remember the group she was in, Rotary Connection, which I constantly listened to back in the day. Great analysis. Thanks Fil!

[@stevewynn6937]

I’ve always gotten the chills from this song. 💜🦄

[@osowallman5743]

One cant help but smile at the end, truly beautiful

[@Be_Still_ps46.10]

May I say I absolutely adore your accent 😊 I can listen to you all day haha….from 🇺🇸

[@jimwilson5148]

What an extraordinary talent who, unfortunately, is largely forgotten today. Thank you for doing this and bringing her amazing voice to so many new people

[@Justme77400]

It's the highest note I've ever heard!! She was amazing! She did this live performance different than the record.

[@bbwng54]

Dimash Kudaibergen sings D8. He is a generational talent from Kazakhstan who is taking over the world. Sold out his concert at Brooklyn Barclay Center in 2019, Sings in 12 languages, plays at least 6 instruments and sings a D8 note (way off the piano scale). Has fan clubs in > 100 countries, including the US, UK, etc. Check him out.

[@stephanlasure3746]

Ummm!! This is about Mizz Minnie!! NOT about whom you speak of!! Get wit' the program FooL!!

[@carr0760]

@@bbwng54 D8 is not "way off the piano scale." C8 is the last note on the piano. D8 would be the very next white key.

[@AzoreanZionist]

This brings back memories for me. I was about 11 or 12, and I had just enough money for 1 single, and I wanted to buy an ABBA single............but my older sister (by 6 years), convinced me to buy this one by Minnie Ripperton, even though I didn't like it.........I gave in and bought it 😆Lol.

[@wjewell63]

Yep......ditto man.,it was everywhere for awhile...

[@jeffsparey9585]

Oh those memories of being young in the 70,s

[@AzoreanZionist]

@@jeffsparey9585 I wouldn't trade those memories for anything 👍😉

[@jeffsparey9585]

@@AzoreanZionist same for me 👍👍👍

[@anthonyglennmollicasr.425]

I miss this beautiful lady, she had such an amazing voice.

[@grievousangelic]

Such an incredible voice. She was so gifted and it's a joy to hear her sing. Thanks for this analysis!

[@karenmetcalf8765]

I’m addicted to your channel and I know nothing about music composition, notes, etc., I’m enjoying learning from you. I’m also into your live performance analysis’s. I just came across a performance from The Alan Parsons Symphonic Project as a tribute song I choose. The song is “Time”, Live in Colombia. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the whole performance as well as the breathy singing of PJ Olsson. It’s a beautiful piece.

[@prestachuck2867]

It’s amazing how relaxed she was, and in fact how she seemed to relax her head and neck muscles even more when using her whistle voice. Incredible discipline and technique. What a tremendously talented musician. May she Rest in Peace.

[@lynndow3185]

It's probably not really analogous, but her use of the whistle register reminds me of the musicians who use mic feedback artistically...something that would normally hurt my ears turned into something cool. It opens the mind.

[@larrywalter6476]

Hello Lynn how are you doing?

[@brucekalter4206]

Great job on this Fil.. I enjoyed it (like all your videos) and learned a lot. Honestly, I really disliked this "Loving You" song from the time it came out... but I can appreciate her vocal talent and range. You really explained the skill involved, & now I've even learned about "whistle register" too. But to me, this song is still like hearing fingernails scraping on a blackboard!

[@ltyrell405]

She had an amazing voice, incredibly beautiful and I could not believe my ears when I heard her whistle voice when the song came out in the seventies. I believe the Peruvian singer Yma Sumac who had an incredible range of over 4 octaves was supposedly capable of producing the highest note but I'm not sure if that is still the case!

[@GeordieAmanda]

The viewers to your channel, Fil, must be the most informative and interesting posters on KZbin. Their comments not only teach me more, around the original topic, but are unerringly positive. Fab :)

[@99zanne]

Ty, Ty so much for this! One of my favorite songs; I was a teenager when this was first released!

[@glamgal7106]

I wondered who sang this lovely song--just today I found out that it was Minnie Riperton. Thanks Fil for providing a wonderful analysis of Minnie, who I believe was referred to as "the Queen of the Whistle Register." I appreciated how you explained the use of vocal registers--head voice, chest voice, and whistle register--with regards to how they're used and how Minnie utilized them as per her operatic training in her performance. I agree that she was definitely one in a million. By the way, Chipper started whistling when he heard her singing. Thanks for keeping the music alive, Fil!

[@scottfromsouthcarolina3185]

Great video Fil. This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Besides Mariah Carey, I have heard Leona Lewis get into the whistle register but only to hit a note.

[@takemyhand1988]

Leona uses falsetto and head voice to hit high notes not whistle. There's Ariana Grande and Morissette amon who can do whistle register

[@equalityforall5620]

Maya Rudolp lost her mother at such a young age, but it must be so beautiful for her to hear her mother singing her name. I can't think of a more meaningful gift to leave to her daughter. This must tell Maya Rudolph that her mother loved her more than anything or enyone else ever could. Thank you Fil for this beautiful analysis.

[@rickknight1810]

It was so lovely to hear her singing this song to her daughter Maya. For those who don't know, her daughter is Maya Rudolph, who was for many years a cast member at SNL.