Her soul came shinin' through

A lovely couple we know played Minnie Ripperton's "Lovin' You" at their wedding. Good plan or bad?

Even if the bride and groom both thought it was a fabulous idea there must have been some nervous moments during the song when either one of them could have bolted.  But they made it through the ceremony and years later they're still together.  Whether you love or hate the song -- do you suppose American Idol judge Randy Jackson might have called it pitchy? -- you have to call it a success story.

We have special thoughts about "Lovin' You" here at the Sanctuary but admit we don't play it every day.  When we hear it though, our thoughts turn back to this time in 1975 when it rose to No. 1 and Ripperton became famous for her beautiful five-octave range.

Here was the Billboard Top 5 on April 5, 1975:
1. Lovin' You, Minnie Ripperton
2. Philadelphia Freedom, Elton John
3. No No Song/Snookeroo, Ringo Star
4. Express, B.T. Express
5. You Are So Beautiful, Joe Cocker

Ripperton was diagnosed with cancer the following year. She died on July 12, 1979 at the age of 31. A tragic story, but a memorable song that secured her legacy and helped two friends tie the knot.