Today in rock history: On this date in 1979, the multi-talented singer with the multi-octave voice, Minnie Riperton, passed away at the age of 31. Growing up in Chicago, Riperton worked as a session singer at the legendary Chess Records studio as a teenager and provided backing vocals on records by such luminaries as Bo Diddley, Etta James, Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. In the late 1970s, she served as lead singer for the experimental rock/soul band Rotary Connection, a band that is still often regarded in high esteem for the musical territory it covered and its daring and inventive sound. As a solo artist, Riperton’s biggest success came in 1975 when her ballad “Lovin’ You” rose to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s pop singles chart and achieved that same feat in over 20 countries around the world. As one of the first celebrities to be diagnosed with breast cancer and publicly announce her condition, Riperton passed away at the height of her musical career and left behind two small children. One of her children would go on to become a successful comedienne and actress and a longtime cast member on the late night sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. The name that Ripperton repeats near the end of “Lovin’ You,” Maya, is a direct reference to that daughter, Maya Rudolph.
MOSTLY MAC
Fleetwood Mac is playing Tampa's Amalie Arena on February 18
Today in rock history: On this date in 1943, Christine Perfect, more widely recognized by her married name, Christine McVie, was born in Lancashire, England. Getting her start with British blues-rock band Chicken Shack, Christine remained with that outfit long enough to appear on two of its albums before marrying bassist John McVie and joining the Fleetwood Mac lineup in 1970. A major contributor to the band’s sound and success, the keyboardist with the distinctive, smooth, smoky voice appeared on some of the band’s very best records and wrote plenty of tunes Fleetwood Mac would record throughout its tenure. She was an integral member at the time the band would enter its most commercially successful period in the mid-70s, and sang and wrote plenty of the band’s most memorable hit singles like “Don’t Stop,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Hold Me” and “Little Lies.” McVie has released a handful of solo albums throughout her long career and, after an extended break from the band and from touring, has reunited with Fleetwood Mac in recent years and is on board to embark on another massive world tour the band will be kicking off later on this year. That tour hits Tampa's Amalie Arena on February 18 — details on that show are available here.
Today in rock history: On this date in 1988, after his long and successful role in the band he founded, Beach Boys singer, writer and composer Brian Wilson released the very first solo album of his career. The self-titled album was released on Sire Records, and hopes were high for this, his first statement as a solo artist. The record sold poorly despite being favorably reviewed by many rock critics upon its release. Sadly, Wilson was heavily involved with and under the supposed care of his therapist, Eugene Landy, who many feel did Wilson more harm than good in his role. Upon the album’s release, Landy’s name appeared within songwriting credits for select songs but later, once Wilson broke ties with him, his name was removed from later re-pressings of this fine album. Singles were released from the record including “Love and Mercy,” “Melt Away” and “Night Time,” although none made much of an impact on singles charts. The album itself only made it to No. 54 on Billboard’s pop albums chart despite costing a hefty sum of over $1 million to complete. Guest musicians on the record include Jeff Lynne, Terence Trent D’Arby, Christopher Cross and Cars guitarist Elliot Easton. Wilson wouldn’t release another solo album of all new, original material — Imagination — until 10 years after this release. Brian Wilson is set to play Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on November 10 — more information on that show is available here.
Today in rock history: On this date in 1971, forerunning funk and rock group Funkadelic released its third album, the pioneering and groundbreaking Maggot Brain. Drawing heavily from a variety of influences and, in turn, creating a sound all its own, Funkadelic’s concoction of psychedelic funk-rock is wonderfully exemplified on this all-important work. Funkadelic is led by funk legend George Clinton, but the real star of this recording is the band’s guitarist, the late Eddie Hazel, whose unprecedented and innovative skills shine brightly throughout the album. The 10-minute title track, which opens the album, is worth the price of admission alone, and the band offers plenty more noteworthy tracks on this fantastic album (Wars of Armageddon,” “Can You Get To That” and “Hit It and Quit It” among others). Unfortunately, Hazel and a handful of other band members would leave the group after the release of this stellar album, but Funkadelic would come back with the equally strong 2-LP set America Eats Its Young the following year. Maggot Brain, however, is unanimously regarded as the band’s finest hour and its most inspired and revolutionary album.
