Of all the Minnie Riperton albums in my vinyl collection, this one is in the most pristine condition.  In fact, I just now removed the cellophane from it to make this graphic.  That is not say this isn't a good album, it truly is.  It's just that it was a disheartening reminder that her career had ended. 

During 1978 Minnie had become the education chairwoman for the American Cancer Society.  Despite her busy schedule of luncheons, fund raisers, meetings and lectures, Minnie returned to the studio in the summer of 1978 to record what would be her last album.  At 75 percent completion, another cancerous tumor was found under her right arm.  She resumed treatments, and bravely setout to complete "Minnie" in February of 1979.

• Memory Lane
• Lover and Friend
• Return To Forever
• Dancin' And Actin' Crazy
• Love Hurts
• Never Existed Before
• I'm A Woman
• Light My Fire

"Minnie" is a classic album, despite all the irony surrounding it, but that alone speaks volumes about the relentless spirit of this wonderful woman.   "Memory Lane" was an instant hit and the summer jam of '79.  "Lover and Friend" and "Never Existed Before" also received favorable airplay.  "Minnie" is a very sophisticated blend of jazz, latin rhythms, r&b, soul and pop.  Excellently produced!  Her version of the Doors' classic "Light My Fire" is by far the best cover of that song ever!  Of course, with Minnie and Jose Feliciano together , it wouldn't be anything but the very best.  My personal favorite, however, is "Return To Forever"... the lyrics are timeless... :)

The liner notes from the lady herself reads: 
Thank you to Marc and Maya for being a real good son and daughter while mom was recording.  to Dick for all of his encouragement, inspiration and love.  to my family for being right there.  to Henry Lewy, Jeremy Lubbock, and Steve Katz for this new and wonderful cherished friendship  to Jose, Huber, Magalena, Amaya, Mel Avedon, Ken Fritz, Gary Furman, Janet Lubkin, Cliff Ossario, Connie Pappas, Linda Reed, Michael Rosenfled, Wilbur Schwartz, Lu Snead, Bob Taub Dennis Turner, Lyn Waldman, Betty Teel, Lue Brooks, Peggy Adair.  Special thanks to all the musicians who played on the album, it could have happened without you.  A very special thank to Steveland Morris, I love you.  "This album is dedicated to my grandmother, Minnie Matthews. Nov.14, 1884 - Aug. 2, 1978, I hope she can hear it up there".

Release information can be found here