FABIANA PASSONI REMAKES MINNIE RIPERTON'S "LOVIN' YOU"

Using a samba rhythm and her velvety voice, internationally renowned Brazilian star Fabiana Passoni puts a unique flair on her remake of Minnie Riperton's Billboard Hot 100 #1 1975 hit, "Lovin' You." Marking her first single in English (released through Wilbur Music), "Lovin' You" is being heard on jazz and adult contemporary radio stations across the U.S. in top DMAs and everywhere in between, as well as across the globe. Release of her single coincides with her recognition as Best Brazilian female singer living outside Brazil in the U.S. by the 2012 Brazilian International Press Awards being held in Ft. Lauderdale, marking her official comeback to the music scene following a three-year battle with breast cancer and the birth of triplets.

Fabiana's strong desire to add more songs in English to her performances, coupled with multiple requests by her American fans led Kleber Jorge, her legendary guitarist, to suggest "Lovin' You" as her first English-language single. Working closely with her band members, the song evolved into a light samba with an infusion of percussion, Fabiana's trademark musical style. Initially slated as a precursor to her next CD project, Fabiana decided to release "Lovin' You" as a single and plans to complete a full album in late 2012/early 2013.

Fabiana shares a kindred spirit with Riperton who experienced a similar battle with breast cancer but sadly succumbed to the illness at the young age of 31. The song was chosen as a cover long before Fabiana learned of Riperton's affliction of the same disease. That heartfelt bond greatly influenced Fabiana's interpretation of this classic hit. Riperton, mother of actress Maya Rudolph, used the song while she battled breast cancer as a way to comfort her daughter. Fittingly, Fabiana also comforts her triplets with her own version of "Lovin' You" much to their delight.

Chosen by the Brazilian International Press Awards' 2012 Colégio Eleitoral composed of U.S. based Brazilian groups and community organizations as best Brazilian Female Singer living in the U.S. confirms Fabiana's ability to connect her fans to her music. Her battle with breast cancer put her on a journey not only of survival but also to a deeper discovery of her own personal musical style. Fabiana's dreams never faltered and her joyful spirit propelled her rebounding success. In 2011 she released the acclaimed Naturalmente Brasil featuring 12 original tracks. Her interpretations are passionate, sensual and exciting. Her live performances are a celebration of Brazilian soul and culture -- rich in percussion and expression with a relentless zeal for life.

www.fabianapassoni.com.