Riopelle began his music career in the 1960s in Los Angeles working as an independent record producer.
At Screen Gems, he wrote and produced, along with Clydie King, a single called "The Thrill is Gone" (not to be confused with the one made famous by B.B.
This exposure helped Riopelle land staff writer and producer job with Phil Spector and Lester Sills label Philles Records.
This led to an opportunity to work as an A&M Records producer and a role as a staff writer at Irving Music.
His songs have been covered by Leon Russell, Herb Alpert, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge, Meat Loaf, and others.