Most people know Erykah Badu’s voice. The smooth, genre-bending sound that changed neo-soul in the late 1990s. But behind that creative foundation stands a woman who shaped that artistic spirit: Kolleen Maria Gipson, Erykah’s mother and the real-life inspiration for OutKast’s Grammy-winning hit “Ms. Jackson.” While her daughter commanded stages worldwide, Kolleen quietly built the foundation that made it all possible.
- Early Life in Grimes County, Texas
- Marriage and Family Beginnings
- The Single Mother Journey
- Raising Erykah Badu
- The “Ms. Jackson” Connection
- Quick Facts About Kolleen Maria Gipson
- Her Influence on Erykah’s Career
- Living a Private Life
- Her Legacy and Impact
- Lessons from Her Life
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Her story isn’t about seeking fame. It’s about raising children who changed culture, and doing it by modeling strength, encouraging creativity, and providing love without conditions. From a small Texas town to becoming an unexpected part of music history, Kolleen’s journey reveals the quiet power of maternal influence.
This article explores who Kolleen Maria Gipson is, her role as a single mother, her unexpected connection to hip-hop history, and the lasting impact she’s had on one of music’s most distinctive voices.
Early Life in Grimes County, Texas
Born in 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, Kolleen Maria Gipson grew up in a close-knit Southern community where faith, family, and resilience were central pillars of daily life. Her upbringing came during a transformative period in American culture. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum. Black artists were claiming new spaces. Conversations about identity and representation were shifting.
Raised by parents L.A. Gipson and N.M. Gipson, Kolleen’s childhood was rooted in religious traditions and strong moral foundations. These values would later define her approach to motherhood. The small-town setting taught her about community. It showed her what it meant to support others through difficult times.
Growing up in Texas meant navigating a state with complicated racial history. But it also meant access to a vibrant cultural scene. Dallas had jazz clubs, theater spaces, and a growing music community. This environment shaped how Kolleen would later approach raising her children.
Marriage and Family Beginnings
In her late teens, Kolleen met William Wright Jr. The relationship led to marriage. Kolleen was just 21 years old when she became a mother, welcoming her first child, Erykah Badu, in 1971. Over the next few years, she gave birth to two more children: Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright.
William Wright Jr. is primarily known as the former husband of Kolleen Maria Gipson and the father of Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright. However, details about his personal and professional life remain limited. The marriage faced challenges that many young couples encounter. Financial pressures mounted. Personal differences grew.
By the late 1970s, the couple faced irreconcilable differences that ultimately led to their divorce. Kolleen suddenly found herself as a single mother of three young children. She was barely 30 years old. The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to give her children every opportunity.
The Single Mother Journey
Raising three kids alone in 1970s Texas required serious strength. Kolleen worked multiple jobs to keep food on the table. She made sure her children had what they needed, even when money was tight. Despite the challenges of young motherhood, Kolleen embraced her role with grace and determination.
But Kolleen didn’t just provide basic needs. She created an environment where creativity thrived. Music played constantly in their home. Art wasn’t just encouraged—it was part of daily life. She showed her children that expressing themselves mattered more than following traditional paths.
Her sacrifices during this time allowed Erykah to explore her creative talents without fear or hesitation. When Erykah showed interest in performing, Kolleen made it happen. She drove her to rehearsals. She sat through performances. She never pushed her toward mainstream success or safe career choices.
The family dynamic emphasized independence and self-discovery. She showed them what it looked like to navigate challenges without losing themselves in the process. This approach would prove essential to Erykah’s later success.
Raising Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, is a pioneering figure in the neo-soul movement. From a young age, she displayed artistic talent. Kolleen recognized this and created space for it to grow.
She began performing at the Dallas Theater Center at the age of four and later attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. These opportunities didn’t happen by accident. Kolleen made deliberate choices to support her daughter’s creative path.
In interviews, Erykah has frequently credited her mother for her success, stating, “My mother always taught me to do me.” This simple mantra became the foundation of Erykah’s artistic identity. It allowed her to create music that defied categories. It gave her permission to be unconventional.
The mother-daughter relationship was built on mutual respect. Kolleen didn’t try to control Erykah’s choices. She provided guidance without judgment. Erykah often speaks fondly of her childhood, describing it as “really gentle, liberal, and free.”
Her Other Children
Kolleen raised three talented children, not just one famous daughter. Nayrok Wright, the middle child, pursued careers in comedy and acting. She occasionally appears on stage with Erykah. Eevin Wright, the youngest, has also remained largely private while being involved in the entertainment industry.
All three siblings share the creative spirit Kolleen nurtured. Each found their own path. The family remains close, with strong bonds that Kolleen fostered from the beginning.
The “Ms. Jackson” Connection
In 2000, OutKast released “Ms. Jackson,” a song that would become one of hip-hop’s most memorable tracks. The connection began with Erykah Badu’s relationship with Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin), which produced a son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, in 1997. When that relationship ended, Andre channeled his feelings into music.
“Ms Jackson” was Andre 3000’s heartfelt apology to Kolleen following his breakup with Erykah Badu. The song served as his way of expressing regret for the relationship’s end. Andre 3000 explained in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “I probably would never come out and tell Erykah’s mom, ‘I’m sorry for what went down.’ But music gives you the chance to say what you want to say.”
How She Responded
How did Kolleen feel about becoming the subject of a Number One hit? “How did my mama feel? Baby, she bought herself a ‘Ms. Jackson’ license plate,” Badu said. “She had the mug, she had the ink pen, she had the headband, everything. That’s who loved it.”
Her response showed remarkable grace. She could have been angry or embarrassed. Instead, she embraced the recognition with humor and dignity. This reaction revealed something important about her character: she didn’t take herself too seriously.
In recognizing Andre 3000’s Grammy win for “Ms Jackson,” Kolleen showed her generous spirit: “I totally adore Andre Benjamin as a person. He is genuinely a great guy and for all genuinely great guys or gals or anybody who are good people I want them to do well and I want them to excel and I want them to have the best.”
This statement exemplified her ability to separate personal feelings from genuine appreciation for artistic achievement. Even when relationships were complicated, she supported others’ success. This wisdom helped shape Erykah’s own approach to relationships and forgiveness.
Quick Facts About Kolleen Maria Gipson
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1950 |
| Birthplace | Grimes County, Texas |
| Children | Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, Eevin Wright |
| Grandson | Seven Sirius Benjamin (Erykah & Andre 3000’s son) |
| Famous Connection | Inspiration for OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson” |
| Current Age | Approximately 75 years old |
| Marital Status | Divorced from William Wright Jr. |
Her Influence on Erykah’s Career
The impact Kolleen had on Erykah’s career goes far beyond practical support. She provided something more valuable: a model for how to live authentically. As a single mother, Gipson instilled values of independence and creative freedom in Erykah, nurturing an environment where music and art were integral parts of daily life.
This foundational support allowed Erykah to explore diverse musical styles and themes. When her debut album, Baduizm, released in 1997, garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning her the title “Queen of Neo-Soul,” it reflected years of encouragement from Kolleen.
Gipson’s encouragement and steadfast belief in staying true to oneself helped Erykah not only develop her distinctive sound but also maintain her integrity in an industry that often pressures artists to conform. This lesson proved invaluable as Erykah navigated fame.
The creative freedom Kolleen provided wasn’t reckless. It came with values. Hard work mattered. Authenticity mattered. Treating people with respect mattered. These principles guided Erykah throughout her career.
Living a Private Life
Now in her mid-70s, Kolleen Maria Gipson continues to maintain a private life, choosing to stay away from public attention despite her daughter’s fame. This decision was deliberate. She never sought the spotlight. Fame didn’t interest her.
She has consistently prioritized family over publicity, a decision that has allowed her other children to pursue their own paths. By staying out of the public eye, she protected her family’s privacy. She gave her other children space to develop without constant comparisons to their famous sister.
Despite the fame and spotlight that followed her daughter, Kolleen chose to lead a life away from the public eye, focusing instead on her family and personal development. This choice speaks to her values. Family came first. Always.
Her Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Kolleen Maria Gipson is perhaps most palpable in the values she imparted to her children. She didn’t raise one successful child. She raised three creative, independent individuals who contribute to culture in their own ways.
Her story represents countless mothers who provide the foundation for extraordinary achievements while remaining in the background. These women don’t get Grammy awards. They don’t perform on stages. But their influence shapes culture just as profoundly as any artist.
Recent social media appearances showing four generations of women in the family, including Kolleen, Erykah, and granddaughter Puma, offer rare glimpses into the continued strength of the family connections Kolleen fostered. The bonds she built remain strong decades later.
Her approach to handling the “Ms. Jackson” fame demonstrated wisdom that extended beyond her family. She showed how to deal with unexpected situations with grace. How to forgive. How to support others even when relationships are complicated.
Lessons from Her Life
What can we learn from Kolleen Maria Gipson’s story? Several key lessons emerge:
Support without control. She encouraged her children’s creativity without trying to direct it. She provided resources and space, then let them find their own paths.
Resilience matters. Single parenthood in 1970s Texas wasn’t easy. Financial struggles were real. But she never let those challenges define her family’s story.
Privacy has value. In an age where everyone seeks attention, Kolleen chose differently. She understood that not every moment needs an audience.
Forgiveness and grace. Her response to “Ms. Jackson” showed how to handle complicated situations with dignity. She separated personal feelings from artistic appreciation.
Values over outcomes. She focused on teaching her children to be good people, not just successful people. The success followed naturally from that foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
She is Erykah Badu’s mother and the inspiration for OutKast’s hit song “Ms. Jackson.” Born in 1950, she raised three children as a single mother in Texas.
How old is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Born in 1950, she is approximately 75 years old as of 2025.
What did Kolleen think of the song “Ms. Jackson”?
She embraced it enthusiastically, buying Ms. Jackson merchandise including a license plate, mug, pen, and headband.
How many children does Kolleen Maria Gipson have?
She has three children: Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright, all raised mostly as a single mother.
What is Kolleen Maria Gipson doing now?
She maintains a private life focused on family, staying out of the public eye despite her daughter’s continued fame.
Conclusion
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s story reminds us that the most influential figures in music often work behind the scenes. Her strength as a single mother, wisdom in nurturing creativity, and grace under pressure created the foundation for one of music’s most distinctive voices. She raised children who changed culture. She did it quietly, without seeking credit or attention.
In a world that often celebrates loud, visible success, her quieter contribution reminds us that foundation matters. The woman behind the artist shaped the art itself. That influence continues to echo through every note Erykah sings and every creative choice her children make. Kolleen didn’t just raise a star. She built a legacy of authenticity, creativity, and love that will outlast any hit song.
