When people hear the name Erykah Badu, they think of beautiful music and creative art. But behind this famous singer stands a strong woman who helped make it all possible. Her name is Kolleen Maria Gipson, and she is Erykah Badu’s mother. While Kolleen stays away from cameras and fame, her story shows us how a mother’s love and support can change everything.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Kolleen Maria Gipson (also known as Kolleen Wright) |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1950 |
| Birthplace | Grimes County, Texas, USA |
| Age | Approximately 75 years old (as of 2025) |
| Known For | Mother of neo-soul singer Erykah Badu |
| Children | Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, Eevin Wright |
| Ex-Husband | William Wright Jr. |
| Profession | Former actress, homemaker |
| Current Status | Living a private life focused on family |
Early Life in Texas
Kolleen Maria Gipson was born in 1950 in Grimes County, a small area in Texas. She grew up during an important time in American history. The 1960s brought many changes to the country, especially for Black communities fighting for equal rights.
Growing up in the South, Kolleen learned important values from her family. Her parents, L.A. Gipson and N.M. Gipson, taught her about faith, family, and staying strong during hard times. These lessons stayed with her throughout her life and later helped her raise her own children.
The community where Kolleen lived believed in helping each other. People supported their neighbors and worked together. This background shaped the way Kolleen would later raise her family.
Marriage and Starting a Family
As a young woman, Kolleen met William Wright Jr. They fell in love and got married on August 21, 1970, in Dallas, Texas. Kolleen was just 20 years old when she became a wife.
One year later, on February 26, 1971, their first child was born. They named her Erica Abi Wright, but the world would later know her as Erykah Badu. After Erykah came two more children: Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright.
During this time, Kolleen worked as an actress. She performed in local plays and enjoyed being part of the creative community in Dallas. Her love for the arts would later influence her children greatly.
Life as a Single Mother
Sadly, Kolleen’s marriage did not last long. She and William Wright Jr. separated when their children were still young. The divorce was difficult, but Kolleen did not give up. She took on the role of a single mother with courage and determination.
Raising three children alone was not easy. Kolleen had to work hard to pay for food, clothes, and a home. She also got help from her parents, who often took care of the children while she worked. Family support was very important during this time.
What made Kolleen special as a mother was how she raised her children. She did not just want them to survive—she wanted them to shine. She created a home where creativity was encouraged. Music, art, and self-expression were part of daily life.
Kolleen believed each child should find their own voice. She did not push them to be like everyone else. Instead, she taught them to be proud of who they were and to follow their dreams.
Her Influence on Erykah Badu’s Career
From a very young age, Erykah showed interest in music and performing. When she was just four years old, Kolleen made sure she could learn singing and dancing. Erykah performed at the Dallas Theater Center and studied under her godmother, Gwen Hargrove.
Kolleen always supported Erykah’s artistic path. When Erykah wanted to change her name from Erica to Erykah, her mother understood. When Erykah chose music over a traditional career, Kolleen stood by her decision.
This support was crucial. Many parents push their children toward safe, traditional jobs. But Kolleen trusted Erykah’s talent and vision. She gave her daughter the freedom to explore and create.
Today, Erykah Badu is known as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.” Her music mixes R&B, jazz, and hip-hop in unique ways. Her first album, “Baduizm,” came out in 1997 and won several awards. Behind all this success was a mother who believed in her from the beginning.
Erykah herself has spoken about her mother’s influence many times. She credits Kolleen with teaching her to be independent, creative, and true to herself. These values shine through in Erykah’s music and style.
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The “Ms. Jackson” Connection
In 2000, the rap group OutKast released a famous song called “Ms. Jackson.” Many people do not know that this song was written about Kolleen Maria Gipson.
Andre 3000, one of OutKast’s members, dated Erykah Badu in the late 1990s. They had a son together named Seven Sirius Benjamin. When their relationship ended, Andre 3000 wrote “Ms. Jackson” as an apology to Erykah’s mother—Kolleen.
The song says “I’m sorry Ms. Jackson, I am for real.” It talks about respecting mothers and understanding their feelings when relationships end.
Kolleen loved the song. She did not get angry or upset. Instead, she embraced it with good humor. She bought special items with “Ms. Jackson” written on them, including a license plate, a coffee mug, and a pen. This showed her positive spirit and ability to find joy even in difficult situations.
Erykah has shared that her mother was proud when she heard the song. It became a special part of their family story.
Life Today
Now in her mid-70s, Kolleen Maria Gipson continues to live a quiet and private life. Unlike her famous daughter, she does not seek attention or publicity. She focuses on her family and personal happiness.
Recent photos show four generations of women in the family: Kolleen, Erykah, and Erykah’s daughter Puma. These images show the strong family bonds that Kolleen built all those years ago.
Kolleen remains close to all her children. Eevin Wright works in music, and Nayrok Wright has pursued comedy and acting. Each child has found their own creative path, thanks to the foundation their mother gave them.
Even though she stays out of the spotlight, Kolleen’s influence continues. She appears at important family events and supports her grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through her children and their work.
Conclusion
Kolleen Maria Gipson may not be famous like her daughter, but her story matters. She shows us that being a good parent means believing in your children and giving them space to grow. She faced many challenges as a single mother, but she never stopped supporting her family.
Through her strength, creativity, and love, Kolleen raised children who changed culture and music. Erykah Badu’s success is partly her mother’s success too. The values Kolleen taught—independence, creativity, and authenticity—continue to inspire people around the world.
This is the story of a mother who worked quietly behind the scenes to create something beautiful. Kolleen Maria Gipson reminds us that the most important work often happens away from the cameras, in homes filled with love and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Kolleen Maria Gipson is the mother of famous singer Erykah Badu. She was born in 1950 in Texas and raised three children as a single mother. She worked as an actress and strongly supported her children’s creative dreams.
2. How old is Kolleen Maria Gipson now?
Kolleen was born in 1950, which makes her about 75 years old in 2025. She lives a private life focused on her family and grandchildren.
3. What is the connection between Kolleen and the song “Ms. Jackson”?
The OutKast song “Ms. Jackson” was written about Kolleen. Andre 3000 wrote it as an apology to Erykah Badu’s mother after his relationship with Erykah ended. Kolleen loved the song and bought special merchandise with “Ms. Jackson” on it.
4. How many children does Kolleen Maria Gipson have?
Kolleen has three children with her ex-husband William Wright Jr.: Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright), Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright. All three have pursued careers in creative fields.
5. What influence did Kolleen have on Erykah Badu’s career?
Kolleen greatly influenced Erykah’s career by creating a home where creativity was encouraged. She supported Erykah’s interest in music from age four, allowed her to explore her artistic vision, and taught her to be independent and authentic. These values helped shape Erykah into the successful artist she is today.
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