Kolleen Maria Gipson: The Mother Behind Neo-Soul Legend Erykah Badu

Behind every iconic artist stands a story of quiet strength and unwavering support. For Erykah Badu, that story begins with Kolleen Maria Gipson. While Kolleen never chased fame, her influence shaped one of neo-soul’s most distinctive voices. She also unexpectedly became part of music history—as the inspiration for OutKast’s Grammy-winning song “Ms. Jackson.”

Who Is Kolleen Maria Gipson?

Kolleen Maria Gipson, also known as Kolleen Wright following her marriage, is the mother of neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. Born in 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, she raised three talented children as a single mother after her divorce from William Wright Jr. Her approach to parenting emphasized creative freedom, authenticity, and independence—values that became the foundation of Erykah’s groundbreaking career.

Kolleen has maintained a private life away from the spotlight. However, her influence resonates through her daughter’s music, her gracious response to becoming the subject of a Number One hit song, and her continued presence as a matriarch who values family above all else.

Early Life in Grimes County, Texas

Kolleen Maria Gipson was born in 1950 in Grimes County, a rural area in Texas where Southern values of faith, family, and resilience defined daily life. She was raised by her parents, L.A. Gipson and N.M. Gipson, in a household rooted in religious traditions and strong moral principles.

Growing up during the civil rights movement and cultural changes of the 1960s profoundly shaped Kolleen’s worldview. This era marked a time when Black artists were claiming new creative spaces and conversations about identity were shifting radically. These experiences influenced the parenting philosophy she would later bring to raising her own children.

Kolleen developed a deep appreciation for the performing arts during her youth. Whether through church, community theater, or local cultural events, she understood the power of creative expression. This background in the arts would prove crucial when nurturing her children’s talents.

Marriage to William Wright Jr.

Kolleen married William Wright Jr. on August 21, 1970, in Dallas, Texas. She was just 21 years old when she became a mother with the birth of her first child, Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright), on February 26, 1971. The couple went on to have two more children: Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright.

Kolleen was active as an actress and performer during the early years of her marriage. She was performing in several theater plays around the time Erykah was born, demonstrating her commitment to the performing arts even as a young mother. This background in theater and performance gave her unique insights into artistic development.

By the late 1970s, Kolleen and William faced irreconcilable differences that led to their divorce. Following the separation, William Wright Jr. was largely absent from the daily lives of his children. Erykah has stated that she and her siblings were primarily raised by their mother and grandmothers, with little contact with their father during their formative years.

Single Motherhood and Raising Three Children

After her divorce, Kolleen stepped into the demanding role of a single mother. She raised Erykah, Nayrok, and Eevin largely on her own, working to provide both financial stability and emotional support. Despite the challenges, she created a home environment where creativity was not just encouraged but lived.

Kolleen’s parenting style emphasized freedom and self-discovery. When Erykah was four years old, Kolleen, along with Erykah’s godmother Gwen Hargrove and uncle Curtis King (founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters), introduced her to singing and dancing. They took her to the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, providing early exposure to the performing arts.

Kolleen never pushed her children toward mainstream success or traditional career paths. Instead, she modeled resilience and authenticity, showing them what it looked like to navigate challenges without losing themselves in the process. Her approach allowed each child to develop their own voice and pursue their creative interests without fear or judgment.

Her Three Children: Erykah, Nayrok, and Eevin

Erykah Badu (Erica Abi Wright)

Erykah Badu, born February 26, 1971, is Kolleen’s eldest child. She rose to prominence with her 1997 debut album “Baduizm,” which earned critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing her as the “Queen of Neo-Soul.” Her music blends R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop, and she is known for her distinctive voice, eclectic style, and thoughtful lyrics exploring themes of love, spirituality, and social issues.

Erykah attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts before briefly studying theater at Grambling State University. She left college to pursue music full-time, a decision fully supported by Kolleen. Beyond music, Erykah has ventured into acting, fashion, and activism while maintaining strong ties to her Dallas roots.

Nayrok Wright

Nayrok Wright is Kolleen’s middle child. Unlike her famous sister, Nayrok has maintained a lower public profile. She has pursued a career in entertainment, primarily as a comedian and actress. Nayrok occasionally shares stages with Erykah, supporting her performances through backing vocals or other contributions.

Eevin Wright

Eevin Wright is the youngest of Kolleen’s children. Like his siblings, he was raised in a creatively rich environment. Eevin is an American singer-songwriter who has pursued his own path in the entertainment industry. He has chosen to maintain a private life, with limited public information about his professional endeavors.

The “Ms. Jackson” Story: Becoming Part of Hip-Hop History

One of the most intriguing chapters in Kolleen’s life involves OutKast’s Grammy-winning song “Ms. Jackson.” Released on October 24, 2000, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of hip-hop’s most memorable tracks. The song was Andre 3000’s heartfelt apology to Kolleen following his breakup with Erykah Badu.

Andre 3000 and Erykah Badu began dating in the mid-1990s and welcomed their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, in 1997. When the couple split around 1999, Andre channeled his feelings into “Ms. Jackson,” which served as his way of expressing regret and explaining his perspective on 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.”

Erykah’s initial reaction to the song was complicated. She admitted in a 2016 Rap Radar podcast interview: “It hit kind of a sore spot. I didn’t wanna hear that, especially when I heard Big Boi’s verse. When I heard Andre’s verse, I felt very good because his verse was really, really inspiring.”

Kolleen’s response to becoming the subject of a Number One hit was remarkably positive. According to Erykah, her mother fully embraced the song and its message. Kolleen purchased “Ms. Jackson” merchandise, including a license plate, mug, ink pen, headband, and airbrush t-shirt. Her good-humored response showed her ability to find joy even in complex family situations.

In October 2025, Erykah revealed on the New York Times podcast Popcast that her mother still believes the song was written about her. “She thinks it was about her. She’s got the bumper sticker and the airbrush T-shirt,” Erykah joked, adding that the shirt reads “Sorry, Ms. Jackson.”

Kolleen’s Grandchildren

As a grandmother, Kolleen has three grandchildren through her daughter Erykah:

• Seven Sirius Benjamin (born 1997) is Erykah’s son with Andre 3000. He has maintained a low profile despite his famous parents. Seven was homeschooled by Erykah and received acceptance letters from multiple colleges in 2016. He studied Botany and Psychology, showing an interest in science and the human mind.
• Puma Sabti Curry (born 2004) is Erykah’s daughter with West Coast rapper The D.O.C. (Tracy Lynn Curry). Puma has pursued interests in music, fashion, and modeling. She rose to attention when her cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” went viral. Puma attended the same high school as her mother, Booker T. Washington High School, and actively shares her creative work on social media platforms.
• Mars Merkaba Thedford (born February 1, 2009) is Erykah’s daughter with rapper Jay Electronica (Timothy Elpadaro Thedford). Mars is the youngest of the grandchildren and has been raised with the same creative freedom that defined Erykah’s upbringing.

Recent social media posts have featured four generations of women in the family: Kolleen, Erykah, granddaughter Puma, and Kolleen’s own mother. These moments offer rare glimpses into the continued strength of the family bonds Kolleen established.

Influence on Erykah Badu’s Career

Kolleen’s impact on Erykah’s career extends far beyond basic parental support. She created an environment where artistic expression was a way of life. Erykah was encouraged to embrace her individuality and express herself freely from a young age. This nurturing provided Erykah with the confidence to pursue her artistic vision, even when it defied conventional norms.

As Erykah developed her unique sound—a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul—she often turned to her mother for reassurance. Kolleen’s unwavering support gave Erykah the courage to stay true to her style, even when it meant going against the grain. This backing was particularly crucial during the creation of Erykah’s early projects, such as “Baduizm” and “Mama’s Gun,” which catapulted her to fame.

In interviews, Erykah has frequently credited her mother for her success. “My mother always taught me to do me,” she stated, a mantra that has become a defining feature of her music and persona. Erykah has also described her childhood as “really gentle, liberal, and free,” emphasizing the space Kolleen gave her to grow into herself without pressure or judgment.

Kolleen’s wisdom taught Erykah to be herself and make bold choices, from her distinctive fashion sense to her spiritual lifestyle. Her grounded approach to life has served as a guiding light for Erykah, helping her maintain balance and authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity. Erykah’s commitment to centered spirituality and personal growth can be traced back to the lessons she learned from her mother.

Professional Life and Background in the Arts

While much of Kolleen’s life has been dedicated to her family, she had her own career in the performing arts. Kolleen worked as an actress and was involved in theater productions in the Dallas area. She was performing in several plays at the time Erykah was born, showcasing her talent on stage and demonstrating her commitment to her craft.

Photographs of Kolleen reveal an innate elegance and poise, hinting at her connection to the performing arts. Her involvement in theater was more than a hobby—it was a passion she pursued actively. This background gave her valuable insights into artistic development and the challenges of a creative career, knowledge she passed on to her children.

Kolleen has never sought to capitalize on her daughter’s fame. Instead, she has focused on her family, cherishing the time she spends with her children and grandchildren. Her decision to remain out of the public eye speaks to her character and priorities.

Current Life and Age

Born in 1950, Kolleen Maria Gipson is approximately 75-76 years old as of 2026. She continues to lead a private life, choosing to stay away from public attention despite her daughter’s fame. Kolleen has consistently prioritized family over publicity, a decision that has allowed her children to pursue their own paths without unnecessary scrutiny.

Kolleen remains actively involved in her family’s life. In November 2024, she made a rare public appearance at the premiere of “The Piano Lesson” at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, where she was photographed sharing an affectionate moment with Erykah. Such appearances are infrequent, reflecting her privacy preference.

Now in her mid-70s, Kolleen lives quietly, reportedly in the Dallas area where she raised her children. She maintains close relationships with her three children and grandchildren, continuing to serve as a source of wisdom and support for her family.

The Mother-Daughter Bond

The bond between Kolleen and Erykah is one of mutual admiration and respect. Erykah has frequently acknowledged her mother’s role in shaping who she has become. “I have to thank my mom for who I’ve become… She taught me to always be myself no matter what,” Erykah has stated.

This close relationship extends beyond career guidance. Erykah has described her mother as a constant presence in her life, someone she shared everything with from a young age. Kolleen gave Erykah space to develop her own identity while providing unconditional love and support.

The family’s close bonds remain strong across generations. Recent social media posts showing multiple generations together—Kolleen, Erykah, granddaughter Puma, and Kolleen’s own mother—demonstrate the enduring strength of the family connections Kolleen built.

Conclusion

Though Kolleen Maria Gipson may not seek the spotlight, her influence is undeniable. Through her unwavering love and support, she helped shape one of music’s most distinctive voices. Her influence extends beyond Erykah Badu, as she raised three talented children who have all pursued creative careers.

Kolleen’s life demonstrates the profound impact a mother’s dedication can have on her children’s futures. Her commitment to her family, coupled with her quiet strength, has left a lasting mark on those she loves. As Erykah Badu continues to inspire audiences worldwide, it is clear that her success is rooted in the lessons and values imparted by Kolleen.

Kolleen’s approach to parenting—emphasizing authenticity, creative freedom, and self-discovery—created the foundation for Erykah’s groundbreaking career. Her decision to prioritize substance over spectacle, family over fame, reminds us that true influence often comes from quiet, steady presence rather than public visibility.