Once in a while I get nostalgic for a time in which I was not yet born… the 60’s and 70’s. When I’m bored, I sit on my computer and I look at YouTube videos, and if you’re a loyal Boylan Blog reader, then you know that YouTube is where I get my inspiration from. Sometimes I look at videos explaining scientific or supernatural phenomenon, other times I look for music from the past.

I remember being around eight-years-old when I would sit on my father’s lap and listen to the great Black artists from his childhood. The Temptations, The Three Degrees, James Brown, Sam Cooke, and just about any artist that ever hit the popular TV program, Soul Train. As a young adult, I can still remember his leg tapping along to the music, and me pretending to follow along with the lyrics that I had just heard for the first time. These moments were especially gratifying, for in these moments, I was a witness to my father reconnecting with his childhood from videos he had not seen in decades, and the beautiful opportunity of being able to gift those memories onto his own daughter. Thinking about those memories today, I find it remarkable to know that I am the first generation my family has been able to do that with.

So as I sat down on my computer, searching on YouTube for music that had been featured on Soul Train, I clicked on the recommended video located on the right side tab.

Now my sister was shocked that I had not heard of this song in a movie before, but I was completely shocked at how pure and beautiful this singer’s voice was. The artist’s name is Minnie Riperton and she is absolutely wonderful. Her voice has tremendous range, and is able to hit those rare whistle notes and sustain them. Along with her amazing voice, the music she created was just so good! It brings a feeling of joy and nostalgia for music that was rooted in elevating the spirit.

After researching about her life, I was devastated to learn that she had passed away at such an early age, 31, from breast cancer. However, in the short amount of time that she was on Earth, her impact was tremendous. I was also so pleased to learn that her daughter was Maya Rudolph, and how successful she has been with her comedy. She leaves behind a legacy of immense talent, great music, and undeniable joy.

-Justine