Sheree Brown

In the early 70’s I was introduced to the album Truth Is On Its Way by Nikki Giovanni and the New York Community Choir. The vinyl album stayed in constant rotation on my turntable. I was attracted to one song especially, “Ego Trippin’”. I was so inspired by that song that I learned to recite it while simultaneously playing the congas…a gift that I did not know I possessed until that moment.

Years later Patrice Rushen and I worked on a concept album entitled SBPR. We recorded a duet called “Beautiful Woman” written by Patrice, me, Steve B. Cohen and Sanfre DoBose, along with a spoken word piece by Juliana Jai Bolden. The beginnings of this song began when I was just 12 years old. I wrote a song with this chorus and my late Auntie Shirley would listen to me sing it and play it on my guitar. She’d say, “ShereeLynn you should record this song!” I never did, but during the collaboration of this song I thought that chorus would be perfect. In the intro of this song there are five lines used from “Ego Trippin”.

I remember after finishing the demo for the song going to a book signing and waiting in line to meet Nikki Govanni. Once I got to the front of the line, I introduced myself, briefly explained the project, gave her the demo, and then asked how to go about getting permission to use those lyrics in the intro of our song.

She said that she would allow us to use it gratis saying to me, “I do those things sometimes, you know?” I was so touched and honored. She gave me her contacts and instructions on how to make it happen and I left knowing that I had just been blessed by one of my lyrical laureates.
Her humbleness, both mighty and gentle, highlighted her kindness.

Eighteen years later we would release a single for a jazz version of that recording, “Beautiful Woman 2018”, now available on streaming platforms.
I thank you Nikki Giovanni for inspiring me and for touching the lives of so many of us.

May you always rest in beautiful peace!

Sheree Brown