I’ve always held to the radical belief that writers should be able to write, painters to paint, and singers to sing. Now I’ve had the fortune of marrying a woman who can do all three things, and let me tell you, even for the talented, it’s damned hard to be discovered. Being remembered seems impossible.

With that in mind, allow me to introduce you to Ms. Minnie Julia Riperton-Rudolph (Maya Rudolph’s mom) who went professionally by the moniker Minnie Riperton. Suffice it to say that Minnie could scream better than most people sing. Check out the song below.

Lest you think this is some early version of Autotune, please know this was recorded in 1974. Still not buying it, you say? The top-end of her second high-octave solo sounds like it blended into a synthesizer? Well, how about if she sings it live? Listen starting from 2:09 if you’re short on time.

Talent. It matters.