Gypsy Boots: 1914-2004

Earlier this month, the world marked the passing of a true futurist, a man who spoke of the importance of health and nature decades before it was fashionable to do so. Gypsy Boots (aka Robert Bootzin), 89, was a naturalist and environmentalist who advocated organic foods, yoga and exercise as far back as the 1940s (in fact, he inspired a hit song by Nat King Cole, "Nature Boy", in 1948). He became a celebrity in the 1950s and '60s not so much because people were embracing his message, but because folks found him an oddity. Gypsy cheerfully embraced that image, appearing on Steve Allen's talk show in the early '60s in a loincloth and swinging on a vine. Gypsy's lifestyle and writing influenced many who would popularize the fitness and "green" movements in later years. Learn more about Gypsy's life and work at gypsyboots.com