In this interview, music legend Rita Coolidge talks about her new book, how she was cheated out of a songwriting credit on Layla, whether she might perform again with ex-husband Kris Kristofferson and how she misses singing with her late sister in the Native American group Walela. It’s all in this Mariposa Talks exclusive.
Here’s some live performance videos of Rita Coolidge for your enjoyment:
We’re All Alone
Higher and Higher
All Time High
After honing her craft singing jingles and background vocals, Rita Coolidge went on to a solo career that reached stratospheric heights, and saw the release of more than a dozen albums including the multi-platinum, Anytime… Anywhere.
Rita Coolidge has performed and collaborated with pals Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Stephen Stills, George Harrison, Roger Waters, Robbie Robertson and Jimmy Buffett. During her eight-year marriage with Kris Kristofferson, the pair teamed up for a number of hits and twice won a Grammy Award for Country Duo of the Year.
Rita Coolidge’s recording, All Time High, was the theme song for the 1983 James Bond thriller Octopussy. Love Came For Me appeared on the soundtrack of the movie Splash. Heart Don’t Fail Me Now (with Lee Greenwood) was the recurring theme music for the CBS daytime drama As The World Turns. Other singles such as We’re All Alone, Higher And Higher, and The Way You Do The Things You Do, have also earned their places as enduring classics of popular music.
By the time the 1990′s rolled around, Rita Coolidge had begun devoting more time to other interests including her Cherokee heritage, co-founding the acclaimed musical group, Walela (hummingbird). She was honored with a Lifetime of Musical Achievement Award at the First Americans in the Arts Awards, and is a recipient of a Native American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement. Her memoir, Delta Lady, published by Harper Collins (release date April 5th, 2016), is a story of music, stardom, love, family, heritage, and resilience.
Rita Coolidge’s unmistakable voice is as pure, sweet, and powerful as ever. Mariposa Folk Festival is very proud to present her a to a new generation of audience, as well as to legions of fans spanning nearly five decades, as our Friday evening Main Stage headliner.
For lots of great photos, videos, posters and other content about Rita Coolidge, visit our Mariposa Pinterest Board.
Magoo is a colourful character.
You name it, he’s probably done it.
From singer-songwriter, host, family performer, guitar teacher, and backyard shed builder, to fashion trend setter (check out his Fashion Tips for Tuesday blog), he’s done it all.
Magoo has been writing songs and playing them in clubs, concerts and festivals across the country since 1974.
He’s even opened for the likes of Taj Mahal, Roger McGuinn, The Band, Joe Cocker, and David Bromberg.
A delight to audiences of all ages, he’s making a happy return this year to Mariposa, the festival that inspired him to take all this fun so dang darned seriously.