Life, Music and Loss with The Delta Lady, Rita Coolidge, Part 3

[@hannahsophievantrampe740]

She is so beautiful. I have been a fan since the 70'.

[@jimrebr]

I have loved Rita Coolidge since she got her 1st big “regional” hit, in LA, I was born in Hollywood & raised in Southern California. I was lucky to go with all my girlfriends when I was 14, to a superb Mad Dogs and Englishmen concert, still one of the most incredible nights of my life, 50 years later!! Rita was superb and I was so thrilled to hear her sing “Superstar”!! I saw Kris and Rita a few years later, head lining an all day Bluegrass Festival at Vail Lake, on a beautiful Full Harvest Moon 🌝 night in 1973, another wonderful concert. My husband and I were fortunate enough to see Rita, on February 18th, 2012, our oldest son’s birthday. She really interacted with the audience, at the small Native Casino, near Bellingham Washington, where I have spent most of my adult life. Rita asked if anyone in the audience had seen her, long ago during the Mad Dogs tour & I was the only person to raise my hand, I was seated right in front of her in the second row & she was on point all night, singing as beautifully as ever!!! She talked about how her parents would celebrate their 75th Anniversary in October of 2012 (unfortunately her dad passed away a couple weeks later and then her mom that summer). She spoke about her sister Priscilla and how Priscilla had waited for her birth and named Rita, Walela, the Hummingbird, and many more family stories, it was the best night!! I waited patiently to meet her and her drummer, Lynn Colter, mistook me for her younger sister or a relative, because I resemble her very much, happily. I was distraught to learn Priscilla was murdered, I’ve listened to my Walela albums constantly, since a friend gave me the 1st one for Christmas, long ago, in the early 90’s. I love Rita Coolidge so much & I always will. Thank you, Rita, for a lifetime of music 🎶!❤️🥰🤩❣️

[@michael0.770]

Great lady, full of wisdom and great interviewer who listened and let Rita speak.

[@pffortes]

Wow! This is a person who has lived with grace and gratitude for all of the experiences of her life. I loved her music back in the 70’s when I was a kid. I’m glad to see her at peace now as the matriarch of her family.

[@s2snider]

She's amazing. She's seen and has been the victim of a lot of terrible human behavior but is still a gentle soul. She is beautiful in every way.

[@lynette599]

She was no angel...she dated TWO MEMBERS of the SAME BAND at THE SAME TIME...even touring on the same bus while dating BOTH.😂

[@ValerieGriner]

@@lynette599 "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Don't judge people.

[@redheadedone7421]

​@@lynette599 might judge someone on their hearts,instead of what YOU think is acceptable. I know and have worked with Rita, over many years and can tell you she is a beautiful person in EVERY way!

[@hollienneheatley3577]

This lady is not only beautiful on the outside, but she is also beautiful in spirit as well. I know how it is to lose so many important people so close together. I lost my husband to cancer New Years Day 2013. He was my soulmate and I've been lost without him. I lost my Daddy in 1997,my mother in 2015 (She had had a stroke and her personality had completely changed from the sweet Mother I knew.) Two years later, my brother (who'd been my rock my whole life) took his own life after depression following his wife leaving him after 44years of marriage. I have had SO much sorrow, but even so the person who has held me up has always been my best friend who also has some Native American lineage. She is worth more to me than she'll ever know. Because of her, I'm able to keep my head up. Peace to all.

[@rogercrouse6069]

so very sorry to hear of your many losses... may The God of ALL comfort JESUS come into your heart and bless you and comfort you.....

[@queenbuttercup3897]

Wow what a special soul she is ... I have always loved her music... I strive to be as great of a soul as her... my son is native and this helps me understand the heritage ... I so wish i could hug her and say God Bless you for making the world better

[@stuart8663]

What a tremendous interviewer and what a gracious Lady.

[@devonnemarcove5104]

What a beautiful soul.. So much depth.. Very refreshing and inspiring to feel her energy and listen to her..

[@olly8]

I was with my BEST, life-long friend in the days before his dying. He loved music, and I knew just what he wanted to hear. Since his death was anticipated, I made a cassette to play specifically for this time. The "squeeze of the hand"...a beautiful 'Thank you' before leaving us. I love how you girls 'sang him to 'the other side'. Thank you for sharing.

[@madeleinebelle2105]

this is the first time in my life that I've listened to Rita Coolidge, what a good interview. So refreshing to experience an interviewer who gave her space to talk, was gentle in his questioning, and the humble audience aware way Rita talked. Thank you, I am now going to find her music on youtube.

[@marysalvi242]

Madeleine Defoe - how calming her energy is and opening up her moments of loss in such a way that makes one think deeply about living life with staying focus on the love of life. Yes, that interviewer a compassionate person.

[@josephseneris9125]

Rita your an awesome person my email is [e-mail] I wish to have really meet you I wish ...

[@IanThaddiam]

I've watched all three parts, and this one -- wow. How did I not know she was this solid and grounded? I loved her music and saw her in concert way long back in the "Higher and Higher" years, but this was quite a surprise to find such a substantial soul in this lady.

[@glenhopkins4381]

Prayers Rita ❤❤

[@sgtpep5]

Greatest interview I've ever seen.. As we all get older life gets a little more difficult. I knew of her sister but I didn't know she died the way she did... I wish you all the best in life Rita... and Thank you for everything...

[@dianegates2008]

Wow! What a wonderful person and interview. A person who truly knows life and its meaning. Thank you for bringing this to us.

[@SkeeterNYC]

Wow! Rita is truly an incredible human being and brillant artist. What a class act.

[@lynette599]

She appears classy, yes, but see it fit to date two men from the same band at the same time, even touring together with both of them on the same bus. She had at least 8 telationships with famous musicians, to name a few, Joe Cocker, TWO members of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Kris Kristoffersen, etc.

[@JayCali-ej6vd]

Do you believe her claims about the layla piano coda?

[@ValerieGriner]

@@lynette599 "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Don't judge.

[@curtlieneck6471]

Now THATS how to do an interview!. Thank you, Ms. Coolidge for sharing so much of your amazing life and your commitment to your Cherokee heritage. And Kudos for the interviewer. Really well done. Did his homework and let her talk.

[@HeKeepsMeSinging]

Thank You for having Rita Coolidge share her life. I've been reminiscing and playing her beautiful songs from the 70's. It was a time that hearing her sweet soft voice was an escape from a rough young teen life. It's so nice to hear her speak of the Bible. Good to see that she's still singing. Rita if you're reading this, Thank You and God Bless You. I pray for comfort in your heart for your Loss! 🤗

[@stefanvanrensburg6096]

Everything about this interview is perfect. Perfect host, perfect guest and perfect ambiance. I love everything about Rita Coolidge

[@pkwwoman]

WOW, everybody needs to hear this!!!!!!! I was blessed to meet her at a pow wow!!

[@mousejustmouse]

What tender memories. Thank you for such a beautiful interview. ❤

[@patriciaburke2401]

What a beautiful, remarkable lady; inside and out! I always thought she had the voice of an angel... never knew what an angel she truly is! Thanks for this amazing interview.🌹

[@raeyearnd3260]

the importance of family in her life is heartwarming

[@cksirgent]

Wow…what a beautiful gracious person. I could listen to her for hours❤️

[@debbeborders5762]

Thank you Rita for sharing your stories about the closeness of your family and the passing of your parents and your older sister. God bless you.

[@gregpearson9644]

I really don’t know a lot about Rita Coolidge’s music, but what an amazing human being. Probably my favorite interview ever. I was transfixed.

[@rmortimer4112]

Her connection to her family & devotion to her parents is truly beautiful!

[@stereokid]

Great Interview. It was so touching to hear her talk about her parents and sister. I couldn't have kept it together like she did. I instantly go to tears talking about my brother passing away.

[@seanoreilly1734]

What a great phrase. ‘Through the Veil’ and what a beautiful woman❤

[@johnwoulfe3118]

I have browsed through most of these comments and listened to many of your songs. Your love has lifted me higher than anything and given me inspiration to face every day. You are a class act in every way. Very down to earth and thanks for sharing your personal life in this interview.

[@SuperBSmeter]

Even to those whom trespassed upon her, she resonates strength and fortitude.

[@patriciahuffines1902]

A beautiful story of passing and so true.

[@lanahieftje489]

What a wonderful woman!

[@sarasahara5981]

Rita is a great singer and i love her..i love her beautiful voice...god bless you Maam Rita....❤❤❤

[@karlenejohn4904]

Rita is such a strong and gentle woman with a profound sense of wisdom. Love her.

[@interstategar]

I love Rita Coolidge. I wish I could give her a hug.

[@lisapagliei7363]

She's just beautiful though and through. I've loved her since I was 12 years old. She's amazing.

[@chironmentor]

The losses, especially of your sister, brings me to tears. --Frank

[@terrydillon9323]

What a wonderful lady and great musician. I so love your music. Your parents sound like they were such nice people. I lived in Fallbrook too. Great little place. Best wishes to you dear lady.

[@sergelouissieben6754]

Such an emotional story I know exactly how you feel and you tell it so beautifully .You have a beautiful soul and such incredible wisdom I love your music especially together with Chris I can feel the love you felt for each other when you performed together. God bless you

[@william121852]

Such a beautiful , beautiful lady ! Beautiful spirit , complete package .

[@antoinettemanfra1412]

12:18 Rita, I am so very sorry for your loss of some of your loved family members. God's Blessings to you and your entire family and circle of loved friends. Blessings Rita ALWAYS 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@cowboysfan782008]

She's awesome in every sense of the word and it just go's to show that solid stable parents breed and raise solid stable kid's. (Usually at least).

[@JayneSmith12]

What a lovely person she is ... beautiful soul.

[@AbbyMarmionMusic]

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely and inspirational interview...

[@cosmicdrifter287]

such a brave,wise,talented lady.fine interview too.

[@jeremybuddle1924]

A wonderful interview. Thankyou for posting this 3 part series.

[@nogrouchy]

What a charismatic lady !!!

[@jerryjcowleysr1812]

Rita is a classic Singer !!!!!

[@morgana9981]

Rita...a class act. Love her music, voice and wisdom.

[@sandyg7291]

Oh Rita … the story of your sisters death closely echo’s my younger sister’s. Like you, I will miss her for all time until we are reunited. God bless you, Rita 🙏🏼

[@melodymusik261]

Kris missed out on some wonderful later years of being with this gentle, loving soul.

[@shirleystephens1935]

I love Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson singing, Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends. Rita’s and Kris Kristofferson’s voices blended so well. God bless them both.

[@Syarikat]

What a classy lady, as well as a wonderful singer

[@rodolfomejia7991]

I love Rita Coolidge, her eyes are so beautiful.

[@sfgbp]

Rita, you're lovely in so many ways. You sing with such love and feeling. I'm putting you in my All time group of other wonderful women who have overcome personal and tragic experiences in life but have always rebound from these hardships.Welcome to my club; Connie Francis,xPatsy Cline and Rita Coolidge.

[@ochoonda]

Beautiful interpretation of the after life.

[@23Fulani]

She is beautiful!!

[@sarasahara5981]

Beautiful soul....

[@lauriescott6564]

thank you Rita

[@anj3595]

Amazing lady!

[@ThePduncan742]

Wow! What a helluva woman. So positive and spiritual. A womans woman for sure..

[@islandbirdw]

We live in PNW and keep a hummer feeder always full. Two years ago it got so cold down to 15F. The feeder flash froze overnight. When I woke up I realized the hummers were in trouble. I had to get out a ladder and retrieve the feeder and thaw it out in front of our stove. Returning it to its sheltered spot. The hummer and his girl would never let that feeder out of their sight. Now the hummer follows me wherever I am in the yard or the pasture. I can’t always see him but you can hear his characteristic call. He fiercely keeps any other hummers except his mate away from our territory. They like it a lot because we have a pond.

[@georgejetson3702]

Love this lady!

[@carol12344392]

Beautiful, Beautiful LADY!

[@b42baritone]

You are not a Rita Coolidge fan if you didnt start to cry when she talked about her mother, father and her sister. You are truly the best.

[@joelangford7601]

Such an appealing person. Her early albums were all knockouts. I don't know about recent stuff. Priscilla had a wonderful album also, Gypsy Queen, possibly others. Very much worth looking for.

[@skullduggery3377]

i love that tune she and kris did, 'dakota the dancing bear'.

[@Carp4125]

What a GREAT LADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@curaeus007]

A wonderful lady!

[@terecastro-saldana517]

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT RITA COOLIDGE IS SUCH AN ELOQUENT WOMAN WHO SPOKE ABOUT HER LOVED WHO ARE GONE WITH SUCH INTENSITY AND LOVE. I TOO, DO NOT HAVE MY PARENTS AROUND NO THANKS TO THE FUCKED UP COVID VIRUS...

[@casperkittae2651]

A lovely woman.

[@Allbbrz]

I had a crush on her at he first time when I heard her voice......

[@thomaswoodman5139]

reminds me a bit about my mom's passing last May

[@jamesbowker1353]

Wado you are so amazing. 💘 you forever and ever.

[@bananka4905]

Rita doesnt need makeup. She is beautiful.

[@TheVeek192]

No one NEEDS makeup. We are all fine just as we are.

[@stevendwightlonge5443]

Steven Dwight Longe 1 minute ago (edited) Rita is REAL! Love her and her music! That happened to me and mother.

[@rowenasuarez1868]

Such a beautiful woman .Inside , Outside. .Rowena Suarez of Pine Lake Park , New Jersey y Manila Mesa , California

[@dougbrown2769]

what a lovely lady ooh Love me again

[@pinklyon642]

Was this before or after Kris Kristofferson

[@Anita-t4x7i]

When Rita talks about her music and career, I find her interesting and soft-spoken. But I find it disingenuous that she refers to Kris Kristofferson as her "favorite ex-husband" when her portrait of a man she says she is a "good friend " with whom she shares a daughter and 3 granddaughters and a "blended" family is utterly hateful. When she wrote her book, they had been DIVORCED for more than 30 years, and he was eighty years old and suffering considerable memory loss, and she tore him apart. Her portrait was vicious, and from other sources available, some of what she said was not true or at least filled with half-truths. It's kind of like Rashomon -- everybody sees their own truth, and the real truth is likely in the middle. But I have really had very little use for her because of the way she portrayed him in her book. I cannot imagine that the man she is describing to this interviewer (as opposed to the man she described in her book) was not really hurt by the book.

[@jerrycooper6033]

I have always admired her! Not Jerry , his wife...❤

[@justafanintexas7913]

What songs is she taking credit for writing now?

[@Phoenix85006]

Not very creative question is it? Go away you negative piece of crap

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@Phoenix85006 - She tried to take credit for and sued Jim Gordon over the Piano Coda in Layla - she lost as the coda was written and recorded two years before she took up with Gordon. She tried to sue Kris Kristofferson over writing credits on songs he wrote and could prove she wasn't around or songs he had the rights to record but didn't create, so she couldn't have "written" those with Kris. My post is form of rolling sarcasm, she is an industry joke right now. So, your post tells me you are woefully out of touch with Rita and her shenanigans, you negative piece of crap.

[@justafanintexas7913]

@@timothyjensen179 - Because when Coolidge filed suit, Gordon produced the recording records showing when the song was recorded by him well before he took up with her. It was written and recorded two full years before Layla was composed and 18 months before they became an item. She pulled the same crap with Kris Kristofferson and lost there, too. Aren't facts grand?

[@majones7004]

@@justafanintexas7913 well, now...

[@JayCali-ej6vd]

Wow. Where did you hear this? This might explain when she did interviews promoting her book, she made it clear that she wrote the lyrics. I always found it funny she never told her story the same way twice the way she said in her book. She claims she wrote the countermelody and the lyrics. When did Jim show proof that Rita had zero to do with the melody? The 70s?

[@sharonstiles2088]

He was cold hearted swine

[@laurasatterfield8456]

Really..REALLY... OK PEACE

[@patsywilliams5570]

What a beautiful lady!