Rita Coolidge | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 04, 2025

Who is Rita Coolidge?

Rita Coolidge is a versatile American singer known for her captivating voice that transcends various musical genres, including folk, country, R&B, pop, rock, and jazz. Born on May 1, 1944, in Lafayette, Tennessee, she was raised in a family steeped in music, which led to her natural inclination towards singing. Coolidge gained fame with her 1977 solo album "Anytime...Anywhere," which showcased her talent for blending R&B style with her renditions of classic songs. Among her numerous accolades, she is a two-time Grammy Award winner, celebrated for her hit singles such as "All Time High," the theme song for the 1983 James Bond film "Octopussy."

Throughout her career, Rita Coolidge has partnered with many illustrious artists, serving as a backup vocalist for legends like Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker before launching her solo career. Her marriage to country singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson marked another significant chapter in her life, leading to collaborative albums that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Beyond her individual achievements, Coolidge's rich cultural heritage reflects her Cherokee roots, which she embraces in her work. She continues to create music, delving into her native heritage with projects like "Music for Native Americans," demonstrating her enduring passion for artistry and connection to her ancestry.

Early Life and Education

Rita Coolidge was born on May 1, 1944, in Lafayette, Tennessee, a town located near Nashville, the heart of American music. She grew up in a musically inclined family, with both her parents and grandmothers gifted in singing. Coolidge and her two sisters, Priscilla and Linda, were exposed to music from a young age. In an interview, Coolidge shared that music was as natural to them as sleeping or eating, highlighting how deeply ingrained it was in their family life. This nurturing environment set the stage for her future career as a prominent singer.

In her teenage years, Coolidge's family relocated to Florida, where she later attended Florida State University, focusing on art. During her time at university, she formed a folk group called R.C. and the Moonpies, showcasing her vocal talent. After graduating, she moved to Memphis, where she began her professional journey in music by performing radio-station IDs and commercial jingles. Her dedication and talent soon gained the attention of studio executives, leading her to record her first album, "Turn Around and Love You", although it saw limited success on a national scale.

Career Beginnings

Rita Coolidge's journey into music began in her hometown of Lafayette, Tennessee, where she was born into a family steeped in musical tradition. After relocating to Florida at the age of 15, she attended Florida State University, where she formed a folk group named R.C. and the Moonpies. This group helped solidify her passion for music while she honed her songwriting and vocal skills. Upon graduating, Coolidge moved to Memphis, where she initially found work singing radio station IDs and commercial jingles, a stepping stone that led to her first album, "Turn Around and Love You", which garnered regional attention but failed to make a mark on the national scene.

While living in Memphis, she crossed paths with Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, which opened doors for her in the music industry as she became a sought-after backup singer for renowned artists like Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker. This experience not only refined her vocal prowess but also helped her build valuable connections. Her significant breakthrough came when she earned a solo contract with A&M Records, leading to her self-titled debut album in 1971. Despite its critical acclaim, the album didn't achieve commercial success, prompting her subsequent collaborations with husband Kris Kristofferson, which set the stage for her later independence as a solo artist.

Career Success and Achievements

Rita Coolidge's career is marked by her remarkable versatility across multiple musical genres, including folk, country, R&B, pop, rock, and jazz. She first garnered attention as a backup vocalist for prominent artists such as Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker before embarking on a successful solo career. In 1977, she released her breakthrough album, "Anytime...Anywhere," which featured a collection of R&B-style cover songs. This critically acclaimed album included hits like "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" and "We're All Alone," propelling her to international fame and eventually achieving platinum status.

Her collaboration with country singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson further solidified her place in the music industry. Together, they earned two Grammy Awards, showcasing their mutual talent with hits like "From the Bottle to the Bottom." Rita continued to chart singles throughout the 1980s, including the memorable theme song "All Time High" for the James Bond film "Octopussy." Though her subsequent albums didn't replicate the initial success of "Anytime...Anywhere," Coolidge's impact on music persisted, allowing her to explore diverse sounds and collaborate with family members to honor her Native American heritage through the group Walela and her later jazz recordings.

Musical Contributions and Later Work

Rita Coolidge's musical contributions span decades and genres, showcasing her versatility as a singer. She initially gained prominence in the 1970s with her breakthrough album, "Anytime...Anywhere", which featured hits that blended R&B elements with her unique style. This album not only solidified her position in the music industry but also went platinum, thanks to her well-received covers of classics like "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" and "We're All Alone." Throughout her career, Coolidge has continued to explore different musical avenues while maintaining her roots in folk, country, and rock, resulting in a rich discography.

In the 1980s, Coolidge struck gold again with "All Time High," the theme song for the James Bond film "Octopussy", further propelling her career into the spotlight. Following that success, she took a step back from the limelight and later returned to recording in the 1990s. During this period, she embraced her Native American heritage and collaborated with her family on the project "Music for Native Americans", reflecting a deeper connection to her roots. In 2005, Rita Coolidge made a significant artistic shift by releasing her first jazz album, "And So Is Love", followed by her holiday album, "A Rita Coolidge Christmas", in 2012, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Rita Coolidge's personal life has been marked by significant relationships and familial ties that reflect her rich heritage. She was married to iconic country singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson from 1973 until their divorce in 1980. Their union produced one daughter, Casey, who continues to be a meaningful part of Coolidge's life. The couple often collaborated musically, garnering critical acclaim and winning Grammy Awards, which showcased a blend of their talents in both music and their shared experience in the industry.

In the years following her marriage to Kristofferson, Coolidge faced personal tragedy with the untimely death of her sister, Priscilla, in a murder-suicide incident in 2014. This heartbreaking event deeply affected Coolidge, as family and music have always played integral roles in her life. Since 2012, she has found love again, marrying Tatsuya Suda, a retired professor of computer science. This new chapter in her life continues to enrich her personal narrative, as she balances her professional pursuits in music with her commitments to family, reflecting her enduring strength and resilience.

Net Worth and Earnings

Rita Coolidge has enjoyed a prolific career in the music industry, which has contributed substantially to her net worth. While estimates of her net worth vary, it is generally reported to be around $3 million as of 2023. This financial success stems not only from her Grammy-winning albums and hit singles but also from her work as a sought-after backup vocalist in the 1970s and 1980s. Collaborating with music legends like Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Leon Russell not only honed her skills but also provided her robust income opportunities during those formative years.

Her biggest commercial success came with her album "Anytime...Anywhere", which went platinum, along with classic hits like “All Time High” from the James Bond film "Octopussy". These milestones significantly elevated her earning potential via album sales, royalties, and touring. Furthermore, Coolidge's continuous engagement in music over the decades, including her ventures into jazz and collaborations in her Native American heritage, have allowed her to diversify her income streams and maintain relevance in the music scene.