I went to college with Rita Coolidge. I did not know her personally, but was in the art department at the same time she was there. We used to call her "Rita Cool" because she was the coolest woman I had ever seen and she was my idol. As far as I am concerned, Rita Coolidge is still "Rita Cool."
My 2-year-old ran away from me at the Albuquerque Pow Wow in 1999 and straight into the arms of Rita Coolidge, who was so sweet to her. She was sitting at a card table promoting her music.
I have been a fan of Rita's since the early 70s. Her beauty and talent are not given the recognition deserved. Her ability to tell entertaining stories is unmatched.
In 1969/70 I was invited to a recording session at Leon Russell's home in Hollywood and Rita was there and she was ironing. We had a brief conversation and she was so nice and so cool. A great memory and a great time.
I agree. The most Beautiful love song ever written. The first time i heard it, i balled like a baby. Anyone else feel that? Rita, thank you for the music i grew up with. I'm 71 and lived through the great 60s and 70s ♥
I have loved Rita since her self-titled debut album (still have it). Hearing her relate the tales of living with Leon was so wonderfully candid and entertaining! ♥
What a lovely lady Rita still is and how beautifully stated this is! I was lucky enough to see the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour in San Francisco in 1970 when I was a teenager. A stage over-filled with singers, musicians, joy and MUSIC--oh, the music!!! It is a concert I will never forget. And it was such a thrill was seeing Leon Russell at his prime leading everyone from that piano.
I can't imagine watching Mad Dogs and Englishmen live!!! I watched them on the Woodstock film over and over. From that point on, my secret desire was to be a background singer...what a blast it was just to watch them all. That music and energy--I tell ya!
Love them both, never missed Leon’s show when he came near my hometown and I owned every Rita Coolidge album spanning her beautiful career. One of my favourite stories was about Leon when he had been waiting outside Phil Specters studio hoping to get a job as a studio pianist and he did get the job, one session Leon came into the studio a bit late and Specter made some rude comment to Leon and Leon being Leon shut the cover on the keyboard, got up and walked out! Got to love anyone who stands up for themself like that and I adored him, his music and his genuine spirit!
Cher told it a bit differently.Leon came in late for the session and was asked"have you heard of the word respect?Leon responded"have you heard of the words f**k you?That was Leon.
I lived with my parents across the street from them on skyhill when i was about 18/19. The recording engineer who lived at the house became my boyfriend. I never saw Ms Coolidge (Leon had a different girlfriend at that time) but bonnie and delaney, carl radle and all the other Mad Dogs musicians were there often. I was too shy to talk to them but sat in the corner of the studio and listened to the great music. Funny to see a pic of the house after so long. Thanks for this terrific interview!
This is great. I've been a fan of Rita's for as long as I can remember and I have enjoyed this candid interview with her. She's got such a great sense of humor and is really good at telling stories. I had never heard about the monkeys before!
I absolutely love Rita Coolidge, tried to emulate her in every way , a starstruck no talent, teenage girl could . . . Send her Love and Joy always . . .
I lived in the same little town in Southern California where Rita lived , I lived about 8 miles from her. I always hoped I would run into her, I think I did once but didn’t realize it. What a great lady. So love her music, what a beautiful voice.
So great, and unexpected to hear from her . . . Knew of her with Kris K., how he looked at her, melted me ... Thank you, such beauty to live quite awhile, and find your icons and heroes were true... and you knew that, at least, long ago . . .
coming back to Canada motorcycled to Key West, me and my buddy happened on an open air concert South Carolina 1972 never forget Leon pounding out that sound on the piano.
Yes, 'A Song for You' is certainly one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Wonderful tribute to the legend that was/is Leon Russell. What a lovely team of talented humans Rita and Leon were! I loved these stories she told. 💞🌟
Got to visit Leon’s grave in Tulsa last year when I was doing a Route 66 thing. Beautiful spot. And Bob Wills rests not far from him. Talk about two giants of music.
Rita is such a Beautiful lady, singer, Soul. She's been around since the birth of MANY famous groups, sang with 'em too! Love her Native music group- Wahela (?)🌹
I've followed her musical journey since first hearing her on mad dogs and have always been impressed with her grounded and honest beauty. An amazing and wonderful person
I am wedding gift-proud of the fact that Leon Russell is a fellow Tulsa native. Songwriting is my passion, and we seem to have some legends out of Oklahoma: Leon, Jimmy Webb, David Gates. And Rita Coolidge's voice is like that of the late Dusty Springfield, same airy, delicious delivery.
I wanted to be Rita Coolidge when I was a young woman! Just for the record- there are a lot of men in Texas that look like Leon- long. Flowing hair and all!
Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Rita is such an interesting and cool person. I have loved Leon my entire life so it was great to hear a story from behind the curtain, if you will. ✌️❤️
I have an interesting story about this song. My 1st night in Rome, I awoke around 3am to hearing 'A Song for you' playing clear as day in my head. I wrote down the words in my travel journal, so I could look up the song title when I got home. I believe it was sent to me by my deceased ex-husband.
Born in my adopted hometown. I grew up listening to him almost every day from the late 60's and throughout the 70's...bless my mother; and still played his records often even when he wasn't in the forefront as much. A true musicians musician. If it weren't for my mother I likely would have never known about or heard these true extraordinary gifts that blessed us with their presence like Dan Hicks, or Lowell George....there are others, but especially Leon Russell. Especially Leon. Thanks Mom.
I played in the house band at Imperial Gardens in W. Hollywood up till the mid 1980s, and one of my greatest regrets was being absent one weekend to play a jazz festival in Northern California when Rita came to the club and sat in with my band for 1 of our sets. 😞
Miss Rita Coolidge was one of brilliant voice, sang of "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love" (Relaxing, Enjoying, Peace of Mind, Lullaby Love Song since 1979 and until now). We loved it so much, likewise "All Time High" and etc. Thank you very much 😊❤
I almost bought 10 acres of land in the hills south of Tulsa and on one of the hills near there, was a huge house that Leon had built on top of the hill.
Monkeys make terrible pets, it seems LOL! I have not heard her version of "We're All Alone" since I was a child. Talk about a wave of emotion and sentiment and tears!
Rita never claimed she wrote Layla, only the piano coda at the end. Rita also gave credit to creepy Jim Gordon who worked on it with her. He claimed full credit when he gave it to creepy Eric Clapton. Rita is not a greedy woman, she asked for nothing when she divorced womanizer Kris Kristofferson. She dumped creepy Jim Gordon after her punched her in the face during the Mad Dog and English Men tour. Rita is a graceful beautiful soul who lives her life her way. Peace Ms. Coolidge 💐
I read her autobiography in hopes of reading these tales but no... barely a mention, and I've wondered why. I wonder why Stephen Still's SUGAR BABE isn't listed as a Rita inspired song? It obviously is. As a long-time Rita fan, that autobiog contains tough passages to read... to learn about.
She sounds so lucky to meet the people she did. And I'm confused on my history was she bonking Joe Cocker or Leon or both during the tour besides making Lemonade? She sounds like it was too much work, I'd make corn bread, beans and lemonade any day to hang out with those incredible dudes.
@@TheChurchStudio In every profession, there are the humble and the arrogant. I am just happy to work with a few fine musicians who are genuinely good people. A few of them have contributed to my recordings. I am forever indebted to them.
I went to college with Rita Coolidge. I did not know her personally, but was in the art department at the same time she was there. We used to call her "Rita Cool" because she was the coolest woman I had ever seen and she was my idol. As far as I am concerned, Rita Coolidge is still "Rita Cool."
COOL.
Thanks for this. I can picture a young Rita who already had her magic.
@@AngelaGrace2 The picture they showed at the very beginning was exactly how she looked in college.
@@gulfgal98 Oh, how beautiful. No one else like Rita. Hey, thanks!
I remember Rita in Mad Dogs and Englishmen.
Rita Coolidge is the coolest lady. I love listening to her talk, sing, tell stories. Such a beautiful woman. Thanks for everything, Rita!
She does indeed have so many amazing stories to tell! We are THRILLED that we had the privilege of spending time with her and sharing her experiences!
@@TheChurchStudio 💓
I CONCUR 💯‼️She still has her GLOW✨
@@TheChurchStudioDid you get her to speak about her time with Kris Kristoferson and living in Malibu, early 70's?
This monkey story with Leon Russell is awesome, this guy was AWW a crazy one. But I liked Rita then so so much. And she got still her long hair !!
She is beautiful from the inside out and it's easy to understand how guys fell in love with her instantly.....Rita is an American treasure
My 2-year-old ran away from me at the Albuquerque Pow Wow in 1999 and straight into the arms of Rita Coolidge, who was so sweet to her. She was sitting at a card table promoting her music.
Awww! That's so sweet. Thank you for sharing!
I don't blame your child. Rita seems like someone into whose arms you'd want to run.
If _I_ did it, it might cause an incident, but....
I miss Leon so much. So talented. God bless Elton for giving Leon a second chance.
Me too, I really miss Jim Gordon's playing as well.
I'm so happy I got to see Leon Russell and Dave Mason shortly before Leon passed.
Talk about ageing gracefully, still a beautiful lady... What a beautiful soul still
100%!!!
I have been a fan of Rita's since the early 70s. Her beauty and talent are not given the recognition deserved. Her ability to tell entertaining stories is unmatched.
2 words! Lady blue! My favorite Leon song! Love Rita too!
Mine too! 💙✌🏼
In 1969/70 I was invited to a recording session at Leon Russell's home in Hollywood and Rita was there and she was ironing. We had a brief conversation and she was so nice and so cool. A great memory and a great time.
I agree. The most Beautiful love song ever written. The first time i heard it, i balled like a baby. Anyone else feel that? Rita, thank you for the music i grew up with. I'm 71 and lived through the great 60s and 70s ♥
Leon was so talented. Thank you Rita for the great stories.
Indeed! It's a huge privilege to share such beautiful glimpses of Leon's life!
I have loved Rita since her self-titled debut album (still have it). Hearing her relate the tales of living with Leon was so wonderfully candid and entertaining! ♥
What a lovely lady Rita still is and how beautifully stated this is! I was lucky enough to see the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour in San Francisco in 1970 when I was a teenager. A stage over-filled with singers, musicians, joy and MUSIC--oh, the music!!! It is a concert I will never forget. And it was such a thrill was seeing Leon Russell at his prime leading everyone from that piano.
I can't imagine watching Mad Dogs and Englishmen live!!! I watched them on the Woodstock film over and over. From that point on, my secret desire was to be a background singer...what a blast it was just to watch them all. That music and energy--I tell ya!
Love them both, never missed Leon’s show when he came near my hometown and I owned every Rita Coolidge album spanning her beautiful career.
One of my favourite stories was about Leon when he had been waiting outside Phil Specters studio hoping to get a job as a studio pianist and he did get the job, one session Leon came into the studio a bit late and Specter made some rude comment to Leon and Leon being Leon shut the cover on the keyboard, got up and walked out! Got to love anyone who stands up for themself like that and I adored him, his music and his genuine spirit!
Cher told it a bit differently.Leon came in late for the session and was asked"have you heard of the word respect?Leon responded"have you heard of the words f**k you?That was Leon.
I lived with my parents across the street from them on skyhill when i was about 18/19. The recording engineer who lived at the house became my boyfriend. I never saw Ms Coolidge (Leon had a different girlfriend at that time) but bonnie and delaney, carl radle and all the other Mad Dogs musicians were there often. I was too shy to talk to them but sat in the corner of the studio and listened to the great music. Funny to see a pic of the house after so long. Thanks for this terrific interview!
She's such an underrated iconic legend 🌹🌹🌹
This is great. I've been a fan of Rita's for as long as I can remember and I have enjoyed this candid interview with her. She's got such a great sense of humor and is really good at telling stories. I had never heard about the monkeys before!
We're glad you enjoyed it! She clearly had a lot of fun telling about the monkeys!
🐒🐒🐒
I absolutely love Rita Coolidge, tried to emulate her in every way , a starstruck no talent, teenage girl could . . . Send her Love and Joy always . . .
I lived in the same little town in Southern California where Rita lived , I lived about 8 miles from her. I always hoped I would run into her, I think I did once but didn’t realize it. What a great lady. So love her music, what a beautiful voice.
So great, and unexpected to hear from her . . . Knew of her with Kris K., how he looked at her, melted me ...
Thank you, such beauty to live quite awhile, and find your icons and heroes were true... and you knew that, at least, long ago . . .
coming back to Canada motorcycled to Key West, me and my buddy happened on an open air concert South Carolina 1972 never forget Leon pounding out that sound on the piano.
Saw her perform in Houston 1984 or 1985, she was and still is a beauty!
Yes, 'A Song for You' is certainly one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Wonderful tribute to the legend that was/is Leon Russell. What a lovely team of talented humans Rita and Leon were! I loved these stories she told. 💞🌟
As a young kid back in the 70s I had a big crush on her and loved her voice❤️
Rita Coolidge was my dream girl in the 70s. She still is.
Got to visit Leon’s grave in Tulsa last year when I was doing a Route 66 thing. Beautiful spot. And Bob Wills rests not far from him. Talk about two giants of music.
I has the pleasure of seeing Rita in person at the Cellar Door in Washington DC's Georgetown section in the early 1970's. Great venue and fine time.
Wow Rita her song We're all alone was my favorite. She is so talented.
"We're All Alone" (a beautiful song) was written by Boz Scaggs...
I'm so glad she spoke well of him. He was a good dude.
no she didn't she made fun of him and is a disgrace to women.
No doubt the most beautiful song ever written.
A legend and the voice of an angel
A better idea of Leon Russell in three minutes than the whole of the recent biography.
My wife and I have been married for 52 years. We've been a fan of her for all this time. Along with the whole Maddogs and Englishmen.
Same!
I love your songs Rita! You're the best for me.
Rita is such a Beautiful lady, singer, Soul. She's been around since the birth of MANY famous groups, sang with 'em too! Love her Native music group- Wahela (?)🌹
WALELA. Rita's late sister, Priscilla, was the other half of Walela.
I've followed her musical journey since first hearing her on mad dogs and have always been impressed with her grounded and honest beauty. An amazing and wonderful person
Absolutely! She carries such a beautiful, introspective presence. It was quite relaxing and insightful to chat with her.
I love this ,bless you Rita , especially Thank you Leon for being Leon!
Rita hits the emotional spot
Thank you Rita for just telling us the GOOD STUFF!!!😍😎
Beautiful, funny and interesting stories! Thank you Rita. Thank you Church Studio!
Rita you touched my heart.. i listened to you in the 70s, and luv the stories of LEON
Thank you so much, Teresa Knox, for getting us these valuable stories…Heartwarming….♥️
"Lady Blue" is the sweetest, sexiest song! I have always loved it.
I am wedding gift-proud of the fact that Leon Russell is a fellow Tulsa native. Songwriting is my passion, and we seem to have some legends out of Oklahoma: Leon, Jimmy Webb, David Gates. And Rita Coolidge's voice is like that of the late Dusty Springfield, same airy, delicious delivery.
jj cale
I wanted to be Rita Coolidge when I was a young woman! Just for the record- there are a lot of men in Texas that look like Leon- long. Flowing hair and all!
Great voice. To hear her talk about taking care of the whole menagerie is pretty funny, and the monkey story is a bonus.
Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Rita is such an interesting and cool person. I have loved Leon my entire life so it was great to hear a story from behind the curtain, if you will. ✌️❤️
I have an interesting story about this song. My 1st night in Rome, I awoke around 3am to hearing 'A Song for you' playing clear as day in my head. I wrote down the words in my travel journal, so I could look up the song title when I got home. I believe it was sent to me by my deceased ex-husband.
Oh wow.
It is, if not _the_ most beautiful, certainly _one_ of the most.
Lovely Rita 💐
Such a beautiful, honest woman.
Born in my adopted hometown. I grew up listening to him almost every day from the late 60's and throughout the 70's...bless my mother; and still played his records often even when he wasn't in the forefront as much. A true musicians musician.
If it weren't for my mother I likely would have never known about or heard these true extraordinary gifts that blessed us with their presence like Dan Hicks, or Lowell George....there are others, but especially Leon Russell.
Especially Leon.
Thanks Mom.
Love this woman she beautiful souls incredible woman
Love the interviews. I passed through the Church Studo for a tour last summer and had a great time. Keep up the great work!!
I played in the house band at Imperial Gardens in W. Hollywood up till the mid 1980s, and one of my greatest regrets was being absent one weekend to play a jazz festival in Northern California when Rita came to the club and sat in with my band for 1 of our sets. 😞
Beautiful and smart lady..
Beautiful still as she was years ago
Love Rita! 👍🇨🇦😎🎵🙏
What a great interview. Simply put …. Thank you!
Good to see her, she looks well.
Great seeing Rita
I'm hoping to visit the Church this summer 👍
Miss Rita Coolidge was one of brilliant voice, sang of "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love" (Relaxing, Enjoying, Peace of Mind, Lullaby Love Song since 1979 and until now). We loved it so much, likewise "All Time High" and etc. Thank you very much 😊❤
That was so great! What an interesting and beautiful lady! Glad I found this!
Loved her growing up
My mom had her records.
Great interview! I could listen to Rita's smoky voice all day.
This is fantastic.
Nice interview. Seems like a lovely lady.
Man I had such a crush in this woman when I was 18. I love hearing her remenisce.
What a great channel! Love Rita. 🙏👍👍
I love Leon!
this is wonderful...I am just finishing the 600 page book on Leon
I’m halfway thru!
What a great storyteller and conversationalist. Does she have a biography? Love her music.
Rita's autobiography DElta Lady came out in 2016...highly recommended.
@@hnc52 Thanks for the update.
@hnc52 I just finished her book. A very good read.
@@DanFan2042 Thanks for the heads up.
I love song of rita coolidge.. 👌
She is so beautiful.
I almost bought 10 acres of land in the hills south of Tulsa and on one of the hills near there, was a huge house that Leon had built on top of the hill.
Monkeys make terrible pets, it seems LOL! I have not heard her version of "We're All Alone" since I was a child. Talk about a wave of emotion and sentiment and tears!
What a great video.
Rita😊😊😊
Seen him he was def unique.. scary
She's wonderful................................💝
March 31, 2023
Rita never claimed she wrote Layla, only the piano coda at the end. Rita also gave credit to creepy Jim Gordon who worked on it with her. He claimed full credit when he gave it to creepy Eric Clapton. Rita is not a greedy woman, she asked for nothing when she divorced womanizer Kris Kristofferson. She dumped creepy Jim Gordon after her punched her in the face during the Mad Dog and English Men tour. Rita is a graceful beautiful soul who lives her life her way. Peace Ms. Coolidge 💐
still a beaut
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
What a bright and delightful lady.
Cool interview 😁
She's still beautiful.
wonderful, ageless
Very few people know she stared in the movie vanishing point
Lucky her ❤
that was nice...
Delta Lady❤
I read her autobiography in hopes of reading these tales but no... barely a mention, and I've wondered why. I wonder why Stephen Still's SUGAR BABE isn't listed as a Rita inspired song? It obviously is. As a long-time Rita fan, that autobiog contains tough passages to read... to learn about.
I've been listening to this lady since I was a teenager she would be so beautiful if she would grow out her natural gray hair!
👌👌👌
She sounds so lucky to meet the people she did. And I'm confused on my history was she bonking Joe Cocker or Leon or both during the tour besides making Lemonade? She sounds like it was too much work, I'd make corn bread, beans and lemonade any day to hang out with those incredible dudes.
That was copacetic !
What is the love song? She's very funny and smart and maybe a movie about her is a possibility.
The love song is Leon Russell's "A Song For You." Yeah, it would be really cool to see someone make a film about her!
Gatona, Diva T ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Poor Rita. I can totally see this happening. Musicians can be on the imperious side.
No kidding. We've been incredibly blessed to have a plethora of humble and personable musicians within these walls! That isn't always the case.
@@TheChurchStudio In every profession, there are the humble and the arrogant. I am just happy to work with a few fine musicians who are genuinely good people. A few of them have contributed to my recordings. I am forever indebted to them.