Rita Coolidge (born May 1, 1945) is an American singer whose work attracted wide attention in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the course of her career she placed songs on multiple Billboard charts, finding success in pop, country, adult contemporary and jazz formats.
Career summary
Coolidge first came to notice as a vocalist in the late 1960s and established herself as both a solo recording artist and a sought-after session singer. Her recordings from the 1970s helped define a smooth, soulful sound that crossed over between mainstream pop and more specialized radio formats.
Musical approach
Her voice is often described as warm and expressive, capable of adapting to material drawn from pop, country and jazz-influenced arrangements. That versatility aided her chart performance across different audiences and radio categories.
Later activity and legacy
After her peak commercial years, Coolidge continued to perform and record. Her work as a background and duet vocalist, along with her solo albums from the 1970s and 1980s, contribute to a lasting reputation as a crossover artist who bridged several contemporary styles.