Rita Coolidge Returns With Blue Élan Debut
Photo by Matt Beard
Lauded singer/songwriter and two-time Grammy-winner Rita Coolidge starts a fresh chapter in her storied career, signing an exclusive contract with Blue Élan, an independent music label launched by noted entertainment attorney Kirk Pasich and music industry veterans. Her first album from the pact is due in March 2018.
The new release will be her first since “A Rita Coolidge Christmas,” a 2012 holiday album. The multi-talented Coolidge has enjoyed success in a variety of genres over the course of her career—pop, adult contemporary, country, Americana and even jazz—but the next album will find her returning to her singer/songwriter roots. Her best-selling autobiography, “Delta Lady: A Memoir,” was published last year by Harper Collins and the paperback was released earlier this year.
“When I signed with A&M Records at the end of the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour, I knew I had found my musical home. I felt the support of everyone, from staff to executives. We were united, like no other label at the time, or since then, until I met the Blue Élan family. It’s happening again, and words cannot express my gratitude for my new home,” says Rita Coolidge.
Including solo albums, compilations, collaborations Delaney & Bonnie & Friends and with former husband Kris Kristofferson and albums by Native American trio Walela, Coolidge’s resume includes more than 30 albums. Two of those reached the top 10 in the U.S.: “Anytime … Anywhere” climbed to No. 6 in 1977, while “Full Moon,” her first with Kristofferson, reached No. 1.
Among Coolidge’s six top 40 singles are top 10 hits “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher” and “We’re All Alone.” Her 1983 hit “All Time High” was the theme song for the James Bond film “Octopussy.”
The Coolidge agreement represents another landmark signing for independent label Blue Élan, with a roster deep in singer/songwriters and roots music artists who appeal to adult tastes.
“We’re delighted that Rita has joined our musical family. Her songs over the years have become part of the musical fabric of pop and rock ‘n’ roll for so many people. It’s a privilege to have a chance to help contribute to her legacy.”
Prior to launching her solo career, Coolidge sang for Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills and Dave Mason, and was featured on Joe Cocker’s “Mad Dogs And Englishmen” tour, as well as the lauded album of the same name that was recorded from those dates.
In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Coolidge, her sister Pricilla and niece Laura Satterfield launched the Native American ensemble Walela. Coolidge was one of the original VJs on VH1 and an artist whose paintings have been shown at exhibits.
Aside from Coolidge, notable artists on Blue Élan include Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Poco founder Rusty Young and original America member Gerry Buckley. Blues singers Janiva Magness and Gina Sicilia and outlaw country singer Rod Melancon each recently released new albums on the label.
Steve is a Brevard County, Florida based concert photographer who loves the experience of live shows and tries to bring that experience back to fans through the great medium known as Rock At Night.
Whether it’s a one concert event or extended on the road tour coverage with music’s best bands, Steve covers the exciting experience of “the moment” and paints it across a blank canvas that he hopes music connoisseurs will enjoy.
A graduate of the prestigious New York Institute of Photography, Steve’s music of taste ranges from the symphonic awesomeness of bands like Within Temptation and Nightwish to the rock heavyweights of the 80’s and back to the beat of Armin van Buuren, with a little jazz and blues mixed in for some variety.
One of his favorite mottos: “Life is too short to drink grocery store coffee.”
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