Rita Coolidge

She inspired songs--Leon Russell wrote "A Song for You" and "Delta Lady" for her; Stephen Stills wrote "Cherokee." She co-wrote songs--"Superstar" and, uncredited, the piano coda to "Layla." She sang backup for Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stills before finding fame as a solo artist with such hits as "We're All Alone" and "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher." Following her from Lafayette, Tennessee, to her becoming one of the most sought-after...

Familial vocal trio Walela's self-titled debut album is also their finest to date, an amalgamation of Native American roots music (specifically Cherokee), singer/songwriter folk, pop, and Southern gospel that's also not unappealing to new age sensibilities. Although the music is deeply rooted in tradition, its hybrid uniqueness gives it a contemporary, even forward-looking feel. The angelic three-part harmonies of Rita Coolidge, sister Priscilla,...

"By the end of the '60s, band breakups were as much a part of music headlines as gold records and world tours were. In fact, striking out on a solo career remained the trend throughout the '70s -- the so-called Me Decade -- and it wasn't just former Beatles leading the way..."