Rita Coolidge—armed with a crystal clear voice and proficiency across genres—has been a secret weapon of sorts in the music industry.
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Her immensely impressive solo catalog aside, she has also been a highly sought-after session vocalist throughout her career. She has lent her skills to the background of several legendary works, rounding out their overall sounds and adding a touch that is distinctly Rita.
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Here are 6 albums you didn’t know feature Rita Coolidge.
1. Stephen Stills – Stephen Stills
Coolidge lends her harmonies to the background of Stephen Stills’ self-titled solo debut. She can be heard on tracks like “Love the One You’re With,” “Go Back Home,” “Sit Yourself Down,” and “We Are Not Helpless.” Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas can also be heard throughout the release.
2. Mad Dogs & Englishmen – Joe Cocker
She can be heard singing on Joe Cocker’s live album, Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Her voice is also featured on his studio album, Joe Cocker!
3. Eric Clapton – Eric Clapton
Coolidge is featured as a vocalist on Eric Clapton’s star-assisted solo debut. Her vocals also appear on Clapton’s other releases like History of Eric Clapton and Backtrackin’.
4. Songs for Beginners – Graham Nash
On Graham Nash’s Songs for Beginners, Coolidge lends her piano chops to the tracks “Be Yourself” and “There’s Only One.” She also assists with harmonies on the songs, “Military Madness,” “Better Days,” “Simple Man,” “There’s Only One,” “Chicago,” and “We Can Change the World.”
5. Amused to Death – Roger Waters
The title track of Roger Waters’ third studio album, Amused to Death, showcases Coolidge’s vocal stylings in the haunting choir.
6. The Silver Tongued Devil and I – Kris Kristofferson
Coolidge lent her vocals to her would-be husband’s 1971 album, The Silver Tongued Devil and I. She provided backing vocals throughout, but can most notably be heard on the track “The Taker.”
She is also featured on several of his other albums, like Spooky Lady’s Sideshow, Who’s to Bless & Who’s to Blame, Surreal Thing, and Shake Hands With the Devil.
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