Rita Coolidge – Rita Coolidge

A renowned session and tour singer, who was on The Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour with Joe Cocker, and who Leon Russell wrote Delta Lady for, released her first solo album in 1971.  Although not really a songwriter, her choice of songs to cover was immaculate.  From Van Morrison’s ‘Crazy Love’ to Neil Young’s ‘I Believe In You’ she doesn’t put a foot wrong.  Her vocals are soft and intimate and she had a distinctive slow burn leaving you wanting more.  My favourites on this are ‘That Man Is My Weakness’ and ‘Seven Bridges Road’.  The following year she released The Lady’s Not For Sale, which was even better – though this debut is still pretty amazing.  She had an incredible beauty and beguiled Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Jim Gordon and Kris Kristofferson who she married and recorded albums with.  An incredible woman and an incredible voice.