LEGENDS | Rita Coolidge: Monkeying Around with Leon Russell - Exclusive Interview

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  • čas přidán 2. 03. 2023
  • Get up close and personal to legendary artist Rita Coolidge for this exclusive interview. Known as “Delta Lady”-inspired by Leon Russell’s 1970’s song-Rita sat down with Teresa Knox and shared stories about her life, music, career and her relationship with Leon Russell.
    Rita-inspired songs include: Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” and “Delta Lady,” and Stephen Stills' “Cherokee.” Furthermore, she co-wrote the iconic song “Superstar” and the piano coda to “Layla.” As one of the most famous rock and roll backup singers of all time, Rita sang for Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen 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.”
    Rita's “Delta Lady: A Memoir” follows her story from Lafayette, Tennessee to becoming one of the most sought after rock vocalists in LA in the 1970s, Delta Lady chronicles Rita Coolidge’s fascinating journey throughout the ’60s-’70s pop/rock universe.
    In her subsequent career comprising five decades and millions of record sales, Rita captivated audiences with her signature hits “We’re All Alone,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “All Time High” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher.” And in a remarkable eight-year romantic and artistic marriage for the ages, she and former husband Kris Kristofferson earned multiple Grammy Awards.
    Location: Harwelden Mansion, Tulsa, Oklahoma
    Artists: Rita Coolidge
    Producer: Teresa Knox
    Cinematography: Matthew Simonson, Ed Taylor
    Editing: Matthew Simonson
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Komentáře • 163

  • @gulfgal98
    @gulfgal98 Před rokem +86

    I went to college with Rita Coolidge. I did not know her personally, but was in the art department at the same time she was there. We used to call her "Rita Cool" because she was the coolest woman I had ever seen and she was my idol. As far as I am concerned, Rita Coolidge is still "Rita Cool."

    • @michaelflanagan5450
      @michaelflanagan5450 Před rokem +7

      COOL.

    • @Angela-xo5kh
      @Angela-xo5kh Před 10 měsíci +3

      Thanks for this. I can picture a young Rita who already had her magic.

    • @gulfgal98
      @gulfgal98 Před 10 měsíci +1

      @@Angela-xo5kh The picture they showed at the very beginning was exactly how she looked in college.

    • @Angela-xo5kh
      @Angela-xo5kh Před 10 měsíci +2

      @@gulfgal98 Oh, how beautiful. No one else like Rita. Hey, thanks!

  • @Angela-xo5kh
    @Angela-xo5kh Před rokem +106

    Rita Coolidge is the coolest lady. I love listening to her talk, sing, tell stories. Such a beautiful woman. Thanks for everything, Rita!

    • @TheChurchStudio
      @TheChurchStudio  Před rokem +10

      She does indeed have so many amazing stories to tell! We are THRILLED that we had the privilege of spending time with her and sharing her experiences!

    • @Angela-xo5kh
      @Angela-xo5kh Před rokem +2

      @@TheChurchStudio 💓

    • @cheryldanieri7359
      @cheryldanieri7359 Před rokem +2

      I CONCUR 💯‼️She still has her GLOW✨

    • @dennispatrick4999
      @dennispatrick4999 Před rokem +3

      ​@@TheChurchStudioDid you get her to speak about her time with Kris Kristoferson and living in Malibu, early 70's?

    • @clannad99germany70
      @clannad99germany70 Před 9 měsíci +1

      This monkey story with Leon Russell is awesome, this guy was AWW a crazy one. But I liked Rita then so so much. And she got still her long hair !!

  • @bglrj
    @bglrj Před rokem +50

    My 2-year-old ran away from me at the Albuquerque Pow Wow in 1999 and straight into the arms of Rita Coolidge, who was so sweet to her. She was sitting at a card table promoting her music.

    • @TheChurchStudio
      @TheChurchStudio  Před rokem +8

      Awww! That's so sweet. Thank you for sharing!

    • @MelissaThompson432
      @MelissaThompson432 Před 2 měsíci +1

      I don't blame your child. Rita seems like someone into whose arms you'd want to run.
      If _I_ did it, it might cause an incident, but....

  • @johnhunsberger343
    @johnhunsberger343 Před rokem +14

    I'm so happy I got to see Leon Russell and Dave Mason shortly before Leon passed.

  • @05645ci
    @05645ci Před rokem +32

    She is beautiful from the inside out and it's easy to understand how guys fell in love with her instantly.....Rita is an American treasure

  • @garylester8621
    @garylester8621 Před rokem +78

    I miss Leon so much. So talented. God bless Elton for giving Leon a second chance.

    • @robertdore9592
      @robertdore9592 Před rokem +4

      Me too, I really miss Jim Gordon's playing as well.

  • @kirtapdon
    @kirtapdon Před rokem +13

    Talk about ageing gracefully, still a beautiful lady... What a beautiful soul still

  • @hnc52
    @hnc52 Před rokem +33

    I have been a fan of Rita's since the early 70s. Her beauty and talent are not given the recognition deserved. Her ability to tell entertaining stories is unmatched.

  • @elaineh7993
    @elaineh7993 Před rokem +15

    2 words! Lady blue! My favorite Leon song! Love Rita too!

    • @olly8
      @olly8 Před 19 dny +1

      Mine too! 💙✌🏼

  • @sonshine2030
    @sonshine2030 Před rokem +20

    Leon was so talented. Thank you Rita for the great stories.

    • @TheChurchStudio
      @TheChurchStudio  Před rokem +3

      Indeed! It's a huge privilege to share such beautiful glimpses of Leon's life!

  • @jaiyabyrd4177
    @jaiyabyrd4177 Před rokem +26

    She's such an underrated iconic legend 🌹🌹🌹

  • @pamr4040
    @pamr4040 Před rokem +32

    I have loved Rita since her self-titled debut album (still have it). Hearing her relate the tales of living with Leon was so wonderfully candid and entertaining! ♥

  • @grannyvroomvroom2523
    @grannyvroomvroom2523 Před rokem +13

    Love them both, never missed Leon’s show when he came near my hometown and I owned every Rita Coolidge album spanning her beautiful career.
    One of my favourite stories was about Leon when he had been waiting outside Phil Specters studio hoping to get a job as a studio pianist and he did get the job, one session Leon came into the studio a bit late and Specter made some rude comment to Leon and Leon being Leon shut the cover on the keyboard, got up and walked out! Got to love anyone who stands up for themself like that and I adored him, his music and his genuine spirit!

    • @vernwallen4246
      @vernwallen4246 Před 9 měsíci +3

      Cher told it a bit differently.Leon came in late for the session and was asked"have you heard of the word respect?Leon responded"have you heard of the words f**k you?That was Leon.

  • @johnllewlyndavies222
    @johnllewlyndavies222 Před rokem +7

    A better idea of Leon Russell in three minutes than the whole of the recent biography.

  • @SusannahPerri
    @SusannahPerri Před rokem +19

    What a lovely lady Rita still is and how beautifully stated this is! I was lucky enough to see the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour in San Francisco in 1970 when I was a teenager. A stage over-filled with singers, musicians, joy and MUSIC--oh, the music!!! It is a concert I will never forget. And it was such a thrill was seeing Leon Russell at his prime leading everyone from that piano.

  • @chel5105
    @chel5105 Před 26 dny +1

    I absolutely love Rita Coolidge, tried to emulate her in every way , a starstruck no talent, teenage girl could . . . Send her Love and Joy always . . .

  • @charlescahoon3557
    @charlescahoon3557 Před rokem +8

    Got to visit Leon’s grave in Tulsa last year when I was doing a Route 66 thing. Beautiful spot. And Bob Wills rests not far from him. Talk about two giants of music.

  • @kbchaffin53
    @kbchaffin53 Před rokem +15

    I'm so glad she spoke well of him. He was a good dude.

    • @shalomgirl5780
      @shalomgirl5780 Před 4 dny

      no she didn't she made fun of him and is a disgrace to women.

  • @laurelaltman6138
    @laurelaltman6138 Před rokem +5

    I lived with my parents across the street from them on skyhill when i was about 18/19. The recording engineer who lived at the house became my boyfriend. I never saw Ms Coolidge (Leon had a different girlfriend at that time) but bonnie and delaney, carl radle and all the other Mad Dogs musicians were there often. I was too shy to talk to them but sat in the corner of the studio and listened to the great music. Funny to see a pic of the house after so long. Thanks for this terrific interview!

  • @musicmatty67
    @musicmatty67 Před rokem +11

    As a young kid back in the 70s I had a big crush on her and loved her voice❤️

  • @Anothertominohio
    @Anothertominohio Před rokem +53

    This is great. I've been a fan of Rita's for as long as I can remember and I have enjoyed this candid interview with her. She's got such a great sense of humor and is really good at telling stories. I had never heard about the monkeys before!

  • @terrydillon9323
    @terrydillon9323 Před rokem +7

    I lived in the same little town in Southern California where Rita lived , I lived about 8 miles from her. I always hoped I would run into her, I think I did once but didn’t realize it. What a great lady. So love her music, what a beautiful voice.

  • @ittybittykittymama7582
    @ittybittykittymama7582 Před rokem +5

    "Lady Blue" is the sweetest, sexiest song! I have always loved it.

  • @bullwinkle8266
    @bullwinkle8266 Před rokem +4

    Rita Coolidge was my dream girl in the 70s. She still is.

  • @nancyl3843
    @nancyl3843 Před rokem +16

    No doubt the most beautiful song ever written.

  • @joebloggs8636
    @joebloggs8636 Před měsícem

    I love this ,bless you Rita , especially Thank you Leon for being Leon!

  • @daskritterhaus5491
    @daskritterhaus5491 Před rokem +6

    coming back to Canada motorcycled to Key West, me and my buddy happened on an open air concert South Carolina 1972 never forget Leon pounding out that sound on the piano.

  • @pierrelalonde3705
    @pierrelalonde3705 Před rokem +7

    Wow Rita her song We're all alone was my favorite. She is so talented.

    • @CarolAnnePeskin
      @CarolAnnePeskin Před 19 dny

      "We're All Alone" (a beautiful song) was written by Boz Scaggs...

  • @darrylheavrin
    @darrylheavrin Před rokem +7

    I've followed her musical journey since first hearing her on mad dogs and have always been impressed with her grounded and honest beauty. An amazing and wonderful person

    • @TheChurchStudio
      @TheChurchStudio  Před rokem +1

      Absolutely! She carries such a beautiful, introspective presence. It was quite relaxing and insightful to chat with her.

  • @olly8
    @olly8 Před rokem +12

    Rita is such a Beautiful lady, singer, Soul. She's been around since the birth of MANY famous groups, sang with 'em too! Love her Native music group- Wahela (?)🌹

    • @CarolAnnePeskin
      @CarolAnnePeskin Před 19 dny +1

      WALELA. Rita's late sister, Priscilla, was the other half of Walela.

  • @ShakaBrah3
    @ShakaBrah3 Před rokem +3

    I played in the house band at Imperial Gardens in W. Hollywood up till the mid 1980s, and one of my greatest regrets was being absent one weekend to play a jazz festival in Northern California when Rita came to the club and sat in with my band for 1 of our sets. 😞

  • @carpediem4179
    @carpediem4179 Před rokem +3

    Rita hits the emotional spot

  • @6431mastermind
    @6431mastermind Před rokem +12

    I have an interesting story about this song. My 1st night in Rome, I awoke around 3am to hearing 'A Song for you' playing clear as day in my head. I wrote down the words in my travel journal, so I could look up the song title when I got home. I believe it was sent to me by my deceased ex-husband.

  • @jimm6386
    @jimm6386 Před rokem +3

    I has the pleasure of seeing Rita in person at the Cellar Door in Washington DC's Georgetown section in the early 1970's. Great venue and fine time.

  • @troygaspard6732
    @troygaspard6732 Před rokem +5

    Good to see her, she looks well.

  • @saxmidiman
    @saxmidiman Před rokem +3

    Thank you Rita for just telling us the GOOD STUFF!!!😍😎

  • @chel5105
    @chel5105 Před 26 dny

    So great, and unexpected to hear from her . . . Knew of her with Kris K., how he looked at her, melted me ...
    Thank you, such beauty to live quite awhile, and find your icons and heroes were true... and you knew that, at least, long ago . . .

  • @user-xl5np5dp8n
    @user-xl5np5dp8n Před 6 měsíci +1

    Great voice. To hear her talk about taking care of the whole menagerie is pretty funny, and the monkey story is a bonus.

  • @irismac2442
    @irismac2442 Před rokem +2

    Beautiful and smart lady..

  • @julietrask7497
    @julietrask7497 Před rokem +3

    Lovely Rita 💐

  • @marianfrances4959
    @marianfrances4959 Před rokem +4

    Love Rita! 👍🇨🇦😎🎵🙏

  • @MelissaThompson432
    @MelissaThompson432 Před 2 měsíci

    It is, if not _the_ most beautiful, certainly _one_ of the most.

  • @bryanfindley1438
    @bryanfindley1438 Před měsícem

    Rita you touched my heart.. i listened to you in the 70s, and luv the stories of LEON

  • @shuroom57
    @shuroom57 Před rokem +7

    I am wedding gift-proud of the fact that Leon Russell is a fellow Tulsa native. Songwriting is my passion, and we seem to have some legends out of Oklahoma: Leon, Jimmy Webb, David Gates. And Rita Coolidge's voice is like that of the late Dusty Springfield, same airy, delicious delivery.

  • @GLD-hopeful
    @GLD-hopeful Před rokem +13

    Beautiful, funny and interesting stories! Thank you Rita. Thank you Church Studio!

  • @jimdelong987
    @jimdelong987 Před měsícem

    Saw her perform in Houston 1984 or 1985, she was and still is a beauty!

  • @randyboesche8838
    @randyboesche8838 Před rokem +6

    Thank you so much, Teresa Knox, for getting us these valuable stories…Heartwarming….♥️

  • @truebluebears76
    @truebluebears76 Před 4 měsíci

    A legend and the voice of an angel

  • @fritzcat6198
    @fritzcat6198 Před rokem +2

    Such a beautiful, honest woman.

  • @imlistening1137
    @imlistening1137 Před 11 měsíci +3

    I wanted to be Rita Coolidge when I was a young woman! Just for the record- there are a lot of men in Texas that look like Leon- long. Flowing hair and all!

  • @AlreadyFree612
    @AlreadyFree612 Před rokem +3

    Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Rita is such an interesting and cool person. I have loved Leon my entire life so it was great to hear a story from behind the curtain, if you will. ✌️❤️

  • @tracybreitkreutz5554
    @tracybreitkreutz5554 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Beautiful still as she was years ago

  • @carajssavannahga8830
    @carajssavannahga8830 Před rokem +2

    Loved her growing up
    My mom had her records.

  • @Albaytar883
    @Albaytar883 Před 9 měsíci

    Miss Rita Coolidge was one of brilliant voice, sang of "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love" (Relaxing, Enjoying, Peace of Mind, Lullaby Love Song since 1979 and until now). We loved it so much, likewise "All Time High" and etc. Thank you very much 😊❤

  • @timjordan4411
    @timjordan4411 Před rokem +7

    Love the interviews. I passed through the Church Studo for a tour last summer and had a great time. Keep up the great work!!

  • @juniorjohnson5961
    @juniorjohnson5961 Před rokem +3

    Great seeing Rita
    I'm hoping to visit the Church this summer 👍

  • @beth3471
    @beth3471 Před rokem +2

    What a great interview. Simply put …. Thank you!

  • @michaelmoore7975
    @michaelmoore7975 Před rokem +4

    Born in my adopted hometown. I grew up listening to him almost every day from the late 60's and throughout the 70's...bless my mother; and still played his records often even when he wasn't in the forefront as much. A true musicians musician.
    If it weren't for my mother I likely would have never known about or heard these true extraordinary gifts that blessed us with their presence like Dan Hicks, or Lowell George....there are others, but especially Leon Russell.
    Especially Leon.
    Thanks Mom.

  • @handsoffmygunmf6750
    @handsoffmygunmf6750 Před rokem +2

    I almost bought 10 acres of land in the hills south of Tulsa and on one of the hills near there, was a huge house that Leon had built on top of the hill.

  • @suzieparis6821
    @suzieparis6821 Před rokem +4

    Seen him he was def unique.. scary

  • @ds9908
    @ds9908 Před 3 měsíci

    Man I had such a crush in this woman when I was 18. I love hearing her remenisce.

  • @mikelundquist4596
    @mikelundquist4596 Před rokem +2

    This is fantastic.

  • @bonesc7201
    @bonesc7201 Před rokem +2

    I love Leon!

  • @405Lenny
    @405Lenny Před rokem +2

    What a great channel! Love Rita. 🙏👍👍

  • @howardberlin2349
    @howardberlin2349 Před rokem +3

    Nice interview. Seems like a lovely lady.

  • @harryvanlamoen8195
    @harryvanlamoen8195 Před 26 dny

    wonderful, ageless

  • @williamjaeger5940
    @williamjaeger5940 Před rokem +1

    That was so great! What an interesting and beautiful lady! Glad I found this!

  • @kylehunt64
    @kylehunt64 Před 8 měsíci

    Lucky her ❤

  • @RobertoPoncebk
    @RobertoPoncebk Před 7 měsíci

    Delta Lady❤

  • @adriananascimentoneri1564
    @adriananascimentoneri1564 Před 7 měsíci +1

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @marklawrence8518
    @marklawrence8518 Před rokem +1

    Great interview! I could listen to Rita's smoky voice all day.

  • @rayhankamer864
    @rayhankamer864 Před rokem +4

    this is wonderful...I am just finishing the 600 page book on Leon

    • @mbbeard
      @mbbeard Před rokem +1

      I’m halfway thru!

  • @JeffreyJordan-gw9vt
    @JeffreyJordan-gw9vt Před 2 měsíci

    What a great video.

  • @DougMcDave
    @DougMcDave Před rokem +3

    Monkeys make terrible pets, it seems LOL! I have not heard her version of "We're All Alone" since I was a child. Talk about a wave of emotion and sentiment and tears!

  • @JediFight
    @JediFight Před rokem

    She is so beautiful.

  • @michaelmelling9333
    @michaelmelling9333 Před rokem +2

    She's wonderful................................💝
    March 31, 2023

  • @IbnuRusdiMovie
    @IbnuRusdiMovie Před 11 měsíci

    I love song of rita coolidge.. 👌

  • @anamericanentrepreneur
    @anamericanentrepreneur Před 2 měsíci

    Cool interview 😁

  • @penney304
    @penney304 Před 8 měsíci

    She's still beautiful.

  • @victorlinares5560
    @victorlinares5560 Před rokem +1

    Delta Lady

  • @georgestevens1502
    @georgestevens1502 Před rokem +9

    What a great storyteller and conversationalist. Does she have a biography? Love her music.

    • @hnc52
      @hnc52 Před rokem +5

      Rita's autobiography DElta Lady came out in 2016...highly recommended.

    • @georgestevens1502
      @georgestevens1502 Před rokem +2

      @@hnc52 Thanks for the update.

    • @DanFan2042
      @DanFan2042 Před 9 měsíci +1

      ​@hnc52 I just finished her book. A very good read.

    • @georgestevens1502
      @georgestevens1502 Před 9 měsíci

      @@DanFan2042 Thanks for the heads up.

  • @pauldeangelo3045
    @pauldeangelo3045 Před rokem +2

    Very few people know she stared in the movie vanishing point

  • @arlo2203
    @arlo2203 Před 8 měsíci

    it is shocking to see people age. she was once so gorgeous.

  • @elenbrandt290
    @elenbrandt290 Před rokem +1

    What a bright and delightful lady.

  • @normanhathaway2275
    @normanhathaway2275 Před rokem +3

    MMOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRREEE

  • @tonysloggett106
    @tonysloggett106 Před rokem +1

    that was nice...

  • @petersheely7246
    @petersheely7246 Před rokem +1

    👌👌👌

  • @crazydiamond4565
    @crazydiamond4565 Před rokem +1

    I've been listening to this lady since I was a teenager she would be so beautiful if she would grow out her natural gray hair!

  • @ragman069
    @ragman069 Před rokem +2

    That was copacetic !

  • @HalfassDIY
    @HalfassDIY Před 9 měsíci

  • @user-hy6ve8hb8p
    @user-hy6ve8hb8p Před 6 měsíci

    Gatona, Diva T ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

  • @brianmorecombe2726
    @brianmorecombe2726 Před 9 měsíci

    Wow Rita Coolidge was a sweet babe back in the 70s

  • @genelibbea4612
    @genelibbea4612 Před rokem +1

    She went with everyone!

  • @Cbcw76
    @Cbcw76 Před rokem +1

    I read her autobiography in hopes of reading these tales but no... barely a mention, and I've wondered why. I wonder why Stephen Still's SUGAR BABE isn't listed as a Rita inspired song? It obviously is. As a long-time Rita fan, that autobiog contains tough passages to read... to learn about.

  • @user-zb3jw8un6s
    @user-zb3jw8un6s Před 4 měsíci

    she should start a coolidge...i'd enroll..got some rolling skills;

  • @audreydaleski1067
    @audreydaleski1067 Před rokem +1

    Lady Blue.

  • @1GreatestCape
    @1GreatestCape Před 6 měsíci

    Pisces Apple Lady!

  • @margaretschaffner9133
    @margaretschaffner9133 Před 9 měsíci

    She sounds so lucky to meet the people she did. And I'm confused on my history was she bonking Joe Cocker or Leon or both during the tour besides making Lemonade? She sounds like it was too much work, I'd make corn bread, beans and lemonade any day to hang out with those incredible dudes.

  • @gwynnielsen5081
    @gwynnielsen5081 Před 3 měsíci

    Poor Rita. I can totally see this happening. Musicians can be on the imperious side.

    • @TheChurchStudio
      @TheChurchStudio  Před 3 měsíci

      No kidding. We've been incredibly blessed to have a plethora of humble and personable musicians within these walls! That isn't always the case.

    • @gwynnielsen5081
      @gwynnielsen5081 Před 3 měsíci

      @@TheChurchStudio In every profession, there are the humble and the arrogant. I am just happy to work with a few fine musicians who are genuinely good people. A few of them have contributed to my recordings. I am forever indebted to them.

  • @suzannebear4194
    @suzannebear4194 Před rokem +2

    I wonder if she's lady blue 🤔 💙