Final Villages concert in 2008 summer series this weekend

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 3:43pm
By: The Citizen

Final Villages concert in 2008 summer series this weekend Rita Coolidge

Two time Grammy Award-winner Rita Coolidge will perform the final concert in the summer series at Fayetteville’s Villages Amphitheater on Sept. 13. Rounding out the sixth season at the Villages, Coolidge brings her own unique blend of musical styles to the concert venue.

Coolidge calls it spirit – that deep, emotional quality heard only in the music of artists who have nothing left to prove. “It’s more like a celebration,” said Coolidge. “You get to a point where you’re really happy with your life, and singing becomes a reflection of that.”

The singer’s credentials are the stuff of legend. After earning a degree in art at Florida State University, the Tennessee native decided to give music a shot before settling into a career as an art teacher. She moved to Memphis and was soon singing jingles, demos and background vocals for a number of area bands. Her reputation as an A-list backup singer spread quickly. Joe Cocker enlisted her in that role and as a featured soloist on his Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. Work with other rock royalty followed including tours and recordings with Eric Clapton, Jim Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell and Stephen Stills. In 1971 A&M Records signed her to the label, and one of the most enduring solo careers in all of music was underway.

Coolidge released more than a dozen albums in the years to follow, including 1978’s multi-platinum “Anytime...Anywhere.” Several of her singles would become classics: “We’re All Alone,” “Higher and Higher” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” to name a few. In 1973, Coolidge married singer, songwriter and actor Kirs Kristofferson. During their eight-year union the pair teamed up for a number of hits and was twice named Country Duo of the Year.

Coolidge’s most recent album, “And So Is Love,” was released in 2005 and is a jazz album.

Concert gates will open at 7 p.m., with the Wilson Braswell Band opening up at 8 p.m. Coolidge will take the stage at 9 p.m. Tickets are available and may be purchased by calling the Historic Train Depot at 770-719-4173 or online at www.villagesamphitheater.com.

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