Walela, A Cherokee Trio
by Robert Greyeagle(1) Walela, the Cherokee word for Hummingbird and the symbol of inspiration for this family of women singers.
They are Rita Coolidge, her sister Priscilla Coolidge, and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. Rita and Priscilla grew up in the South amoungst a family of four children and a strong Native American Heritage. Their dad a Baptist minister, their mom a school teacher who gave music lessons and played organ in the church. The Coolidge home was filled with the sounds that ignited their musical imagination and enlightened their spirit to soar into creation. A spirit that has equally been passed down to Laura. 
Rita Coolidge , an eternal star in the galaxy of Rock and Roll, has proven herself and enduring talent blessed with radiant Native American beauty and what has been described as " the sexiest voice in the world. "
Rita, a two time Grammy winner, launched her singing career in 1970 with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and went on to share the stage with such greats as Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Leon Russell, just to name a few.
Her recording career has spawned over several dozen albums worldwide including her multi-platinum disc Anytime...Anywhere, which featured three of her biggest hit singles -- " Higher & Higher, " " The Way You Do The Things You Do, " and " We're All Alone " to her present musical work, the recently released return to her musical roots " Thinking About You " on 404 Records.
Rita's commitment to social issues has consistently reverberated through her music and her life on such issues as teen suicide, AIDS and homelessness. Yet her most heartfelt commitment remains to the Native American community.
The commitment to her Cherokee heritage carries through her life, " If we have the vision and the dream, anything can come true. " Priscilla Coolidge, who for two years running was voted the best female vocalist by Billboard Magazine, has truly carved out a deep niche in modern music.
She has recorded with a Who's Who of music including Bob Dylan, Luther Vandross, Robbie Robertson and has penned tunes recorded by her sister Rita, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire.
Never one to compromise, Priscilla recorded for A & M and Capricorn Records the music that reflected the deep spiritual nature of herself and her father, a minister of full-blooded Cherokee descent. She continues to write what many call some of the most beautiful music in the world today. 
Laura Satterfield, born into this musical family, grew up listening to the many talents that surrounded her. Having fallen in love with their spirit, she began her own journey of musical discovery. In the tradition that came before her, Laura has made her own place in the recording industry.
Well known for her writing abilities, Laura has found her own style which can be distinctively heard in the box office hit movie MADE IN AMERICA where she performs her creation " I Don't Walk on Water. " Robbie Robertson has described Satterfield as " one in five million, " as is the sacred Native American White Buffalo, a true gift and blessing.
As a group, Walela continues to disperse the energy and spirit which has brought them to this juncture in their lives. Featured as part of Robbie Robertson'd Red Road Emsemble album " Music for Native Americans, " their distinctive vocal blend brings to life " The Cherokee Morning Song " and has allowed them to tour to an international audience.
During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Walela had the great opportunity to represent their nations -- both Cherokee and the United States -- as they performed extensively in the Olynpic Park.
Their 1998 debut release on Triloka Records earned them the recognition of the Nammy Awards (Native American Music Awards) where they took home the award for Debut Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for " The Warrior " . Walela, like the eagle, is set to spread their wings and fly.
I guess you could say I am truly proud of Walela. Walk in peace.
Article submitted Friday, March 05, 2010 & read 173 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Linda DeWitt (59 days 3 hours ago.)
Wonderful story Robert. I am going to have to check her out. I have a painting that I painted that I call the Dance of the Eagle and that is what I thought of. Thanks for sharing.Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (59 days 3 hours ago.)
Thanks, Linda! I would really like to see your painting. I love eagles. On You Tube there are lots of Walela song videos. Just type in "videos by Walela." Another favorite of mine is "Warrior." Blessings, my friend. Walk in peace.
Respond to this comment
