Rita Coolidge
Rock/pop singer, Grammy winner, James Bond theme performer
Rita Coolidge (born May 1, 1956) is an American rock and pop singer, songwriter, and actress who achieved significant commercial and critical success during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Lafayette, Tennessee, she developed her musical talents from an early age and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Coolidge became known as a session musician and backup singer before launching her successful solo career with hit songs including 'We're All Alone' and 'All Time High,' the James Bond theme from 'Octopussy.' Her smooth voice, musical versatility, and songwriting abilities made her a fixture on radio and in music charts throughout the 1980s. She collaborated with numerous prominent artists and won Grammy Awards for her work. Beyond her singing career, Coolidge has acted in films and television and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts. Though her prominence in mainstream music declined after the 1980s, her contributions to rock and pop music during her peak years remain significant. She has continued to perform and record, maintaining an active presence in the music industry and engaging with devoted fans who appreciate her artistry.
Rita Ora
Pop singer, television presenter, global entertainment figure
Rita Dominic
Nollywood leading actress, film producer, cultural ambassador
Rita Rudner
Stand-up comedian, observational humor, late-night television
Rita Tushingham
1960s British cinema icon, The Knack, A Taste of Honey
Rita Moreno
EGOT winner, West Side Story, Latinx representation pioneer
Rita Hayworth
Golden Age Hollywood actress, dancer, and cultural icon
Rita Levi-Montalcini
Nobel Prize winner, nerve growth factor discovery, neurobiology pioneer
Entertainment
American
1956
Thinking about the name
Rita
Sanskrit origin
“Derived from the Sanskrit name Sarita meaning 'river,' Rita entered Western use through Spanish and Italian diminutives and became a standalone classic in the 20th century. The name is elegant and timeless, borne by countless actresses and public figures, and carries both strength and femininity.”