Rita Coolidge’s new album Safe in the Arms of Time, represents the first new music she has recorded since the tragic death in 2015 of her sister, Priscilla, in 2015. Elmore writer Jim Hynes began by talking to Coolidge about the new album, and in the process raised a few other memories.

“The response to the album has been wonderful, everyone who listens seems to like it, but I don’t know how many people will hear it,” Coolidge said. “Getting radio stations to play it is not easy any more. We started playing the new material in shows and the audience response was great, but it’s not my dream to spend the rest of my life on the road.”

Speaking about her inspiration for the album, Coolidge said, “I had the idea of making an organic record like I did in the ’70s, and was trying to figure it out when Graham Nash sent me the song “Doing Fine Without You” via e-mail. Then, I knew the record company would have something to work with.

“Finding my producer Ross Hogarth was a major part. I need someone to share my vision. We got into this process of listening to songs and spent almost two years listening to 1000 songs. We soon found, however, that getting songs from publishers was nearly impossible. Ross then introduced me to some folks he knew we could get great songs from. He reached out to Stan Lynch, Gordon Kennedy and Tom Douglas, and we started getting songs! Many were breathtaking. The first time I heard “Van Gogh,” tears started welling up. In hindsight, I wish I had written more, but we were focused on the perfect 12. After my sister was killed I couldn’t write or play the piano, so this whole process got my creative spirit moving again.

Coolidge enjoyed working with Keb’ Mo’ for the two songs they did on the record. “I went to Nashville and spent three days at his house. I have all his albums, have seen him live many times, and his songs are so positive. His whole basement is devoted to writing and recording. He, Jill Colucci and I talked for over three hours before we got down to any music. It’s so important to find someone who takes time to know you as a person. We wrote and cut the two demos in the three days.”

The late Stephen Bruton’s song “Spirit World” is on the album, and a small world it is: Coolidge can remember Bruton when he was right out of college, as her (then) husband Kris Kristofferson’s guitarist. “I watched him grow throughout his career,” Coolidge said, noting that Hogarth had also produced one of Bruton’s records, and those two men were best friends.

Coolidge has said Safe in the Arms of Time is the best album of her career. When asked if she still feels that way, she responded, “I listen to it in my car. I just love it. I discover new things—just even about the way Ross thinks. Every song is my favorite.”

Thankfully, Coolidge is still making great music.

—Jim Hynes

Give an ear to Safe in the Arms of Time.