| Rita and Priscilla
grew up in a family of four children and a strong Native
American heritage. Their father was a Baptist minister
of full-blooded Cherokee descent. Their mother was
a 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.
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's Red Road Ensemble
"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 Olympic
Park.
Their 1998 debut
release on Triloka Records earned them "Debut
Artist of the Year" and "Song of the Year"
for The Warrior at the Native American Music
Awards. Walela, like the eagle, is set to spread their
wings and fly...... |
Walela...the Cherokee word for hummingbird and the
symbol of inspiration for this family of women singers.
