Folk pop singer Rita Coolidge, whose whose heritage is part Cherokee, was born in Tennessee in 1944. Best known for 1970s hits like "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher" and "We're All Alone," she worked with (and married) Kris Kristofferson, she has also performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Delaney & Bonnie, Stephen Stills, and Joe Cocker, among others. Said to be the inspiration behind Leon Russell's "Delta Lady," she moved to North County San Diego in 1995.
Coolidge was returning from a performance with her band Walela at 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City opening ceremony when she learned her Fallbrook house was in danger from wildfires sweeping the area. The home was saved, though there was extensive damage to the surrounding property. The local Boys and Girls Club became headquarters to many displaced locals.
After the fire, Coolidge began pledging support for the Boys and Girls Club, performing numerous benefit concerts for the organization.