Meaning: Rita Coolidge, a renowned musician, beautifully articulates the transformative power of music in this quote. She describes a profound experience while singing a song, expressing that it felt as if some force had moved into her body. Coolidge also emphasizes that such transformative experiences have occurred exclusively while singing jazz, as opposed to pop music. She describes feeling deeply immersed in the music to the extent that it feels like she has become someone else.

This quote encapsulates the essence of the deep connection that musicians often feel with their craft. It highlights the ability of music to transcend the boundaries of the physical self and transport individuals into a heightened state of emotional and artistic expression. Coolidge's words convey the idea that music has the power to evoke a profound sense of transformation and transcendence, allowing the artist to lose themselves in the music and connect with something greater than themselves.

The mention of jazz as the genre through which Coolidge experiences this phenomenon is significant. Jazz is known for its improvisational nature and its capacity to elicit raw emotions from both the musicians and the audience. Coolidge's statement suggests that jazz, with its complex harmonies, rhythmic intricacies, and emotional depth, has the ability to elicit a transformative experience that is unparalleled by other genres. The improvisational nature of jazz may also contribute to the sense of being overtaken by a force, as the music takes unexpected turns and demands spontaneity and emotional authenticity from the performer.

Furthermore, Coolidge's distinction between jazz and pop music in terms of the transformative experience she describes sheds light on the different emotional and artistic demands of these genres. While pop music often prioritizes catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, jazz places a greater emphasis on musical exploration, improvisation, and emotional expression. Coolidge's statement implies that the depth and complexity of jazz music have the power to evoke a more profound and transformative experience for both the performer and the listener.

The notion of feeling as though she has become someone else while deeply immersed in the music speaks to the transformative and transcendent nature of artistic expression. This sentiment is echoed by many artists across various disciplines who describe a sense of being transported beyond themselves when fully engaged in their creative pursuits. It speaks to the idea that art has the power to transcend the limitations of the self and connect individuals to something greater and more profound.

In conclusion, Rita Coolidge's quote eloquently captures the transformative power of music, particularly within the context of jazz. Her words convey the profound, almost otherworldly experience of losing oneself in the music, feeling as though a force has moved into her body, and becoming someone else. This quote serves as a testament to the transcendent nature of artistic expression and the profound emotional and spiritual impact it can have on both the creator and the audience. It also sheds light on the unique and powerful qualities of jazz music in evoking such transformative experiences.