Walela is a trio of singers, named for the
Cherokee word for hummingbird.[1] The group was founded in 1996 by sisters
Rita Coolidge and
Priscilla Coolidge, with Priscilla's daughter
Laura Satterfield as the third member. Although the band name is Cherokee, none of the band members are enrolled in or claimed by any of the three federally recognized Cherokee nations.
Biography
Featured as part of
Robbie Robertson and the Red Road Ensemble's album Music for The Native Americans, Walela is known for their distinctive vocal blend brings. During the
1996 Atlanta Olympics, Walela performed extensively in the Olympic Park. Their 1997 debut release on
Capitol Records earned them the recognition of the Nammy Awards (
Native American Music Awards) where they took home the award for Debut Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "The Warrior".