Rita grew up on Willy Street on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin during the turbulent 60's just a few blocks down from the State's Capital. Growing up in a racially mixed neighborhood where the kids had dance parties on the sidewalks, she listened to Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. In the late 60's the neighborhood began to change. Many of the hippie bands that moved to the neighborhood influenced her music at the time.

Out on her own, as a guitarist and backup singer she was able to hit the road and began recording at OM Studio in Boscobel. Later she joined Flash And The Easy Action Band playing 50/60's Rock, Rhythm & Blues around Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. Later she went on to sing lead vocals and play rhythm guitar for Toxic Shock, Band of Gold and Rita And The Reptiles.