Michael A. Levine and Rafaela “Rita” Crevoshay Turn Personal Transformation Into a Moving Jazz Ballad on “Rita’s Song”

Some songs entertain. Others document a life. Michael A. Levine’s “Rita’s Song” manages to do both, transforming a deeply personal story into a moving piece of musical storytelling that resonates far beyond its subject matter.

Written and produced by Levine, the soulful jazz ballad chronicles the journey of Rafaela “Rita” Crevoshay, whose decision to transition at 76 became an act of courage, self-discovery, and ultimately liberation. Rather than approaching the topic with heavy-handed dramatics, the song unfolds with grace, compassion, and remarkable emotional restraint.

From its opening piano chords, “Rita’s Song” establishes an intimate atmosphere that feels reflective and deeply human. The arrangement is beautifully understated, keeping the story front and center. Angelica Innocente delivers a powerful vocal performance filled with warmth and sincerity, while Sam Levine’s saxophone work adds a layer of melancholy and hope that perfectly complements the song’s emotional arc.

What makes the track particularly effective is its focus on universal themes. While Rita’s experience is unique, the song speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to embrace their authentic self. Lyrics centered around shedding shame, finding identity, and stepping into the person one was always meant to be give the record an uplifting quality without sacrificing its emotional depth.

The accompanying visual narrative further reinforces the message, illustrating a life that moves from muted uncertainty to vibrant self-expression. Yet even without the video, the song stands on its own as a compelling piece of songwriting.

At a time when authenticity often feels reduced to a marketing slogan, “Rita’s Song” offers something genuine. It is a celebration of self-acceptance, resilience, and the belief that personal transformation can happen at any stage of life. The result is a heartfelt and inspiring musical tribute that lingers long after the final note fades.

What was your initial reaction when Michael presented you with the idea for “Rita’s Song,” and how did it feel hearing your story translated into music?

Michael surprised me when he brought me home from the hospital, where my gender conversion surgery was completed. He gave me the audio version of Rita’s Song. I had assumed no one had paid attention to my M-to-F transition. Rita’s Song showed that Michael had been closely observing my transition for years. He had absorbed the minutiae of my journey and expressed it as a moving and coherent musical work.  I had no idea that he had been working on this. His gift elicited gratitude and astonishment from me.

The song carries themes of identity, courage, and self-acceptance. What message do you hope listeners take away from it?

I hope listeners will come to appreciate that their reality is not rigid and that they can shape their lives in alignment with their authentic identity. We don’t have to adhere to the pre-packaged identities assigned to us. This is not a case for promoting gender revision. It’s much broader than that. It’s a reminder that every human being on this planet has an opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Our task is to grow and improve our original physical and mental equipment. That ought to yield several billion unique human versions.

The song explores the idea that it’s never too late to become the person you were always meant to be. How has the response from listeners reflected that message to you since the song’s release?

Listeners’ responses have overwhelmingly cited courage as the key to transformation. Everyone admires courage, but most of us seem to believe that we lack it. Many have noted my courage, it’s not so – I just do what I must. The trick is to delete fear from the equation.

After receiving recognition at the Golden State Film Festival, what are your hopes for how “Rita’s Song” and your larger mission will continue to inspire people moving forward?

Winning that award launched my life into a new dimension. It elevated the entirety of my life’s aspirations and brought success into view. It featured my agricultural mission and its accompanying book, my astrology, and my language studies. It refocused my goals at a higher level. It gave shape and substance to the amorphous.  The chrysalis matured and out popped a butterfly.