The Real Life Of Bonnie Raitt Explored

Bonnie Raitt is now a veteran of the music business, but back then, she was just another child with a Stella guitar that her family had given her for Christmas – that’s according to her own words. “I’m certain that it was an incredible gift for me to not only be friends with some of the greatest blues people who’ve ever lived, but to learn how they played, how they sang, how they lived their lives, ran their marriages, and talked to their kids,” Raitt once said. But before she attained her legendary status in music, we’ll explore her humble beginnings with this list presented below.

She Produced Her Very First Album

Raitt was prepared to launch her debut album as soon as she signed with Warner Bros. Soon after, in 1971, she released her self-titled debut album, which drew inspiration from legends of the blues like Robert Johnson and Sippie Wallace. She moved to Minnesota to make the album, spending her workweeks performing blues with the group Willie and the Bumblebees.

She Continues To Be Politically Active

As an adult, Raitt had a political stance similar to her parents. She also started integrating her political involvement into her musical life as she began to find her artistic voice. As an outspoken feminist, Raitt supported Black blues musicians who she believed were being paid too little.

She struggled with Substance Abuse

As the years passed, Raitt started to lose her luster. She gained weight as a result of her drinking, which was also starting to impact her singing. Around 1983, her record company, Warner, unexpectedly dropped her. Thankfully, she fought her demons and was back on track in no time.

She Has Ten Grammy Awards

1989 turned out to be Bonnie Raitt’s lucky year after all of her hardships and labor, and she started to turn things around. She won four Grammy Awards that year, in addition to witnessing Nick of Time become a commercial success. Raitt was the most frequent female performer at the Grammys as of the beginning of 2023, although she still had more to win. By 2022, Raitt will have won 10 Grammys in total for her numerous performances throughout the years.

The 90s Was Her Decade

Bonnie Raitt was back in top form—better than ever—by the early 1990s. Between 1990 and 1995, she put out two studio albums, a retrospective two-disc live album, and two studio albums. Luck of the Draw and Longing in Their Hearts, her two studio albums, both went on to win Grammy Awards.

She Earned a Spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The highest honor for rockers especially may be an entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Bonnie Raitt also got that award in 2000. After being welcomed by Melissa Etheridge, Raitt ascended the stage among other renowned artists from her time and earlier generations.

Her Album, Slipstream, Becomes An Indie Hit

According to her website, Bonnie Raitt made a comeback in 2012 with Slipstream, an intensive recording released on the Redwing Records label after a period of inactivity in the music industry. The album’s 12 songs combine blues, funk, and rock and include some of Bonnie Raitt’s famous slide guitar work. It quickly sold over a quarter of a million copies, and additionally, it earned Raitt a second Grammy for Best Americana Album.