Bonnie Raitt is an American blues rock musician known for her unique blend of blues, rock, folk, and country music. Since her debut album in 1971, she has earned critical acclaim for her solo work and frequent collaborations with artists like Warren Zevon, Little Feat, and Jackson Browne.
November 8, 1949: Birth of Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Lynn Raitt was born on November 8, 1949.
1957: Early Musical Influences
At eight years old, Bonnie Raitt received a Stella guitar as a Christmas gift in 1957, sparking her passion for music and setting her on a path influenced by American folk music and the beatnik movement.
1967: Graduation and College
Bonnie Raitt graduated from Oakwood Friends School and enrolled at Radcliffe College of Harvard University in 1967, pursuing studies in Social Relations and African studies.
1969: Acquisition of "Brownie" Stratocaster
In 1969, Raitt acquired her iconic "Brownie" Stratocaster, a guitar that would become closely associated with her music.
1970: Performances and Industry Recognition
Bonnie Raitt's performances at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Gaslight Cafe in New York in 1970 garnered attention from Newsweek and major record labels, ultimately leading to her signing with Warner Bros.
1970: Musical Exploration and Collaboration
While at Harvard, Bonnie Raitt joined the 'Revolutionary Music Collective', performed with her brother and Mississippi Fred McDowell, and opened for John Hammond in 1970. These experiences led to her discovery by music industry professionals.
1971: Release of Debut Album
Bonnie Raitt released her self-titled debut album in 1971, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
1971: Critical Acclaim for Debut Album
Bonnie Raitt's 1971 self-titled debut album was well-received by music critics, who praised her guitar skills and interpretive abilities.
1972: Dedication on "Give It Up" Album
Raitt's 1972 album "Give It Up" featured a dedication to the people of North Vietnam, reflecting her political stance.
1972: Release of 'Give It Up'
Bonnie Raitt's second album, 'Give It Up', was released in 1972 and received positive reviews.
1973: Release of 'Takin' My Time'
In 1973, Bonnie Raitt released 'Takin' My Time', which garnered critical acclaim despite modest sales.
1974: Release of 'Streetlights'
'Streetlights', released in 1974, marked a shift in Bonnie Raitt's sound and received mixed reviews.
1974: Release of "Streetlights" Album
The documentary "Make It Funky!" featured Raitt performing "What is Success" with Allen Toussaint, a song from her 1974 album, "Streetlights."
1975: Continued Musical Exploration
Bonnie Raitt continued to experiment with different producers and styles on her 1975 album 'Home Plate'.
1976: Collaboration with Warren Zevon
Bonnie Raitt made a guest appearance on Warren Zevon's self-titled album in 1976.
1977: Commercial Success with 'Sweet Forgiveness'
Bonnie Raitt's 'Sweet Forgiveness' album, featuring a hit remake of 'Runaway', brought her commercial success in 1977.
1979: Release of 'The Glow' and MUSE Concerts
Bonnie Raitt released 'The Glow' in 1979, which received poor reviews. However, her involvement in organizing the Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts at Madison Square Garden proved to be a significant event.
1979: Founding Member of Musicians United for Safe Energy
In 1979, Raitt became a founding member of Musicians United for Safe Energy, demonstrating her commitment to anti-nuclear activism.
1980: Appearance in 'Urban Cowboy'
Bonnie Raitt made an appearance as herself in the film 'Urban Cowboy' in 1980, performing the song 'Don't It Make You Wanna Dance'.
1982: Release of 'Green Light' and Critical Acclaim
In 1982, Bonnie Raitt released 'Green Light', an album that harked back to her earlier sound and earned positive reviews.
1983: Shelving of 'Tongue and Groove' and Label Drop
Bonnie Raitt faced setbacks in 1983 when Warner Bros. dropped her from the label due to unsatisfactory commercial performance, leading to the shelving of her completed album, 'Tongue and Groove'.
1985: Sun City Song and Video Release
In 1985, Bonnie Raitt participated in the anti-apartheid movement by singing and appearing in the video for "Sun City," a song written and produced by Steven Van Zandt.
1986: Release of "Nine Lives" Album
After being dropped by Warner Brothers Records, Raitt renegotiated the release of her album "Tongue and Groove," which was eventually released as "Nine Lives" in 1986. Despite her efforts, the album received a lukewarm reception both critically and commercially.
1987: Achieving Sobriety
Bonnie Raitt decided to become sober in 1987, marking a significant turning point in her life.
1987: Political Activism and Performances
In 1987, Raitt continued her political activism by traveling to Moscow for the first joint Soviet/American Peace Concert and organizing a benefit concert in Los Angeles for Countdown '87 to Stop Contra Aid.
1987: Background Vocals for Roy Orbison
In late 1987, Raitt joined k.d. lang and Jennifer Warnes as background vocalists for Roy Orbison's acclaimed television special, "Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night."
1989: Span of Capitol Records Compilation
The "Best of" compilation album encompassed songs from Raitt's Capitol Records period, spanning from 1989 to 2002.
1989: Grammy Award and Longtime Band Members
In 1989, Raitt won a Grammy Award for her duet with John Lee Hooker on his album "The Healer." This period also marked the beginning of her long-term musical partnership with Ricky Fataar and James "Hutch" Hutchinson.
1989: Release of 'Nick of Time' and Commercial Breakthrough
In 1989, Bonnie Raitt achieved mainstream success with her album 'Nick of Time', which topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned her a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1989: Reflections on Sobriety and Discipline
By 1989, Raitt was publicly discussing the positive impact of her sobriety, noting increased focus, discipline, and self-respect.
1989: Release of "Nick of Time" and Signing with Capitol Records
After signing with Capitol Records, Raitt released her tenth album, "Nick of Time," in 1989. The album, her first recorded sober, marked a turning point in her career.
1990: Overcoming Substance Abuse and Career Crossroads
By 1990, Raitt was clean and sober, crediting Stevie Ray Vaughan for his support. She considered signing with Paisley Park Records but ultimately began working with Don Was at Capitol Records.
1990: "Nick of Time" Reaches Number One and Grammy Wins
Following Raitt's Grammy Award wins in early 1990, "Nick of Time" reached number one on the U.S. album chart, solidifying her commercial success.
1990: Record Label Bidding War
In a 1990 interview, Bonnie Raitt discussed the bidding war between Warner Bros. and Columbia Records sparked by the success of her 'Runaway' cover.
April 27, 1991: Marriage to Michael O'Keefe
Bonnie Raitt and actor Michael O'Keefe were married on April 27, 1991.
1991: Release of 'Luck of the Draw'
Bonnie Raitt released 'Luck of the Draw' in 1991, which became a multi-platinum selling album.
1991: Release of "Luck of the Draw" and Continued Success
Raitt released "Luck of the Draw" in 1991, which garnered further Grammy Awards and commercial success, selling seven million copies in the United States.
1994: Release of "Longing in Their Hearts" and Second Number One Album
Three years later, in 1994, Raitt released "Longing in Their Hearts," her second album to reach number one on the charts, earning her two more Grammy Awards.
1994: Funding Musician Memorial Headstones
Raitt contributed to the replacement of a headstone for blues guitarist Fred McDowell and later financed memorials for other musicians in Mississippi.
1994: Release of 'Longing in Their Hearts'
'Longing in Their Hearts', another multi-platinum selling album, was released by Bonnie Raitt in 1994.
1995: Collaboration with Bryan Adams on "Rock Steady"
Raitt collaborated with Bryan Adams on the duet "Rock Steady," which was written by Adams and Gretchen Peters, for her "Road Tested" tour. The song was also included on her "Road Tested" album.
1995: Release of Live Album "Road Tested"
Raitt's collaboration with Don Was concluded amicably with the release of her live album, "Road Tested," in 1995, which received positive reviews and achieved gold certification in the US.
1996: First Female Musician with Signature Fender Line
Bonnie Raitt made history in 1996 by becoming the first female musician to receive a signature Fender line of guitars.
1996: Release of "Let's Make a Night to Remember" Single
The original demo version of "Rock Steady" was featured on Bryan Adams' 1996 single, "Let's Make a Night to Remember."
1998: Release of "Fundamental" and Collaboration with Froom and Blake
Seeking a new sound, Raitt worked with producers Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake for her 1998 album, "Fundamental."
November 9, 1999: Divorce from Michael O'Keefe
After eight years of marriage, Raitt and O'Keefe announced their divorce on November 9, 1999.
March 2000: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In a significant career milestone, Raitt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, in March 2000.
2000: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Bonnie Raitt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, solidifying her legacy in the music industry.
March 19, 2002: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In recognition of her contributions to the music industry, Raitt received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 19, 2002.
2002: Support for Little Kids Rock
Raitt began supporting Little Kids Rock in 2002, a non-profit providing musical instruments and lessons to children in public schools.
2002: Release of "Silver Lining" Album
Raitt released "Silver Lining" in 2002, which reached number 13 on the Billboard chart and achieved Gold certification. The album featured the singles "I Can't Help You Now," "Time of Our Lives," and the title track.
2003: Release of "The Best of Bonnie Raitt" Compilation
Capitol Records released a compilation album, "The Best of Bonnie Raitt," in 2003, featuring songs from her Capitol albums released between 1989 and 2002.
July 2004: Song Dedication at Stockholm Jazz Festival
During a performance at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in July 2004, Raitt dedicated a song to then-President George W. Bush.
2004: Support for Tsunami Relief Efforts
Raitt contributed a song to Aid Still Required's CD in 2008 to support relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.
2004: Grammy Award for "True Love" Collaboration
Raitt was featured on Toots and the Maytals' album "True Love," which won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2004.
September 2005: Release of "Souls Alike" Album
Raitt released "Souls Alike" in September 2005, which reached the top 20 on the Billboard chart and spawned the singles "I Will Not Be Broken" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change."
September 30, 2005: Recording of "Bonnie Raitt and Friends" DVD/CD
On September 30, 2005, Raitt recorded her live DVD/CD, "Bonnie Raitt and Friends," in Atlantic City, NJ, as part of the VH1 Classic Decades Rock Live! concert series.
2005: Appearance in "Make It Funky!" Documentary
Raitt was interviewed and appeared in performance footage in the 2005 documentary film "Make It Funky!," which explored the history and influence of New Orleans music.
2005: Collaboration with Reverb for Tours
Raitt partnered with the environmental organization Reverb for her fall/winter 2005 tour.
October 2006: Previous "A Prairie Home Companion" Appearance
Raitt had also appeared on "A Prairie Home Companion" with her band in October 2006.
2006: Continued Collaboration with Reverb
Raitt extended her partnership with Reverb for her spring/summer/fall tours in 2006.
2006: Release of "Bonnie Raitt and Friends" DVD/CD
Raitt released the live DVD/CD "Bonnie Raitt and Friends" in 2006, featuring collaborations with Keb' Mo', Alison Krauss, Ben Harper, Jon Cleary, and Norah Jones.
2007: Contribution to Fats Domino Tribute Album
Raitt contributed to the Fats Domino tribute album, "Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino," in 2007, singing a medley of "I'm in Love Again" and "All by Myself" with Jon Cleary.
2007: Participation in No Nukes Music Video
Raitt joined the No Nukes group and participated in recording a music video for "For What It's Worth" in 2007.
June 7, 2008: Performance on "A Prairie Home Companion"
Raitt appeared on Garrison Keillor's radio program "A Prairie Home Companion" on June 7, 2008, performing with Keb' Mo' and Richard Thompson.
2008: Support for John Edwards' Presidential Campaign
Raitt performed at campaign events for John Edwards during the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.
2011: Appearance in "Reggae Got Soul" Documentary
Raitt appeared in the 2011 documentary "Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals," which explored the life and career of the influential Jamaican band.
February 2012: Grammy Awards Performance and Tribute to Etta James
In February 2012, Bonnie Raitt performed a duet with Alicia Keys at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, paying tribute to the late singer Etta James.
April 2012: Release of "Slipstream" Album
Bonnie Raitt released her album "Slipstream" in April 2012, which became her first top-ten album on the US Billboard 200 chart since 1994.
September 2012: Support for "Half the Sky" Campaign
Raitt participated in the "30 Songs / 30 Days" campaign in September 2012, supporting the "Half the Sky" project promoting women's empowerment.
May 30, 2015: Benefit Concert for Marty Grebb
On May 30, 2015, Bonnie Raitt joined Leon Russell and Ivan Neville for a benefit concert at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, to raise funds for musician Marty Grebb's cancer treatment.
February 2016: Release of "Dig In Deep" Album
Raitt's seventeenth studio album, "Dig In Deep," was released in February 2016 and achieved significant success on the US Billboard 200 chart, receiving positive reviews.
2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders
Raitt publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries.
June 2018: Touring Schedule Interruption and Recovery
Raitt postponed the first leg of her 2018 spring-summer tour due to a medical situation requiring surgery. She planned to resume her tour in June 2018 after her recovery.
April 22, 2022: Release of "Just Like That..." Album and Tour Start
Bonnie Raitt released her 21st studio album, "Just Like That...", on April 22, 2022, and embarked on a nationwide tour that lasted until November 2022.
2022: Grammy Award for 'Just Like That'
Bonnie Raitt won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2022 for her single 'Just Like That'.
February 2023: Grammy Award Win for "Just Like That..."
The title track of Raitt's album "Just Like That..." earned her the Song of the Year award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2023.
2023: Recognition and Accolades
As of 2023, Bonnie Raitt has received numerous accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for her influential career, ranking on Rolling Stone's '100 Greatest Singers of All Time' and '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time' lists.