Born in California in 1949, Bonnie Raitt had a musical upbringing from the start. By the age of eight, she was a skilled guitarist, and by the time she was in college, she’d landed a spot as the lead singer of the Revolutionary Music Collective.
However, it wasn’t until 1971 that Raitt’s career really took off. She released her eponymous debut album and built a loyal fanbase over the next couple of decades. In 1989, her album Nick of Time won a Grammy Award and set Bonnie Raitt on a roll. She went on to release another eight albums across the next 30 years.
It’s difficult to pin down Bonnie Raitt’s musical style. She’s proven to be versatile enough to make her mark on various genres, such as roots rock, blue, country, folk, and Americana. She has a contralto vocal range that's proficient at injecting fantastic emotional energy into any song. Her ability to seamlessly fluctuate between a dejected sigh and soaring cry has given her music (and even her covers) a personal and authentic feel that resonates with diverse audiences.
Bonnie Raitt was married to the actor Michael O’Keefe from 1991 to 1999. As well as being an award-winning musician, she’s also known for her charity work and is a supporter of the Democrat party.
Raitt’s most recent album, 2022’s Just Like That… reached the top spot on six Billboard charts, showing that the singer continues to entertain and inspire fans and critics around the world.