Genre-melting icon Bonnie Raitt shares insights into her career and new album. She discusses the influence of growing up around Los Angeles, explores self-deception and addiction, and talks about creating a satirical song with jazz influences. She also recounts an unforgettable night with a musical legend and talks about working with a sampling musician. The emotional impact of 'I Can't Make You Love Me' is discussed, including the decision to invite Bruce Hornsby to perform.
Bonnie Raitt emphasizes the significance of showcasing underappreciated songs and songwriters, bringing light and positive energy to her audience.
Bonnie Raitt highlights the importance of being open to various genres and styles of music, refusing to limit herself to a single category and embracing the freedom to explore different sounds and emotions.
Bonnie Raitt discusses the need for more inclusivity and recognition of women and people of color in the music industry, and emphasizes the importance of using her platform to support and mentor younger artists.
Deep dives
Bonnie Raitt's Musical Journey and Unique Approach to Songwriting
Bonnie Raitt discusses her musical journey and unique approach to songwriting. She reflects on the importance of being able to take songs written by others and make them her own, bringing her personal and emotive touch to the music. She highlights the joy of listening to other performers and their storytelling through music, drawing inspiration from diverse genres like gospel, soul, and folk. Raitt emphasizes the significance of using her platform to showcase underappreciated songs and songwriters, allowing her to bring light and positive energy to her audience. She also touches on her experience of success and the impact it had on her career, as well as her mentorship role for younger artists in the music industry.
The Evolution of Bonnie Raitt's Voice and Artistry
Bonnie Raitt shares insights into the evolution of her voice and artistry. She discusses the process of maturing as a performer and finding her unique sound and style. Raitt reflects on the confidence and self-awareness that came with age and sobriety, allowing her to appreciate her vocals and be more in harmony with her inner voice. She acknowledges the influence of her musical upbringing, from her parents' involvement in Broadway musicals to the exposure she had to diverse storytelling music from a young age. Raitt also emphasizes the importance of being open to various genres and styles of music, refusing to limit herself to a single category and instead embracing the freedom to explore different sounds and emotions.
Bonnie Raitt's Journey as a Trailblazing Musician and Mentor
Bonnie Raitt reflects on her journey as a trailblazing musician and mentor. She discusses being one of the few women involved in production and the need for more inclusivity and recognition of women and people of color in the industry. Raitt shares how she learned from her experiences on the road and by observing other artists, particularly those who defied industry expectations and forged their own paths. She discusses the significance of independence and not waiting for the business to catch up, prioritizing her core fans and staying true to her artistic vision. Raitt also highlights the importance of using her platform to support and mentor younger artists, appreciating the poise and self-awareness demonstrated by musicians like Adele, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.
Exploring the Power of Empathy and Storytelling
Bonnie Ray discusses the importance of empathy and storytelling in her music. She shares how she connects with characters and their emotions in her songs, allowing her to translate their experiences to the audience. Ray emphasizes the impact of belief in the lyrics and the sincerity of great musicians, referencing artists like Frank Sinatra and Rodney Crowell. Through her own music, she aims to inspire empathy and touch on topics often considered dead serious through a satirical and humorous lens, similar to the styles of Mos Allison and Randy Newman.
Finding Purpose in Service and Pursuing Victories
Bonnie Ray reflects on her motivation to be in service of a higher purpose through her music and activism. She acknowledges the urgent issues such as climate change, human rights, and injustice that need to be addressed. Ray shares her commitment to supporting grassroots movements and communities working on various causes. Despite the magnitude of these challenges, she remains focused on the victories and successes along the way. Ray believes that staying active and engaged is vital to combating despair and continues to be driven by the joy of making music, spreading positivity, and working towards positive change.
Zane travels to the San Fernando Valley and sits down with genre-melting icon, Bonnie Raitt, for an in-depth conversation into her expansive career and brand new album ‘Just Like That…’. From her days in Minneapolis with Prince to her memories of growing up around Los Angeles, Bonnie recounts the experiences that informed her latest body of work.
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