Join Bonnie Raitt, a ten-time Grammy-winning blues musician, as she reflects on her rich musical journey and the profound influence of her predecessors like B.B. King. She shares touching stories, including a heartfelt performance with her father. Meanwhile, Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind The Godfather, recounts the intriguing casting of Marlon Brando and the challenges he faced. Together, they explore the emotional depth of their crafts, celebrating their contributions to American culture.
Bonnie Raitt's journey in the blues genre highlights the importance of raw emotion and storytelling that deeply influence her music.
The podcast underscores the meaningful relationships formed across racial boundaries in the blues community, with artists sharing a passion for the genre.
Deep dives
Bonnie Raitt's Musical Influences
Bonnie Raitt discusses her deep appreciation for the blues, influenced particularly by Mississippi Fred McDowell. She recalls meeting McDowell in her youth and how it propelled her into the world of traditional Delta blues. Raitt emphasizes the importance of the raw emotions and storytelling in blues music, which have shaped her own songwriting and performance style. She also highlights the unique connection she formed with McDowell, noting that it wasn’t just about music, but also about learning directly from a living legend.
Cultural Dynamics in Blues Music
Raitt reflects on the experience of being a young white woman in a predominantly black musical genre during the 1960s. She acknowledges the broader cultural fascination with the blues among white audiences and the interactions she had with black artists. The dynamic was not as segregated as it might appear, with many fans sharing a deep love for the music regardless of race. Raitt's perspective highlights how the passion for blues transcended racial boundaries and allowed for meaningful relationships among artists.
Sippy Wallace's Impact
Raitt shares her admiration for Sippy Wallace, a pivotal figure in her musical journey, highlighting many of Wallace's songs that inspired her. She discovered Wallace's music during a European trip and was drawn to her powerful messaging regarding female independence in a male-dominated genre. The lyrics of Wallace's songs communicated strong lessons about self-reliance and the complexities of relationships, which resonated deeply with Raitt. Their eventual collaboration solidified Raitt's respect for Wallace as both a musician and a mentor in her formative years.
The Evolution of Bonnie Raitt's Singing Style
Raitt reflects on her initial vocal struggles to adapt her singing style to the blues genre, as her natural voice was more aligned with folk music's clarity. Although she admired the darker tones of blues singers, she initially found it difficult to emulate them authentically. Through experience and the influence of artists like Etta James, she gradually developed a gruffer, more soulful voice suitable for blues. This evolution signifies her commitment to her craft and her dedication to embodying the essence of the music that inspired her.
This month, musician Bonnie Raitt and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola were both honorees of the Kennedy Center for their contributions to American culture. We're revisiting interviews with both of them. First, blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Bonnie Raitt spoke with Terry Gross in 1996 about her early years, finding her blues sound. And Francis Ford Coppola told us in 2016 the story of casting Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
And film critic Justin Chang reviews two new movies: The Brutalist and Nickel Boys.