Bonnie Raitt

In this enlightening discussion, Bonnie Raitt, a seven-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, shares her insights on performing live, the quest for internal validation, and the ways grief has shaped her artistry. She provides a fresh perspective on songwriting, discussing the emotional rollercoaster it entails. The conversation also touches on meeting heroes, revealing deep connections between music, personal pain, and the healing power it offers. Raitt's blend of laughter and poignant memories makes for a truly captivating dialogue.

Julia chats with music legend Bonnie Raitt about live performances, validation, and grief. They delve into the emotions tied to meeting heroes. The discussion also includes Judy, Julia's mom, reflecting on meeting idols. A blend of tears, laughter, and insights await listeners.

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You couldn’t write a history of American music without a solid chapter on Bonnie Raitt. From her roots as a blues guitarist, she’s created a gorgeous melange of rock, R. & B., blues, folk, and country—helping to establish a new category now known as Americana. But she’s far from resting on her laurels; her latest album, “Just Like That . . . ,” is nominated for four Grammy Awards this year, including Song of the Year—a category in which her competition includes Beyoncé and Adele, stars a generation younger than Raitt. She talks with David Remnick about her early career in the blues clubs of Boston; the relationship between older Black artists and the nineteen-sixties generation of younger white afficionados; and the state of the genre today. “The way that blues and R. & B. and soul music [are] interwoven with so many different styles now . . . the cross pollination of influences that streaming has made possible—it means that blues is always at the root of whatever funky music is out at the time,” she says. Raitt also reflects on how finding sobriety in her forties changed her music. “I think a lot of us are busy putting on a big persona—proving ourselves in the world—for the first two decades of our careers,” she says. “I became more who I really am at forty-one than I was at thirty-one.”

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.