Today we celebrate one of America’s most enduring and beloved musicians — Bonnie Raitt, the fiery redheaded blues-rock icon whose voice, soul, and slide guitar have shaped the sound of generations.
Born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, Bonnie grew up surrounded by music — the daughter of Broadway legend John Raitt. She forged her own path in the late ’60s and ’70s, blending blues, rock, folk, and soul into something uniquely her own.
After years as a respected touring artist, Raitt broke into superstardom with her 1989 comeback album Nick of Time — a Grammy-winning triumph that swept the charts and redefined what it means to have a “late bloom” in the music industry. She followed it up with hits like “Something to Talk About,” “Love Sneakin’ Up on You,” and the timeless ballad “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” often hailed as one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Over her extraordinary career, Raitt has earned 13 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2000). Beyond the stage, she’s a tireless advocate for environmental protection, human rights, and social justice, using her platform to promote causes she deeply believes in.
Even in her seventies, Bonnie continues to tour, record, and inspire younger generations of musicians. Her 2022 album Just Like That… earned critical acclaim — with its haunting title track winning Song of the Year at the 2023 Grammys, making her one of the few artists to ever achieve that honor at her age.
🎉 Happy 76th, Bonnie Raitt — your music, heart, and activism continue to remind us what real artistry sounds like.
