Bonnie Raitt. Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images.
With her shock of bright red hair, her soulful, soaring voice and uncanny ability to make the guitar tell a story of its very own, Bonnie Raitt might just be one of the greatest blueswomen to ever walk the Earth. As November is the month she celebrates her birthday, we are celebrating her with a look back at some of Bonnie Raitt's most awe-inspiring live performances.
Bonnie Raitt | “Need You Tonight” [Later… with Jools Holland]
In this 2016 performance on Later… with Jools Holland Bonnie lends her swagger to the INXS classic, “Need You Tonight.” There aren’t many people in the world who could do justice to Michael Hutchence’ original vocal, but Bonnie’s take drips in a lust that is only amplified further by her bluesy guitar licks, making for a rendition that struts along as confidently and seductively as the original.
Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Jeff Beck and Beth Hart | "Sweet Home Chicago" [2012]
In 2012 Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, Jeff Beck and Beth Hart came together to perform "Sweet Home Chicago" in honour of Buddy Guy at the 35th annual Kennedy Center Honors. Take a quick scan of the audience and you’ll see one of the most intimidating crowds of all time, including Barrack and Michelle Obama; Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin; David Letterman; Mavis Staples and many more. If the high-profile crowd made Bonnie, she sure doesn’t let it show! The onstage jam is electric, and in no time the all-star band have the whole room on their feet, awestruck by the unbeatable performance.
Bonnie Raitt | Runaway [Live 1977]
And, in this flashback going all the way back to 1977, this performance of “Runaway” on The Midnight Special truly proves that some people are just born with it, and Bonnie Raitt is one of them. Her raspy blues-heavy vocal soars, adding a depth of torment to the Motown original that cuts straight to the heart.
Bonnie Raitt was a pioneering force of blues-rock and remains at the very top of her game four decades into her legendary career. Celebrate this soulful music master with This Is Bonnie Raitt on Spotify:
Listen to the Bonnie Raitt Essentials on Apple Music:
