Bonnie Raitt, a renowned figure in the music industry, has had an extraordinary career spanning 50 years. Her 1989 hit "Thing Called Love" stands out among many other remarkable achievements. This year, she added another prestigious accolade to her resume as a 13-time Grammy Award winner, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and one of Rolling Stone's greatest singers and guitar players of all time - a Kennedy Center honoree.

Honor and Reflection

Reflecting on this honor, Raitt expressed her disbelief. She said, "It's truly unreal to me that I'll be up in that balcony. My friends will be saying all those nice things and singing my songs. I never expected it. And I'm just overjoyed beyond words." Her songs have become a sentimental soundtrack for many, with hits like "I Can't Make You Love Me" firmly establishing her place in music history. "Everybody's had a broken heart," Raitt shared. "That's one of the great breakup songs. Every night I sing it, and I understand the meaning it holds for them. It holds a special place in my heart as well."

Musical Roots

Raitt grew up in a musical household in Southern California. Her father, Broadway star John Raitt, and her mother, singer-pianist Marge Goddard, had a profound influence on her. She recalled, "What seeped into me was his love of performing. He couldn't believe he got paid for doing something he loved to do anyway. It was a remarkable gift to get to do what he did for a living." Music initially started as a hobby for her, but her passion led her to leave Radcliffe College and pursue a career in blues. As a red-headed guitarist and singer, she made a standout impression and secured her first record deal during her junior year.

Setbacks and Success

Her journey wasn't without its challenges. In 1983, she was dropped by Warner Brothers as they didn't want her to play more rootsy, rock and roll. She described, "The big corporate guys took over, and it was a difficult time. But I used that time to focus on my sobriety and eventually found success with Capitol Records." Her 1989 album "Nick of Time" became a turning point, earning her her first Grammy and a spot on the Billboard charts. "It was a mind-blowing experience," she said. "Even before the Grammy nomination, the album sold a million copies." Hits like "Something to Talk About" and her recent Grammy-winning song of the year demonstrate that her talent has continued to flourish over time.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Raitt has an impressive schedule with 39 tour dates planned for 2025. She expressed her goal, saying, "I just want to make as big of a difference in the world as I can. I'm confident that as long as I give everything I've got to quality music and play as great a performance as I can, the audience will keep coming back to see me next time."The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which took place on Dec. 8, 2024, will be broadcast on CBS on Dec. 22. Bonnie Raitt's musical legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.