• Faith: Christian
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  November 08, 1949

Bonnie Raitt is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist known for her blend of blues, rock, folk and country music. Born Bonnie Lynn Raitt on November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, she grew up in a musical family. Her father, John Raitt, was a celebrated Broadway actor and singer known for starring in productions including "Carousel" and "The Pajama Game," while her mother, Marge Goddard, was a pianist and singer.

Raitt grew up in Los Angeles with her two brothers, Steve and David. Music was encouraged in the household, and she received her first guitar as a Christmas present when she was eight. She taught herself to play and became interested in folk music before discovering blues as a teenager. Artists including Joan Baez and Bob Dylan also influenced her musical and social outlook.

In 1967, Raitt enrolled at Radcliffe College, where she studied social relations and African studies. She initially planned to pursue work in social justice, possibly through the American Friends Service Committee. Her direction changed after she met blues promoter Dick Waterman and gained access to established blues musicians including Son House and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Raitt eventually left college to pursue music professionally.

Raitt released her self-titled debut album, "Bonnie Raitt," in 1971. Over the next several years, she developed a reputation as a skilled slide guitarist and expressive vocalist, releasing albums including "Give It Up," "Takin' My Time," "Streetlights" and "Home Plate." Her early records earned critical respect, but widespread commercial success remained limited.

Her career reached a turning point with "Nick of Time" in 1989. The album became a major commercial success and won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Raitt followed it with "Luck of the Draw" in 1991, which included two of her best-known recordings, "Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." "Longing in Their Hearts" followed in 1994 and also reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Raitt continued recording and touring in the decades that followed, releasing albums including "Fundamental," "Silver Lining," "Souls Alike," "Slipstream" and "Dig In Deep." Her 2022 album, "Just Like That...," brought another major career moment. Its title song won Song of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Raitt has received numerous Grammys during her career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Raitt married actor Michael O'Keefe in 1991. The couple divorced in 1999 and did not have children. Raitt has also spoken openly about her earlier struggles with alcohol and substance use. She became sober in the late 1980s, a change she has credited with helping revive both her personal life and career.

Alongside music, Raitt has spent decades supporting political, environmental and humanitarian causes. Her activism has included work related to nuclear energy, environmental protection, civil rights, women's issues and assistance for musicians. She was also a founding member of Musicians United for Safe Energy.

Bonnie Raitt's Religious Beliefs

Raitt was raised in the Quaker tradition after her parents embraced Quakerism following World War II. Her upbringing emphasized pacifism, equality, simplicity, service and social justice. Raitt has said her parents were particularly drawn to Quaker teachings about peace and recognizing the presence of God in every person. However, she has described her connection to Quakerism as more of a political calling focused on pacifism, social justice, and service rather than a traditional religious dogmatic practice.

Raitt has also connected those values directly to Christianity. She has spoken about the importance of tolerance and equality in the teachings of Jesus and has cited the Christian principle of "turning the other cheek" when discussing nonviolence. She has said her parents' commitment to the peace and civil rights movements showed her how faith could be expressed through action.