Raitt, Bonnie

American popular music singer and guitarist; b. Los Angeles, Nov. 8, 1949. Her father was John (Emmet) Raitt (b. Santa Ana, Calif., Jan. 29, 1917), a versatile popular singer best known for his Broadway appearances in Oklahoma!, Carousel, Pajama Game, and Annie Get Your Gun.

Bonnie took up the guitar when she was 12. After attending Radcliffe College from 1967 to 1969, she departed the academic scene to pursue a career as a recording artist, mixing BLUES, ROCK, and BALLADS. She made a number of fine albums, including Give It Up (1972) and Sweet Forgiveness (1977). However, she never attained the commercial heights expected of her. Her career was derailed for a time by alcoholism, but she fought her way back to sobriety and success.

In 1990 Raitt captured four Grammy Awards, including best album of the year for Nick of Time (1989). The album brought her renewed success and a number of top hits. She has continued to tour and record through the '90s.