See her life in photos

Bonnie Wright’s childhood

Bonnie Raitt was born in Burbank, California, on November 8, 1949, to pianist Marge Goddard and musical theater actor John Raitt. She grew up with two brothers, Stephen and David.

Wright majored in social relations and Africana studies at Harvard University, but during her sophomore year she took a semester off to travel to Philadelphia with blues promoter Dick Waterman and other musicians.

Her experience led her to take another year off from school to pursue music, and she never returned to Harvard.

Bonnie Raitt releases her debut album

Opening for Mississippi blues artist Fred McDowell Newsweek a reporter noticed her, causing record company scouts to come out to hear her play. Wright later signed a contract with Warner Bros. and released her self-titled debut album in 1971.

Bonnie Wright is leaving Warner Bros.

After several albums failed to live up to the demands of her label, Warner Bros. She was also struggling with alcohol and substance abuse issues at the time. In the late 1980s, Wright began psychotherapy and joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

“I thought I had to have this party lifestyle to be real, but the reality is, if you keep it up for too long, all you’re going to be is careless or dead,” she said. Parade magazine in 2012 after 25 years of sobriety.

Bonnie Raitt wins Album of the Year

In 1989, Wright experienced a commercial renaissance with her 10th studio album. Nick Time. The record reached number one on the chart Billboard 200 and won Album of the Year at the 32nd Grammy Awards.

Success Nick Time continued with her next two albums in 1991. Luck in the draw and 1994s Longing in their hearts. The former produced one of Wright’s signature songs, “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, which was later re-recorded George Michael, Boys II Men And Adele.

Bonnie Raitt’s marriage to Michael O’Keefe

Wright got married Oscar Award– nominated actor Michael O’Keefe April 27, 1991. In February 1999 60 minutes In an interview, Wright said her marriage to O’Keefe was a “humiliating experience.” The couple announced their divorce later that year, on November 9, 1999.

“Their different careers kept them apart,” a friend of the couple told PEOP after their 1999 split. “But they tried to make it work for a while.”

The source added: “They supported each other. It seemed like a good match.”

Bonnie Raitt inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In her first nomination, Wright was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 along with James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Earth, Wind and Fire and much more.

After being introduced Melissa EtheridgeIn her speech, Wright said: “I don’t know if any of us ever came here expecting to reach the level of respectability when we first ran around our rooms as children listening to our favorite records. I know I never expected to make a living at this, let alone sit next to all these legends I watched walking up those stairs.”

The artist added: “No one comes up here who hasn’t been obsessed (with music), bothered their parents, ruined their relationship – and if they did it right, maybe their health. This is what still drives me, and always will be.”

Bonnie Wright’s political activity

Wright continued to be involved in politics throughout her career. Her second album, 1972 Give it uphad a dedication on the back to the people of North Vietnam, and she was one of the founders of the United Musicians for Safe Energy in 1979. The “Something to Talk About” singer also participated in the anti-nuclear movement, joining civil disobedience. groups such as the Abalone Alliance and the Alliance for Survival.

During the 2008 Democratic primary, Wright supported candidate John Edwards until he suspended his campaign to accept the vice presidential nomination. In 2016, Wright approved Bernie Sanders Democratic presidential candidate.

Bonnie Raitt wins song of the year

In 2023, 33 years after winning Album of the Year, Wright won her second overall Grammy Award. Blues legend won song of the year for “Just Like That” in a category that included Adele’s “Easy on Me.” Taylor Swift‘s “Everything is Too Good (10 Minute Version)” And Beyoncé‘s “Break my soul.”

“This song was inspired by the incredible story of love, grace and generosity of a man who donates his loved one’s organs to help another person survive,” Wright said of the song inspired by her deceased friend who died from coronavirus, John Prine.

She continued, “I don’t write a lot of songs, but I’m so proud that you appreciate this one.”