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The Enduring Age Of A Legend: How Bonnie Raitt, At 76, Defines Blues-Rock Longevity

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Bonnie Raitt, the legendary blues-rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is a testament to timeless talent, celebrating her 76th birthday in 2025 and showing no signs of slowing down. As of today, December 23, 2025, her age is a fascinating footnote to a career that has spanned over five decades, marked by a recent surge of critical acclaim, including a major 2024 honor and a busy 2025 touring schedule. Her story is not just about musical longevity; it’s about a tireless commitment to the blues, folk, and social activism that has cemented her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.

This deep dive explores the current life and career of the "Queen of the Slide Guitar," from her recent monumental awards to the intimate details of her personal life, providing the most up-to-date profile on an artist who continues to earn new fans while delighting her devoted base. Her enduring relevance proves that true artistry transcends time, making her one of the most compelling figures in modern music.

Bonnie Raitt: Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Bonnie Lynn Raitt was born into a family steeped in the arts, setting the stage for a life dedicated to music and performance. Her father, John Raitt, was a celebrated Broadway musical star, famous for roles in productions like Carousel and Oklahoma!, while her mother, Marge Goddard, was a talented pianist.

  • Full Name: Bonnie Lynn Raitt
  • Date of Birth: November 8, 1949
  • Current Age (as of Dec 23, 2025): 76 years old
  • Birthplace: Burbank, California, U.S.
  • Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
  • Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
  • Parents: John Raitt (Father, Broadway Star) and Marge Goddard (Mother, Pianist)
  • Marital Status: Divorced (Previously married to actor Michael O'Keefe from 1991 to 1999)
  • Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $12 million (Varies by source)
  • Genre: Blues, Folk, Rock, R&B, Country Rock
  • Signature Instrument: Fender Stratocaster (known for her slide guitar technique)
  • Major Honors: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (2000), 13-time Grammy Award Winner, Kennedy Center Honoree (2024)

The Late-Career Resurgence: Grammys, Honors, and the 2025 Tour

While Bonnie Raitt has enjoyed a long and celebrated career—including her 1989 commercial breakthrough with the album Nick of Time—her recent achievements underscore a powerful, late-career resurgence that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

A Trio of Grammy Wins and a Song of the Year

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023 saw Raitt achieve one of the biggest surprises of the night, winning three awards, including the coveted Song of the Year for her poignant track, "Just Like That." This was a monumental win, a rare feat for a veteran artist, and a testament to the emotional depth of her songwriting. The song, from her 2022 album Just Like That..., is a beautiful reflection on organ donation and loss, showcasing her ability to tackle complex, human themes with grace.

The Prestigious 2024 Kennedy Center Honor

Building on her Grammy success, Raitt was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2024, one of the highest cultural distinctions in the United States. This honor recognizes artists for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. Joining a select group of musical giants, the award solidified her place not just as a musician, but as a cultural icon whose influence spans across multiple generations and genres.

The 2025 North American and European Tour

Demonstrating her tireless work ethic, Bonnie Raitt announced an extensive run of tour dates for 2025, confirming that her passion for live performance remains strong. The tour includes major headlining shows across the United States, launching in March 2025 in California before heading to cities like Phoenix and Albuquerque. She is also scheduled for a significant European leg, with performances in England, Scotland, and Ireland in June 2025. These concerts allow fans to experience her signature blend of blues, folk, and rock, anchored by her masterful, soulful vocals and distinctive slide guitar playing.

The Enduring Legacy of the Slide Guitar Queen

Bonnie Raitt’s impact extends far beyond her hit singles and album sales. She is a pioneer who seamlessly merged the raw power of the blues with the accessibility of folk and rock, all while being a formidable female presence in a male-dominated guitar world. Her technical mastery of the slide guitar—often using a wine bottle neck on her Fender Stratocaster—is legendary, directly influencing countless musicians who followed.

The Blues and Folk Roots

Raitt’s early career in the 1970s was deeply rooted in the blues and folk revival scene. She was a student at Radcliffe College when she left to pursue music, quickly falling in with blues legends like Mississippi Fred McDowell and Sippie Wallace. Her self-titled 1971 debut album and subsequent releases like Give It Up (1972) established her as a serious interpreter and performer of traditional American music.

A Lifelong Activist

Equally as important as her music is her commitment to social and environmental causes. Bonnie Raitt has been a lifelong activist, using her platform to advocate for environmental justice, safe energy, and human rights. She was a co-founder of MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) in 1979 and has consistently supported numerous organizations throughout her career. Her activism is a core part of her identity, often reflected in the themes of compassion and social commentary in her songwriting.

Her work with the Bonnie Raitt Guitar Project and other charitable endeavors has ensured that her success translates into tangible support for communities in need. This dedication to making a difference has earned her deep respect from her peers and fans, solidifying her legacy as a true artist-activist.

What’s Next for Bonnie Raitt?

At 76, Bonnie Raitt stands as a vibrant symbol of artistic vitality. Her age is merely a number that speaks to her decades of dedication. With a major US and European tour scheduled for 2025 and the glow of her 2024 Kennedy Center Honor, the focus remains firmly on her creative output and live performances. Fans can anticipate that the "Queen of the Slide Guitar" will continue to use her voice—both in song and in advocacy—to inspire and entertain for years to come. Her commitment to the blues, her incredible technical skill, and her warm, authentic stage presence ensure that a Bonnie Raitt show remains a must-see event, proving that her career is a marathon, not a sprint.

bonnie raitt age
bonnie raitt age

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