Raitt, Bonnie (Lynn) (1949– )

US singer and guitarist. She released albums such as Sweet Forgiveness 1977 which contained the hit ‘Runaway’. Widely popular during the 1970s for her earthy singing style of rhythm-and-blues, rock, and folk, she fell into an eclipse until her albums Nick of Time 1989 and Luck of the Draw 1991 marked a comeback.

She was born in Burbank, California, the daughter of John Raitt, a musical theatre star. She learned to play the guitar when she was 12, inspired by blues musicians Mississippi Fred McDowell and Buddy Guy. She later played with McDowell and Howlin' Wolf.