LiveWorld Transcripts

Borders.com presents

Bonnie Raitt
Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famer

March 1, 2000

NetCafeLive presents Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famer, Bonnie Raitt, who discusses her life as a guitarist, musician, singer and songwriter.

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NetCafeLive: Welcome to NetCafeLive! Tonight we are chatting with music legend Bonnie Raitt who will be inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame this month! NetCafeLive is presented by Borders, Inc. and Talk City, Inc. Welcome Bonnie!

Bonnie Raitt: How ya doing?

Rayanne: At what age did you know you wanted to be a musician and how did you know?

Bonnie Raitt: I started playing the guitar when I was eight. I first fell in love with folk music at my summer camp, and asked my folks to get me a guitar, which they did. I never really thought I would be doing music for a living. It was more like just a hobby. I also took some piano lessons, and basically just played for fun until college. When I started to open for my favorite blues artists in local clubs. The fact that I got offered a record deal really was a big surprise, and still is.

BusyBrat: Who will be inducting you into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Bonnie Raitt: Melissa Etheridge. I'm thrilled that she's making time in her busy schedule to come in, and she's also performing "A Thing Called Love" with me.

Butterfly: When you first started making music, did you ever think that you would be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame someday?

Bonnie Raitt: Certainly not! It's a great surprise to be inducted, and a thrill! But I certainly never expected to be doing this for thirty years, let alone get this honor.

Costman: Bonnie, is there anyone in particular that you would like to collaborate with?

Bonnie Raitt: I've been so lucky to have played with most of my heroes and favorite musicians. Keith Richards is someone I would love to work with, and we are talking about something down the line. I'd love to work with Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, and a whole host of soul and blues singers.

EZGuest113: Bonnie, what is the best thing about being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Bonnie Raitt: That's a good question. The validation of my peers, and the incredible thrill of being held in that high regard.

Rogue: You have had some of your songs on soundtracks, "Something to Talk About." Do you plan on having more songs on Movie Soundtracks in the future?

Bonnie Raitt: I definitely do. I think it's a great way to get more exposure for your music, and I only let my songs be in movies that I really like, so it's a winning situation for both sides. It's really satisfying to see a song that's been perfectly placed in the scene, that's moving; touching. The last one I did was "Lover's Will" a great John Hiatt song from my "Fundamental" album which is in a crucial scene in the movie - "Playing By Heart." And I've got one coming up in a movie about Abbie Hoffman, called "Steal This Movie." The song is a new version I just cut of Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue".

Ivy Sue: What do you like most about what you do?

Bonnie Raitt: I like the freedom to have complete artistic control; the ability to get paid doing something that I love; getting to travel the world and not have a regular job.

Threepoint2: I read that your album "Fundamental" was made in only a month. Was it a lot of pressure to make an album that quickly?

Bonnie Raitt: No, actually, it worked that way because we had done the preparation beforehand, and I think when you get all your ducks lined up, the best records are made spontaneously, at least for roots music.

Halo: Of all the songs that you have written and performed over the years, what is your personal favorite?

Bonnie Raitt: That's a tough question. I think "Spit of Love" which is one of my own songs from my last record "Fundamental" is the most satisfying lately. It all depends on what year you're talking about. For me it's a really cathartic marriage of lyrics and music, and it really expresses perfectly the way I feel. Thanks for asking! I want to thank you all for these great questions, and I hope if you need elaboration, feel free to ask again, if you need more please let me know.

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