The 65th Grammies went into full force on February 6, 2023, with some A-list celebrities making history. We all know Beyonce made history with a career total of 88 nominations as she bagged nine nominations this year. Moreover, Kendrick Lamar left no stone unturned left with his critically acclaimed album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. However, there was one surprise singer who took away the night from literally everyone. Bonnie Raitt won Song of the Year. People are shocked as she sneaked away the prize from Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, Adele, Lizzo, and more.
Raitt is a well-known blues singer and guitarist who has been on the scene since 1971! That’s when she released her self-titled debut album. Her song ‘Just Like That’ was nominated for the Song of the Year. Who else was in the category? Taylor Swift (All Too Well (10 Minute Version), Lizzo (About Damn Time), Harry Styles (As It Was), Steve Lacy (Bad Habit), GAYLE (abcdefu), Beyonce (Break My Soul), Adele (Easy On Me), DJ Khaled (God Did), and Kendrick Lamar (The Heart Part 5). Let’s take a look at Bonnie Raitt.
Who is Bonnie Raitt?
Hailing from Burbank, California, she was born to Broadway performer John Raitt and pianist Marge Goddard. Raitt herself was beyond surprised when her name was announced for the Grammy award. Raitt said, “I’m so surprised, I don’t know what to say. I don’t write a lot of songs but I’m so proud that you appreciate this one. I’m totally humbled.” First Lady Dr. Jill Biden handed her the much-awaited and well-deserved award. She too made history. This is the first time a song penned by a solo songwriter had been victorious. This is since the classic Rehab from the late Amy Winehouse won in 2008.
Raitt also paid tribute to John Prine who passed away in April 2020 due to COVID. She thanked her team and called them “soul-digging, hard-working people who put these ideas to music.” But her night was ending here. She graced the Grammies stage two more times. She also won the Best Americana Performance for Made Up Mind and Best American Roots Song for Just Like That. Moreover, her last win was in 2013 when she won the Best Americana Album for ‘Slipstream’.
Bonnie Raitt talks about being nominated in 2023 Grammies
For Raitt, being nominated is always good as she is happy representing the oldies! She says, “It’s nice to represent the oldsters! I’m always really proud to be acknowledged. To be acknowledged for song of the year this time is pretty big – so, for one of my tunes? That’s a big thing for me, so I’m very proud. There’s some sadness about being part of the in-memoriam tribute to some friends of ours that we lost.”
Raitt’s first Grammy nomination came at the 22nd annual Grammy Awards in 1979 for her Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female for her song You’re Gonna Get What’s Coming (Track). She says, “I’m really aware of how lucky I am and I feel like my responsibility is to get out there and say something fresh and new – for me and for the fans. It’s really daunting not to repeat yourself, but I have to have something to say, or I wouldn’t put out a record.”
