Legend Felt Career Was OVER when Label Dropped Her…REBOUNDED with #1 at Age 40! | Professor Of Rock

Some thought she was an overnight success when she swept the grammy in 1989… but guitar-toting songstress Bonnie Raitt was actually two decades, and ten studio albums in the making. Without a doubt, it was a long, hard road to get there. Dropped by her label, written off by critics, and getting loaded after every show, it seemed like her career was over. but Bonnie’s comeback was sweet when she hit #1 in 1989 with Nick of Time and swept the grammys and then her legend was etched in stone when she covered a former NFL football player's song that was so heart wrenching she sobbed through singing it. The song called “I Can’t Make You Love Me” was inspired by something a man said to a judge when he was being sentenced for shooting up his girfriend’s car and was played beautifully by Bruce Hornsby. …the amazing story is NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
Thank you to this Episodes Sponsor, Zenni Optical
Incredible Prices on New Glasses - bit.ly/ZenniOp...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer: Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers: Tammy Poitras, Jeffrey Thorn, Yvon Fus, Keith Novak, Thomas Halterman, Bruce, 22 Unchained, Duff Gordon, Byrdman, Jim Hong, Bill Soucy, Peter Kim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's Store
- The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
- 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
- Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
- 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
- Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
- Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store - bit.ly/Professo...
Access To Backstage Content Become a Patron - bit.ly/Professo...
Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpF...
bit.ly/Faceboo...
bit.ly/Instagr...
#1980s #folk #bonnieraitt
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you know what this picture is to my left You’ll love this channel. music nostalgia and stories from the legends everyday. Make sure to subscribe below right now. and check the box so you always get our lates content.. Also make sure to check out our patreon.. We have a lot of great content going up there over the next few weeks..
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. This show honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they deserved to be at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. but for multiple reasons came up short. but they are usually better than the song that were at #1 the for that time... Today we have amazing story behind the heartwenching classic interpreted by many artist but the first was the best… It’s I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt. Although she was the daughter of 1950s Broadway star John Raitt, Bonnie was raised on the country blues of Mississippi Fred McDowell and the Chicago blues of Muddy Waters.
So, by the time Bonnie started playing guitar at age 12, she already had the blues were in her blood In 1967 Raitt entered Radcliffe College, but dropped out after two years and began playing the bar circuit. After Bonnie acquired the services of manager Dick Waterman, began performing with her heroes, blues legends Howlin' Wolf, Sippie Wallace, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Her skill would earn her the reputation as one of the premier slide guitar players in popular music. Her reputation also led to a record contract with Warner Bros. Debuting in 1971 with an eponymously titled effort, Raitt emerged as a critical favorite, applauded not only for her soulful vocals but also for her guitar prowess. However, Raitt’s first real commercial success would come until 1977 with her cover of Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway.’
By the early 80s it seemed like Raitt was primed to break out. But instead, Raitt’s career was in trouble. Although 1982's Green Light reached #38 on the Billboard 200, she still hadn’t broken through to a wider audience. After Green Light, Bonnie got to work on her follow-up, originally titled Tongue in Groove. Here Bonnie stretched out stylistically, blending elements of reggae and ska into her rock and roll blues numbers. However, Warner Bros hated it and pressured her to remix the album. Then the day after Bonnie finished, they dropped her from their roster. Raitt was in complete shock. It was a devastating blow. Without an album to support, Raitt had to cancel a national tour scheduled to start within days.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the saddest song of the rock era? A song that just rips your heart out?

[@Elwaves2925]

Everybody Hurts by REM Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Good question. This could be Bobby Goldsboro Honey, which is a country/pop song. Or it could be Last Kiss, a 1960s song. Cheers!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@Elwaves2925 Great choices.

[@stephenbrown4211]

I Should Have Known Better Jim Diamond. I can’t even listen to that song Lavender Marillion If I’d Been the One 38 Special. That Was Yesterday

[@jhamptonjr]

The guess who these eyes

[@MRForever-ub5pw]

"I Can't Make You Love Me" is probably the saddest, gut wrenching, beautiful song of all time. I can't imagine anyone doing a better job than Bonnie on it. There's a lot of sad songs, but this one actually grabs you by the heart and the gut, and pulls them both out your throat.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

On first listen it made me so emotional that I couldn’t sleep for hours.

[@jeffking887]

“Not Cause I Wanted To” is another

[@VictorEMusique]

Prince actually covers it on his double album Emancipation iirc...

[@mikemcgown6362]

You're so right about the pain this song brings back. Takes me back to the girl I should've married but didn't because my friends thought I could do better. They didn't know her the way I did. I never spent so much time with someone just to walk away. When I heard this song I could only feel what I put that girl through. No wonder when I realized what we had and tried to get her back, she just said no. I keep thinking about what we had 35 years ago. 2 lost souls swimming in a fishbowl. We would see each other in public but we never talked. She got married. I got married too. Even after we both got divorced we never connected again. Lost love is probably one of the toughest things you can go through but never be able to explain it to anyone.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve been through it with boys in middle school.

[@carolharris2357]

You should write a song.

[@mikemcgown6362]

@@carolharris2357 should write a book with everything I've been through.

[@knightchamberlain4073]

I went through this in the mid-90s. Fortunately, my wife and I went to marriage counseling that saved our marriage, but I’ll never forget the pain I felt that Bonnie expresses with such aching authenticity. I lost my wife to cancer in 2008 after she was diagnosed in 2004, but those last 4 years were actually amazing. Every day we had together after her diagnosis was precious, as we realized that nothing else mattered. All the things that once seemed so important were stripped away. It was like that song, “Live Like You’re Dyin’”: We took long walks in the beach, sat on our deck and watched the sun go down, listening to the birds chirping, then the stillness that followed after the sun went down and dusk turned to night. We returned to the place where we spent our honeymoon in 1979. All the sadness and heartache from those dark years in the 90s just melted away. Thanks, Professor, for reminding me that sometimes, in the abyss of utter heartache, there is something that guides you to the way out. I know Bonnie’s song doesn’t end in happiness, but for my wife and me there was a positive alternate ending.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

This is a very moving comment. Thanks and kudos for sharing it. I wish you well.

[@knightchamberlain4073]

@professor1191 I’d like that.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So sad! Cancer sucks. R.I.P. to your mom. ❤

[@chucksherron]

@@knightchamberlain4073 that is a scam. Don't do it. It's an imposter.

[@splenderella9]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 His WIFE!

[@SherGregory]

I listened to this song every day for years after my husband of 23 years left me. I was gutted but somehow this song was so cathartic for me. I still cry every time I hear it because it brings me immediately back to the worst heartbreak of my life. She put to song what I felt and 20 years later it is still one of my favorite songs of all time. ❤

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s like she hears your pain, your sorrow, and it comforts you because she knows exactly how you feel. So sorry you went through such a hard time Sher.

[@kissfan003]

I'm so sorry for your pain. I had a similar experience, but not after that amount of time. Almost 30 years later, it still hurts. I hope you ahve been able to find peace and happiness again. I have. ❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹

[@heatherwhatever7714]

I’m sorry for your sadness. I hope your miracle is coming.

[@jameswoodruff7182]

This is one of those songs that makes my heart actually ache. The way she puts so much emotion into the lyrics. I actually had to avoid listening to it for a while. But so happy to have you give her some love Professor. Incredibly underrated artist.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's true

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same here. So much emotion in the song.

[@aprilmorris4588]

I still cry every time that sings comes in the radio. 😭 Big crocodile 🐊 tears, too.

[@AimeeAimee444]

This was one of my favorite songs to jog to through Central Park. It was the 1990’s to it was my cassette mix. Anytime it was playing in the taxi, it didn’t matter what skin color or nationality, the driver always played this song all the way to the end. Timeless heart wrenching song.

[@jennyjenny4501]

Bonnie Raitt does a stunningly beautiful version of the John Prine classic, “Angel From Montgomery”. It is simply beautiful!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That version is AMAZING!

[@mollyhall2954]

@@ProfessorofRock James Taylor has said that Bonnie's voice is his favorite voice in the world. I couldn't afford to see them when they toured together, though I've seen them separately. Beautiful voices, and people, to me. Saw her in 1976, opening for Little Feat--liked them, adored her. Told a musician friend she would be playing nearby, in Boston in the late 70s, and he said, "Oh, I heard she's an alcoholic, not worth seeing." After telling him he was wrong, I asked how many times someone had told him that some male musician was an alcoholic or drug addict. (Zero) Thanks for all your good work.

[@David-lr2tj]

John's favorite version.

[@brandonerickson5188]

This song came out right when my girlfriend that I wanted to marry broke up with me. I latched onto this song with all my might until it got me through that darkness. I still love it and the message of making peace with heartbreak

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m normally a very ragey person when I’m in a situation like that but this song comes along and I get emotional and teary-eyed.

[@bobbygoodman2875]

I cried then and it moves me to tears now...after all these years. This song touches the soul of anyone with a pulse but is a painful obsession for those whose heart's been broken. Thankyou Bonnie for this fabulous song that reminds of the bliss and sorrow.

[@bobbygoodman2875]

@professor1191 As a hopeless romantic and a lover of music, I easily fall prey to brilliantly written songs with a haunting melody. Particularly so, when the timeline of the breakup and release of the song collide. There is something about a woman's voice that trigger these mixed emotions, although two male band moves me still. I can tell you the very day, I first heard the songs that resurrect the good and bad. Marmalade's "Refections of my Life" is a master piece and although it's an ant-war song, it targets the heart in an ominous way. Sadly, it reminds us all, the only constant is change. Gini, I love you still. 10CC's "I'm Not In Love" reminds us, inspite of our protestations and faux bravado, we truly mourn a loss alone and we do cry. Three ladies and 3 songs in particular tore/tear my hear apart. Bette Midler's version of "You Don't Know Me" hit me very hard. "Broken Blossom" was powerfull enough to open my eyes and ears taat were drunk on R&R. Many songs sung by Rickie Lea Jones were fabulous and her version of the ominously tragic Jefferson Airplane's "Coming Back To Me" is epicly sorrowful. I have always believed she never really got over Tom Wait and I hated him for it. Rickie's "Koolsville" was another...she was the Duchess afterall. She never got her due as a singer AND songstress writer. Beth Heart bleeds out a tortuous classic "AM I The One". The words and her performance is arresting. Knowing her troubled past, seeing/hearing the pain on her face and voice resurrected fellings of yesteryear. We all want to be loved afterall. These songs are unique and speek to an emotion that can make you feel invincible then, in a heart beat, render feeble and defenceless. Although each of these songs are epic, Bonnie's song is top of my list for tunes that can make you mush and move you to tears.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Absolutely.

[@soapytiger]

This is gold. My jaw dropped when you mentioned Prince wanting to collaborate with Bonnie Raitt, because on one of my cherished mixtapes from the mid 90s, I have Prince & NPG's "Nothing Compares 2 U" followed directly by "I Can't make You Love Me" by Raitt. Tonally and emotionally, the sequence is so smooth. The follow-up to Bonnie is "Lay Lady Lay" off of Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline album. It's a perfect triple play!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’d love to hear that!

[@msalazar413]

Nice mixedtape. I like it. Prince actually covered “I can’t make you love me.” I think its on Prince’s EMANCIPATION album (1996). enjoy

[@mikeswearingen5712]

“I Can’t Make You Love Me “ by Bonnie Raitt was particularly powerful for me. I was in the Air Force as a Space Equipment Maintenance Specialist and had arrived in Woomera Australia just before Christmas and sitting alone in my apartment eating my meal on Christmas Day thinking about still being single I was unpacking my stuff and found this CD and played it. When this song started to play I remembered the powerful effect it had on me. I was an electrical engineer and mathematician so I am not an emotional person even though I am a musician and when hearing this song all my defenses and logical demeanor were broken down by the moment of being alone on a new assignment in a foreign country and this song reached into my soul. The song was so moving and touched upon that moment of loneliness making me realize life is not meant to be experienced alone but with someone who can share all experiences with you.

[@robster7316]

A true masterpiece. One of the finest and saddest breakup songs ever written and she nailed it. George Michael's version is up there, too. Bonnie's a one-of-a-kind gem who's paid her dues and really deserves the success she's achieved. Great segment, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Robster. Have a great weekend!

[@TheSlowoldman]

I posted a link in my comment to Mr. Reid singing the song... his version is great.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She's very underrated.

[@hopehealthhappiness465]

A true masterpiece!

[@trinaq]

Bonnie is one of my favourite Country and Blues singers, next to Dolly Parton. I can't believe that both ladies are in their seventies now, and still performing! 🎸💕

[@ProfessorofRock]

Still going strong.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re such amazing women.

[@rjs6172]

She's awesome! Had the privilege of seeing her in concert many years ago here in Washington State. Special guest was Ann Wilson. Great concert!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And we just had Ann yesterday!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Professor, I'm glad you did an episode covering Bonnie Raitt. She has an incredible story definitely worth telling. Bonnie is the daughter of legendary Broadway star John Raitt. She had been recording since the early 1970's but hadn't achieved commercial success until her 1989 breakthrough album Nick Of Time. It deserved to sweep the Grammy Awards. It's a fantastic album. "I Can't Make You Love Me" is one of the most heartbeakingly beautiful love songs and certainly deserved to be a #1 hit. Bonnie does a great job singing the song with such emotion. Also, George Michael does a really good cover version of "I Can't Make You Love Me" that's worth a listen.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's such a classic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She has so many great songs dating back to the 70s. Amazing woman.

[@michaelkiernan1850]

I was 15 when this record came out. It made me more sensitive to the needs of others. For that reason alone. Bonnie raitt needs to be celebrated. Which you did in this video. Thank you Adam.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So right.

[@nadinerogers5653]

I love this song, and agree with you that Bonnie's emotion and Bruce Hornsby's playing elevate it to perfection.

[@petervandyk7173]

Agree. When I compare the George Michael version with BRs, the thing that sticks out the most, is the lack of Hornsbys piano on the former. Even if George Michaels version is equally as heartwrenching as BRs.

[@MannyNCF]

I was 17 when Nick of Time first came out, before it got big, I was introduced to it by this girl I worked with. We ended up together, moved out with each other, got engaged. Couple years later, a month after Luck of the Draw came out, she left me. The song, I Can’t make you Love Me WAS the theme of my life. To this day, I can’t listen to it all the way through. I break down in tears.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I rarely EVER listen to it because of the sheer emotion.

[@alansanders4733]

“Just When I Needed you Most” by Randy VanWarmer is at the top of this list for me. It’s the best example of “sweet sorrow” in my view. When I hear this song I simultaneously feel sad and am struck by the beauty and magic of it. The instrumental arrangement and execution is perfect. One time a few years ago when the strings first came in I couldn’t help but cry and everything in my life was going well at the time. I’m not one to cry easily and rarely do. This song never got the recognition it deserves - a true masterpiece from the first to the last note. Alan Sanders

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A true gut punch song.

[@NielsCG]

this song never reached a number 1 spot on the music charts... but it was number one to me!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It should have hit HARD with America.

[@markhaseley3304]

I think you nailed the reason it didn't become number one... you can only listen to it a couple times a month (because it is so powerful). And thus, no number one due to lack of constant airplay.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.........

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree.

[@timcole1974]

If this song doesn't tear your heart out, you're made of stone.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Absolutely correct.

[@deathandcats]

Or you're disassociated emotionally

[@AJisfrom1980]

I had to weep all the way through this episode. I’ve always cornered myself when listening to the song and I’ve never shared my thoughts or even a listen I don’t think with anybody else in my life. I always made sure the room or the car or wherever I was was empty before attempting to endure this song. I’ve always known better as this is a gaurenteed cry and more likely all out weep. I will always listen to it alone and I never thought that Well let me put it this way I guess it’s good to know that it’s hard for everybody else as it is with me. I thought I was alone on this one I didn’t think people really knew about it. I thought it was a deep cut from a forgotten gem. it was nice to commiserate a bit via your episode here and I felt like I did share it for the first time. I was shocked when you informed us that it was her one and only take but of course I mean how could you do it twice very interesting fact. Another episode straight to the heart well done

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m the same way. I have never played this song for anyone else but myself in my bedroom, alone, door locked.

[@martineldritch]

I was hoboing around the country in the mid nineties and I passed a house in East Texas I think where a beautiful song I never heard before was playing on a boom-box in the yard. I listened to it and it filled me with beauty and sadness. I described what I could remember of this song to a friend some years later and she said, "Oh, that's "Angel From Montgomery" performed by Bonnie Raitt." And it was. Wow.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a brilliant song.

[@enigmawyoming5201]

I had a very similar experience with this song ! While sitting in on a living room guitar jam, “Angel From Mont.” came up, I was really into the chords and melody but not paying close attention to the lyrics. Kinda stoned on weed too of course. Had no idea who ‘did’ it or the name of it, but I wanted to learn it. The melody of the chorus stuck in my head for a couple of years and I must have hummed it a dozen times trying to find other guitar players who knew it so I could find the song and learn it. Like a faint memory, I’m sure I bastardized the tune (no words) to the point it was really not distinguishable. Then I heard a John Prine album playing in a bar. “THAT!” song was on the sound system! I asked some of the people around me if they knew what is was…. nope … no joy. The guy at the bar brought out the CD cover with the song list on it. I still tell from the list because the titles didn’t seem to hint of what THAT song was. But somebody knew what the next song was that was playing and I could go back one title. Or so I thought…. the playlist must have been on shuffle because I was wrong. Good news is I bought the CD and finally found that song…. just barely. I only remember one other song I went on a quest to find, but fortunately, years later I could search what few words I knew of it on the web. Those words were “But I’m wasted and I, can’t find my way home”. Steve Winwood. Another great song. Sorry for long comment. Extra strong Saturday coffee kicked right then.

[@enigmawyoming5201]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - and so here we are again! I never even saw you comment before I posted mine. This is crazy!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@enigmawyoming5201 Hello, friend!

[@thomasbenson523]

Prof.: this song defies category other than “one of the greatest songs of all time”. Songwriters, producer, musicians and singer, all geniuses that gave the song just what it needed, nothing more, nothing less. The heartbreak evoked in the song is likely what kept it from the number one spot. Thanks again for letting us feel a great song.

[@surlechapeau]

Love Bonnie!! One of the great vocalists, performers and slide guitarists!!! I saw her in concert in July 1990. Like Ringo Starr said, 'Got to pay your dues if you want to sing the blues/And you know it don't come easy' . Her early work is great, "Angel From Montgomery", "Love Has No Pride" for example. I own her 'Luck of the Draw' and 'Longing In Their Heart's albums. So happy when she attained commercial success!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good call.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great quote from Ringo there. I love her 70s work.

[@chefbarona3052]

A story, that was passed on to me, told of the day she "discovered" slide guitar. She was struggling & friend of her dad, Doc Watson, was visiting. She told him that she couldn't quit figure out some guitar licks. Doc grabbed the headstock of her guitar & twisted knobs; then said "try it now". He had shown her an open tuning. Her playing skyrocketed! I heard this from a few different people, that were familiar w/her early days. True or not, it's a great story.

[@kathrynpupos9103]

She has been one of my all time favorite females singers over the last 30+ years. You can recognize her voice immediately and I stop to listen. She speaks to my heart and soul.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She really does. She’s fabulous.

[@robinbunner7799]

I wanted to be Bonnie Raitt. I wanted to play guitar like she did. So, I was so happy when she put out new music and my friends, 'discovered' her and realized this was the guitar player I admired so much. 'Nick of Time' and Luck of the Draw' got me through so much as an adult and saved my life. Thank you, Bonnie! I will forever be grateful for you sharing your music.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@waverod9275]

If you aren't moved by this song, you're cold.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@elaineh7993]

I think this is one of the saddest and beautiful songs ever performed! Believe me, I have lived through this song when my ex left me years ago. I get whole body goosebumps every time I hear it. I put it on my Playlist a few years ago, after realizing I am so grateful that he left. I fell in love again and had 5 more children. I can finally listen to it without feeling sad.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We’ve all been through tough times like that. It’s okay, Elaine.

[@willarellano833]

Thank you for featuring one of my favourite female artist such a beautiful voice and great guitarist. Nick of time is probably in my top 10 favorite albums

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agree!

[@yallainrite3658]

Never was a big fan of her music, but as I get older, and I hear her story of persistence, redemption and collaboration with some greats, I might have to give her a more thorough look.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You should, my dear!

[@timmmahhhh]

Thank you so much for covering Bonnie Raitt! Talk about somebody paying their dues. Most would have given up as long as it took her for her to become successful. What a trooper! And what a great segment professor, thank you.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ann Wilson from yesterday and Bonnie Raitt from today are setting perfect examples for myself and others.

[@magnoliajames2374]

I fell in love with Bonnie’s music back when I was a little girl and saw her first video on MTV, “Keep this heart in mind”. Years later, when I just had my heart broken for the first time, this song came out. It was amazing to me that a song could express so clearly how I was feeling. At 18, I had just learned that love doesn’t always last and that love can end up being one sided and not knowing where to go from there. My boyfriend and I started dating during my last year of high school. I was truly in love for the first time and we spent a beautiful summer together after graduation. Then, when the fall came and we went to different schools he became distant and ended up falling for someone else. It was a devastating blow. The separation had only made my feelings stronger and I couldn’t understand at the time how for him it was not the same. That song let me know I wasn’t alone, that at least one other person had been where I was and had hurt as deeply as I did. I can honestly say, I have only gotten my heart broken like that once, probably because I have never loved that freely and innocently again. I have been in love since but it’s more mature not completely unguarded and trusting like I was that first time. Thank you so much for this episode it brought back some bittersweet memories and one amazingly beautiful song.

[@stupendous9896]

I had just had my heart ripped out of me by the person I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Every time I heard that song for the next ten years after that, I could not stop bawling like a little school girl. What a powerful song. It should probably come with a warning like on a package of cigarettes.

[@aubietigerton1807]

This is one of your best shows. You captured the spirit of the song and the artist, and revealed the effect music has on people through your own testimony. Very heartfelt.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agree!

[@wayne_twentyfive]

You're 100% correct, Professor ! .. Bonnie's version of this song will NEVER be beaten, because it is PERFECT .. It is absolutely heart-wrenching, and yet it's so beautiful that I keep listening to it again and again .. And those lyrics you quoted, "I'll close my eyes. Then I won't see the love you don't feel when you're holding me" .. Oh man, they make me choke up almost every time .. Simply a MASTERPIECE !

[@3wheelmannc860]

Bonnie Raitt, simply awesome, the one an only. A true powerhouse for all time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A true legend.

[@kellyalves756]

Bruce Hornsby is one of those pianists you can recognize right away without checking the credits.

[@meponder]

Agree completely. In fact, he also played piano on Don Henley’s “End Of The Innocence” that was up for a Grammy at the same time as Nick Of Time. Hornsby is such a talented and distinctive player.

[@kellyalves756]

@@meponder For real. If you think of it the main piano theme of “End of the innocence “ isn’t all that complex, but even at its most minimal it just sounds like him. Feel the same way about Joe Jackson. When he guest- jams, you know it’s him. And there’s one song of his where somewhere around the bridge he just starts percussing on one key, and even with just one damn note _it sounds like him_.

[@lolleeroberts]

Her song "Louise" was on the Jukebox in the bar where I met my late husband in 1978. Her voice takes me right back to being young and crazy in love. A real class act.

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ahhh…the memories.

[@jillwklausen]

I know some people will find this silly, but I grew up on the soap opera, "As The World Turns" and got totally invested in the love story of Lily Walsh and Holden Snyder. At one point he suffered a head injury, developed amnesia, and couldn't remember her or their love. The actress who portrayed Lily, Martha Byrne, has a beautiful singing voice, so they made her character a singer, and in one episode she performed "I Can't Make You Love Me" at a club with Holden in the audience. It was absolutely heartwrenching. I can't hear this song without recalling that storyline anymore. Thanks for this great back story, Adam. Have a great weekend.

[@jillwklausen]

This isn't from the show ― it's a performance at a club IRL, but I thought you'd enjoy hearing her exquisite rendition. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ilpIVjfteNepo

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My grandma used to watch that show.

[@jillwklausen]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, I think everybody's grandma used to watch it. 😊❤️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@jillwklausen My grandma’s fave was The Young and the Restless!

[@jillwklausen]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, that one is still on the air, and I still watch it! LOL As the World Turns went off the air years ago.

[@davidhattman7649]

I first became aware of Bonnine in 1974 due to her friendship with Little Feat one of my favorite bands and saw her for the first in 1977 after her release of her Sweet Forgiveness Album and she was fantastic. Jump ahead to September 2022 I saw her out here in San Diego and she and the band were in top form and her voice was incredible. I will encourage everyone to revisit her early work :😁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Reminds me of a teacher at my school who introduced me to Little Feat and their 70s catalog.

[@xzonia1]

Bonnie Raitt has one of the most evocative, soulful voices ever. So captivating. Bruce Hornsby is also an incredible performer who transports you to wherever he is. Put them together, and we're mesmerized. ❤ I'm glad you've found your true love, Prof. 😊

[@clayrog6405]

I saw her do 2 sets back to back at Jazz Fest over 20 years ago. Nearly 4 hours total I think. By the end I could not stop singing her praises. The vocals, the slide guitar as good as I'd ever heard, and the sheer volume of flawless music......

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She blows you away every time.

[@PSA3377]

I hv ALWAYS love Bonnie Raitte since the 70's . Her voice , that VOICE !! Her father John also an iconic voice . I wanted a stratocaster ever since I saw her playing one . Ray Charles does a nice duo with her also . What a fabulous woman !!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Her voice is consummate.

[@PSA3377]

@Professor1191 whats-up ?

[@toddhansen5072]

She is such an amazing slide player…one of the most underrated guitar players in my opinion…she definitely doesn’t get the recognition she deserves!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She deserves so much better. We don’t have talent like that anymore.

[@katherinewelling6026]

I absolutely love this song. So gut wrenching. Just absolute perfection.

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

When I was doing fly dates with an R&B legend, this was the first song the sound guy would play every time the sound system was fired up.

[@J1W5M7]

She loved Bonnie Raitt and listened to this song often. I experienced this song on a personal level. For three years we talked a lot, had no arguments and had a lot in common. I never understood why she didn't feel the same.

[@mattiasjp]

I love Bonnie Raitt, she is one of the best bottle neck slide players ever. Very underrated in this world.

[@richonlybyname68]

What a great honest heartfelt song.... Absolute perfection

[@doaver2.125]

I knew who Adam was talking about from his first few words. Bonnie Raitt, what can you say, she could stand totally toe for all the blues greats and a voice that could sing anything from R&B the rockabilly? I don't think there's anyone who has been in love and lost- who doesn't tear up, hearing this song.

[@cherinoelke]

I was so happy for Bonnie when she finally got the recognition she so richly deserved. She is the epitome of a fighter. She's also one of the best slide guitar players I've heard, I absolutely love her!

[@revredbeard3289]

Just watched the 92 Grammy awards where she performed this live. What a performance.

[@leolundberg766]

One of my favorite artists of all time. I love the blues. It has always touched my soul. Bonnie's blues roots it definitely evident in all of her songs. One of the greatest talents ever to caress a guitar.

[@luiebradley8311]

This song IS number one in my aching heart 💔

[@queenbeedat8726]

This song makes me cry. I think everyone can relate to this song. This song was released when I was going through my own heartbreak. It brings back some sad memories. I think most people who heard this for the first time felt it in the gut......

[@mt0115]

Great song, great artist, my wife and I saw her in concert in Vancouver many years ago, the last night of that part of her tour. The audience was so appreciative and her and the band was having a great time they decided to just keep playing way past when the concert was supposed to be over. Great experience.😎🍺🇨🇦

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I saw her live. She seems like such a great person, and it’s sad that she has often gotten overlooked.

[@m.nielsen9050]

I called it before you said her name. I love her voice and her style. She's amazing.

[@le_th_]

One of the most relatable and vulnerably honest songs of all time.

[@TestingPyros]

This is one of the songs that just carries emotion. I only know of a few that hit me this way, but wow does this one ever carry emotion!

[@gailrobinson2688]

Professor, your passion and enthusiasm for music, musicians and the back stories of the songs are just so heartfelt and true. I am truly honored to being part of your class‼

[@Renaldo135]

Three songs I can't listen to even today with out ballin tears even with my old callus heart. Two are by Jim Croce: OPERATOR and TIME IN A BOTTLE and Bonnie Raitt's classic as well.

[@janetmitchell4452]

She stands alone. Have seen her twice, early 2000's and just this year. One of a kind.

[@dtw63]

She’s not only talented, sexy and beautiful, her voice is haunting. Thanks for this interview.

[@imlistening1137]

When you shared the feeling you experienced when you met your wife, I started crying… she is so very lucky to be loved like that.

[@heavychevy4616]

as a stage hand, i had the privilege of doing a few of her shows... she was, & is, absolutely amazing! ...till this day, when asked "whos ur favorite artist u ever worked for?" its hands down, no second guessing, the one & only incredible Ms Bonnie Raitt! thank u professor

[@richardross119]

When she sings this song. You could feel the need to explode in rage yet , knowing it would ruin your last few moments of living your perfect lie. Total emotional and vocal control. If you've ever lived it. You know the feeling.

[@Tess7]

I love Bonnie I have said for years no one else can sing that song like Bonnie. Some of my favorite artists have covered it, but they can’t touch her version. I agree that Bruce playing piano is a big part of it , but the way she sings it just slays

[@devodootie]

This song just rips your heart out 💔 and it doesn’t let you go. You’re right Prof, no one else can top what she did with this song. (Got my Zenni’s yesterday! ☺️Thanks Prof!)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s AMAZING.

[@areneesouder]

I don't know if I've ever sang this song without crying. What a song!

[@babybro70]

A few years ago I realized i'd never bought Nick Of Time on CD so I bought it & a few others of hers at the same time. An Essential Album for the ages.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes!

[@SHADOWBEAR82763]

I've been a big Bonnie fan since the mid 70's, but in '89 I fell in love with her all over again.

[@dillsplace]

Finally someone who feels the lyrics of music the same way that I do! Where have you been Dude? You describe these songs better than I'm able to feel them sometimes.

[@daveowens271]

Bonnie Raitt's influence is MUCH bigger than chart placement indicates. She's got MAJOR staying power.

[@shay5025]

Nick of Time is one of my favorites after all these years. Goes on rotation pretty regularly and the whole house is singing along.

[@RBS_]

....I heard "Nick..." on a Radio at a supermarket when I was between classes in College, and walked...WALKED....to a Record store to buy the LP...I didn't even eat me Lunch, because I didn't have any more Money to get some! ...ha-HAA! ....I can't BELIEVE I remembered that!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's such a complete album.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Those were the days.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Perfect album.

[@RealBillP1976]

Another Great Video Professor! I lost my best friend last year. He always called her "Bonnie Great"! Thanks Adam for reminding me of my Friend today, and what an awesome Artist Bonnie is! Have a Great DAY!

[@ProfessorofRock]

YOu're welcome!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Amazed and happy to hear this story. It's a long way to the top if you want to make it in the music industry. Very indepth as always Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

If you wanna rock & roll…

[@TheRickHoward]

Rarely do songs really kick me in the feels, but Lissie's "I bet On You" is that heartbreaker. Young the Giant's Cough Syrup is another song that really invokes thought.

[@anonymustly7818]

This is the song where I "discovered" Bonnie. Made me seek out her previous releases. Been a fan ever since.

[@VampcatVvvvV]

Even today I can't hear this song without tearing up. When it came out I couldn't listen to it without sobbing. It got to the point where I had to turn off the radio as soon as I heard the opening.

[@petereng7497]

Actually, I have never been on either side of this. It's a testament to Bonnie's singing that I feel the emotions she's singing about.

[@scottrichardson1014]

I have cried my eyes out to this song knowing nothing I could do would ever make them love me like I loved them. This song was pure emotion and hit me like a truck . I’m in a better place these days and I’m grateful for her music and for a song that said what I felt so beautifully. I have the album and have loved Bonnie and her blues soul sound for years .Thanks for the tribute!

[@kirktingblad6667]

I got to meet Bonnie Rait when I was a DJ for KUMD, she came to the University of Minnesota Duluth radio station. Very nice and modest woman. Great laugh. That was in 1980.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glad you loved her!

[@kurtgandenberger6139]

i followed bonnie raitt from the beginning. it is hard for older artists to be relevant to younger listeners. no one really cares about any of the artists from yesteryear. "you can't make me love you" is indeed a masterpiece. i don't really care whether it charted or not. we love you bonnie!

[@shukrimeyas1887]

You just made me cry, and I am thankful for you for that!

[@Andrew_silvestro]

ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ👆 ᴛᴀʟᴋ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ. ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ...........

[@larx4074]

A total and deeply grained SOUL singer. Oooh, Bonnie digs down into the real emotions of a song and ultimately, you. For me "Nick of Time" is the real heart melter.....

[@sweetums76]

One of the greatest examples of a song done right the first time. Absolutely beautiful. It's universal appeal is the reason why such huge artists have done it over and over. If I did a top ten of the greatest love songs of all time, it would be in the top three. Great story again, brother.

[@lesliebeacom4567]

I've been a fan of Bonnie's since the beginning. Had every album. Even got to meet her & hang out in the green room during a local concert. So much respect for her and so happy for her success! This song has to be my favorite of hers, but I cry every time I hear it, because I've been there. And if it doesn't break your heart when you hear it, then you've never felt that pain before.

[@toddmichelfelder3417]

I have always loved her and seen her several times. This coming May I will be privileged to see her once again!!

[@azy63]

My first introduction to Bonnie was in a collaboration release of Disney songs called STAY AWAKE. Her version of BABY MINE still captures me.

[@paulclarke7571]

This song wasn't meant to be a #1 hit. It is a painful , brutal truth of a love lost. I think people just don't want to hurt as much as they do when they listen to this song. Losing the BIG love of one's life just hurts too much.

[@beverlymeschede5511]

I love her voice, her guitar playing, her grit. A real legend. Agree with your assessment of her talent and this song. I play her music a lot. I save this song to end my excursion in her playbook. Heart-breaking honesty always. Her song in the film "Michael" was perfectly placed, Her voice "feels like Home to me."

[@jonesba2004]

My dear, sweet late husband and I were eleven years apart and both huge Bonnie Raitt fans before we met each other. How incredible it was when we discovered our mutual love for her. When this song came out, we both listened together. We both cried. We wanted to give her a hug. The pain was enormous. And I thought, I hope that I never will sing that song with that much emotion and sadness. I don’t want to feel that much rejection. It’s selfish, but that’s how real Bonnie is.

[@amygeyer1166]

The one song that tears me up every time i hear it is “Just like starting over” from Double Fantasy. For the obvious reasons, of course, but also the pure joy he feels at that point in his life at being a new father. As a parent, I’ve felt that kind of amazement and wonder being witness to the start of a new life.

[@danielsolano602]

"Send me an angel that flies from Montgomery"!! Mom had all those '70's Bonnie Raitt records. She spent countless weeks at number 1 in our house. Before she broke in the late '80's, I'd seen her open for Stevie Ray Vaughn at Red Rocks in '86. Have to say, she and her group kind of upstaged Stevie Ray by breaking down the music and working the crowd way more than he did. I'd just finished 5th grade and she definitely put me in my place.

[@wanderingrenegade771]

Great performance and hall of Fame worthy.

[@kellyalves756]

I’m an Ani DiFranco fan. A few years back, she was being interviewed, and the question was, “what was the first song you remember making you really cry” She said she was a twenty- something, kind of in a funk already, and was driving down the turnpike when “I can’t make you love me” came on. She said she had to literally pull over and just cry it out, before she was fit to drive again.

[@richardross119]

Professor, this is your best commentary. You're passion come through in your words. It's just like Ms.Raitts emotional battle is fought out before our very ears in this song.