Gnawin’ On It

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Gnawin' On It" by Bonnie Raitt from her 2002 album Silver Lining. This saucy track, a duet with slide guitar legend Roy Rogers, is a rowdy celebration of passion in long-term relationships. The song’s playful, risqué vibe captures the spark of desire with lines like “I’m gonna show you little woman why a dog loves a bone.” Bonnie herself described it as a nod to “how you can still have the hots for each other” even after years together, poking fun at the idea that kids might cringe at their parents’ chemistry. The track, co-written by Bonnie and Roy, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Performance, showcasing their fiery slide guitar interplay, with Roy’s “incendiary” style complementing Bonnie’s signature sound. Fans on platforms like YouTube have raved about the duet, with comments calling it “slide heaven” and praising the sultry bass line by James “Hutch” Hutchinson. The song’s Texas blues and boogie feel, mixed with a Memphis Minnie-inspired swagger, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe.

The creation of "Gnawin' On It" came from a jam session at Roy Rogers’ house, where Bonnie, a virtuoso slide guitarist, wanted to capture his unique style. As she shared in the album’s liner notes on her official website, she’d long admired Roy’s playing and seized the chance to collaborate. The track also features contributions from Jon Cleary on keyboards and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos on baritone sax, adding a funky, New Orleans-meets-Memphis soul flavor. Critics, like those at Rolling Stone, noted the song’s “saucy” energy, comparing it to a Big Easy party. Fan reactions on X and SonicHits highlight the song’s infectious energy, with one user exclaiming, “Bonnie and Roy are COOKIN’!” The track’s live performances, often featuring Jon Cleary’s piano, have been described as “smokin’,” with fans sharing clips on Facebook and praising the band’s high-energy riffing.

Bonnie Raitt, born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, grew up steeped in music and activism. Her father, Broadway star John Raitt, and her mother, pianist Marge Goddard, fostered a creative environment. A Stella guitar gifted at age eight sparked her musical journey, though she initially saw it as a hobby. As a teenager, she was drawn to blues, inspired by albums like Joan Baez’s, and taught herself guitar at summer camp. By her late teens, she was immersed in the folk and blues scene, driving legends like Son House and Skip James to festivals. Her time at Radcliffe College in the late 1960s connected her with blues promoter Dick Waterman, leading to gigs opening for Mississippi Fred McDowell and Howlin’ Wolf. These experiences shaped her bottleneck guitar style, rare for women at the time. A Newsweek reporter’s coverage caught Warner Bros.’ attention, and in 1971, her self-titled debut album launched her career, earning praise for her interpretive skills and guitar prowess.

Bonnie’s career has spanned over five decades, blending blues, rock, folk, and country. Her early albums, like Give It Up (1972), built a cult following, but commercial success came with 1989’s Nick of Time, which topped the Billboard 200 and won three Grammys. She’s since earned 13 Grammy Awards, including a 2023 Song of the Year for “Just Like That.” A lifelong activist, Bonnie supports environmental, social justice, and music education causes, as seen through her work with The Pearl Foundation, noted on her Instagram. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and honored with a 2024 Kennedy Center Honor, she remains a trailblazer. Fans can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit her official site at bonnieraitt.com.

For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan communities like Bonnie’s Pride and Joy, a fansite with news and updates, or join discussions on Bonnie Raitt Fans on Facebook. These hubs share tour info, rare photos, and stories, keeping the vibe alive. So, crank up "Gnawin' On It," let Bonnie and Roy’s slide guitars wail, and keep it freaky with the Zoo Crew!