Love Letter

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a soulful ride as the Zoo Crew spins "Love Letter" by Bonnie Raitt from her iconic album Nick of Time. This track, written by Bonnie Hayes, is a slinky, R&B-infused gem that captures the giddy anticipation of new love with lyrics like "Sittin' in front of your house, like rain in early dawn, workin' on a love letter, got my radio on." In a 2019 Billboard oral history, Raitt shared her love for the song’s vibe, saying, "I’m a huge fan of Al Green’s music, and I love the way ‘Love Letter’ recalls that. Plus, to be able to play slide on that kind of a groove…" She highlighted how the song’s rhythm let her showcase her signature slide guitar, a skill that sets her apart. Hayes herself noted the song’s bold edge, describing it as a woman taking charge, inspired by a real night sitting outside a crush’s house, capturing a mix of longing and audacity that Raitt’s soulful delivery amplifies.

The recording of "Love Letter" was a moment of magic in the studio. Engineer Ed Cherney recalled in the same Billboard piece that when the band heard the playback, they cranked up the volume to listen again, a sign of something special unfolding. The track features a stellar lineup, including Hutch Hutchinson on bass, Ricky Fataar on drums, and the Heart Attack Horns adding a punchy tenor sax and brass section, as detailed on Raitt’s official website. A 2024 post from @TheBonnieRaitt on X celebrated the song’s 35th anniversary, noting it’s been a staple in Raitt’s live sets ever since its release, a testament to its enduring groove and fan love. Hayes also shared that the song’s narrative, teetering between reality and obsession, was personal, written right before she connected with her future husband, giving it an authentic emotional core.

Bonnie Raitt, born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, grew up steeped in music as the daughter of Broadway star John Raitt. Her journey began with a guitar in hand at a young age, an unusual passion for a girl in the 1960s, as she recalled in a 2002 interview shared on Last.fm: "I had played a little at school and at camp… My parents would drag me out to perform for my family, like all parents do, but it was a hobby—nothing more." Her Quaker roots and love for blues led her to Radcliffe College, but she dropped out to chase music, immersing herself in Boston’s folk and blues scene. By 1971, at age 22, she signed with Warner Bros. Records and released her self-titled debut, a blues-driven record that showcased her raw talent and genre-blending style, mixing blues, rock, folk, and country.

Raitt’s early career was marked by relentless touring and critical acclaim, though commercial success lagged. Her unique approach—playing Robert Johnson songs as a young white woman—was a novelty, as she told NPR in 1989, per Albumism. Albums like The Glow (1979) and Green Light (1982) built a loyal fanbase, but by 1983, Warner Bros. dropped her, citing low sales. After personal struggles, including a breakup and addiction, Raitt got sober in 1987, a turning point that fueled her comeback with Nick of Time in 1989 on Capitol Records. Produced by Don Was, the album’s success, including three Grammy wins, cemented her as a blues-rock icon. Today, she’s a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a career spanning over five decades.

Connect with Bonnie Raitt and her community online. Her official website, www.bonnieraitt.com, offers tour dates, discography, and exclusive content like behind-the-scenes videos. Follow her on Facebook for updates and fan interactions, Instagram for tour photos and personal moments, and X for news and throwbacks like the 2024 "Love Letter" anniversary post. Fans can join the vibrant Bonnie Raitt Fan Club on Facebook, a group with thousands sharing concert memories and tributes. For more fan-driven content, check out Last.fm for listener stats and discussions, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for Raitt’s music alive.