My Opening Farewell

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "My Opening Farewell," the soul-stirring track from Bonnie Raitt's 1977 album Sweet Forgiveness, now spinning on THE ZOO! This song, penned by Jackson Browne, is a haunting ballad that Bonnie transforms with her raw, emotional delivery and signature slide guitar. In a 2017 interview with Rhino, Bonnie shared that she was drawn to the song's poignant storytelling, noting how its lyrics about love and departure resonated with her own experiences on the road. She recorded it with a stellar lineup, including David Grisman on mandocello and Bill Payne on piano, giving it a rich, textured sound. Fun fact: Bonnie plays electric guitar on this track, a rarity for her at the time, as she usually leaned on her acoustic or slide. Fans on the Bonnie Raitt Fan Club Facebook group often cite this song as a hidden gem, with one member recalling how Bonnie performed it live with Browne himself in the '70s, bringing the audience to tears.

The song's production, helmed by Paul A. Rothchild, known for his work with The Doors, aimed to capture Bonnie’s live energy. In a 2022 PopMatters feature, Rothchild revealed he pushed Bonnie to channel the "fugitive emotions" of her slide guitar, making "My Opening Farewell" a standout for its blend of defiance and vulnerability. On X, Bonnie once posted about her love for Browne’s songwriting, calling him a "poet of the heart" whose work she felt honored to interpret. The track’s lyrics, with lines like "There’s a train every day leaving either way," paint a vivid picture of fleeting moments, and Bonnie’s soulful take elevates it into something both universal and deeply personal. Zoo Crew DJs might note that this song’s quiet intensity makes it perfect for those late-night vibes when the Zoo Freaks are feeling reflective.

Now, let’s rewind to how Bonnie Raitt got her start, a story as vibrant as her music. Born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, to Broadway star John Raitt and pianist Marge Goddard, Bonnie grew up in a creative household steeped in Quaker values and social activism. Her musical journey began at eight when she received a Stella guitar for Christmas, sparking a lifelong passion. As she shared on her official website, summer camps in the Adirondacks were where she first performed, strumming folk tunes for fellow campers. By her teens, Bonnie was hooked on blues after hearing Blues at Newport '63, which inspired her to master slide guitar, influenced by legends like Lowell George and B.B. King, who later praised her as the "best damn slide player working today."

Bonnie’s big break came in the late 1960s when, while studying at Radcliffe College, she began gigging in Boston’s folk and blues clubs. Her raw talent caught the eye of Warner Bros., leading to her 1971 self-titled debut. As she noted in a 2002 interview, her early albums blended blues, rock, and folk, showcasing her knack for reinterpreting classics while writing her own tunes. The 1977 release of Sweet Forgiveness, featuring "My Opening Farewell," marked her first commercial success, with her cover of "Runaway" hitting the charts. Bonnie’s journey wasn’t without struggles—she battled personal challenges in the ‘80s—but her 1989 album Nick of Time cemented her as a legend, earning multiple Grammys. Today, with 13 Grammy Awards and a 2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, she remains a trailblazer.

For more Bonnie goodness, check out her official website for tour dates and news. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where she shares updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Zoo Freaks can join the Bonnie Raitt Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and setlists with fellow fans. Another great spot is the fan-run Bonnie Raitt EU site, packed with discographies and rare photos. So, crank up "My Opening Farewell," let Bonnie’s soulful voice wash over you, and keep it locked on THE ZOO for more hippie grooves!