Something To Talk About

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Something To Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt from her 1991 album Luck of the Draw, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This infectious track, written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard, became Raitt’s biggest chart hit in the U.S., peaking at #5. Interestingly, Anne Murray considered recording it in 1985 but passed, later naming her album after the song despite not including it. Raitt’s version, released on June 3, 1991, earned her the 1992 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, beating out heavyweights like Mariah Carey and Whitney_Houston. The song’s playful vibe about rumors of romance has made it a karaoke favorite, with American Idol contestants like Fantasia Barrino and Kellie Pickler performing it. Raitt shared her grief on X in 2022 when Eikhard passed, calling her a “wonderful” songwriter and highlighting their connection through this hit.

Another layer to the song’s story comes from its creation during a pivotal time in Raitt’s career. After her 1989 album Nick of Time won three Grammys, Raitt retreated to Northern California to write for Luck of the Draw, determined to prove her success wasn’t a fluke. In a 1991 New York Times interview, she said she wrote songs before the Grammy wins to ensure she had fresh material, reflecting her fear of being a one-hit wonder after years of modest sales. The recording sessions, produced by Don Was, were loose and collaborative, with Raitt telling Stereogum in 2016 that the right chemistry among musicians let “a moment happen.” The song’s lyrics, paired with Raitt’s soulful delivery and slide guitar, captured the emotional depth of Luck of the Draw, an album dedicated to Stevie Ray Vaughan, reflecting on fate and loss.

Bonnie Raitt, born November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, grew up in a musical family. Her father, John Raitt, was a Broadway star in shows like Carousel, and her mother, Marge Goddard, was a skilled pianist. Raised in Los Angeles with Quaker values and a passion for social activism, Raitt received a Stella guitar at age eight, sparking her creative journey. Though music was a hobby, she never imagined it as a career until later. She attended Radcliffe College in 1967, studying social relations and African studies, but left in 1969 to dive into the East Coast blues and folk scene. Playing alongside legends like Sippie Wallace and Arthur Crudup, she honed her skills as a slide guitarist and singer.

Raitt’s big break came in 1970 when a Newsweek reporter caught her opening at the Gaslight Café in New York, spreading word of her raw talent. Major labels took notice, and she signed with Warner Bros., releasing her debut album, Bonnie Raitt, in 1971. Critics praised her bottleneck guitar and interpretations of blues classics by Robert Johnson, but commercial success was elusive. Her 1972 album Give It Up blended blues, folk, and original songs, earning acclaim but modest sales. Despite struggles with addiction in the 1980s, Raitt’s perseverance led to her 1989 breakthrough with Nick of Time, cementing her as a roots rock icon.

Stay connected with Bonnie Raitt through her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the conversation at Bonnie’s Pride and Joy, a dedicated fan site with news and archives. For community vibes, check out the Bonnie Raitt Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share their love for her music.