Bonnie Raitt‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show was nothing short of entertaining and filled with juicy details about her life on tour and her collaboration with Dennis Quaid in a music video.
During the interview, Bonnie shared her experience shooting the video for the hit song from her album “Nick of Time.” As a 40-year-old making her first music video, she was understandably nervous. But she had a secret weapon – Dennis Quaid, who happens to be a friend of hers. Bonnie asked Dennis to be a part of the video, and he gladly agreed.
The chemistry between Bonnie and Dennis was sizzling, and even though it was hot on set in Calabasas, Bonnie clarified that the heat she was referring to was not the temperature. She blushed as Dennis nailed her with his flirtatious looks throughout the shoot. It’s clear that Dennis still has that steamy charm even after all these years.
Ellen jokingly added that it’s a good thing Bonnie and Dennis weren’t on the show together, otherwise, they would be rolling in the aisles. But Bonnie didn’t miss a beat and suggested that they could be on the show together for sweeps, which got the audience laughing.
Moving on to her life on the road, Bonnie revealed that she has been touring for many years. She shared that she goes on the road for about a year and a half whenever she releases a new album, which happens every four years. Part of the reason for this break is to recover and gather new life experiences to write songs about. This cyclical process allows Bonnie to spill her guts on stage, creating an incredible performance.
Despite being on the road for such a long time, Bonnie admitted that she still enjoys it. She shared that her dad also stayed on the road for 50 years and never got tired of it. Bonnie expressed gratitude for getting paid to do what she loves, emphasizing that being on The Ellen Degeneres Show gives her energy.
Ellen couldn’t help but compliment Bonnie’s guitar skills. She mentioned being a fan since Bonnie’s album “Streetlights” and praised her unique voice, especially considering she’s not from a music hub like Nashville. Bonnie attributed her musical influences to growing up listening to R&B and artists like Ray Charles. In fact, she even mentioned that she would be singing a duet with Ray Charles the following day, making the week even more exciting.
Bonnie’s love for R&B, Motown, and the blues shines through in her music. She appreciates the difference between Chuck Berry’s version and Pat Boone’s version of songs, and it is clear that she has a deep connection with the genre. Bonnie and Ellen bonded over their shared love for Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and other soulful artists, further solidifying their mutual admiration.
The interview concluded with Ellen mentioning Bonnie’s upcoming performance on the show and the exciting news that everyone in the audience would be receiving Bonnie’s Best Of album. The crowd erupted with cheers and applause, showing their appreciation for this legendary artist.
All in all, Bonnie Raitt‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show was a delightful mix of laughter, music, and fascinating anecdotes about her career and collaborations. She continues to inspire fans with her timeless talent and undeniable passion for music.
Originally aired on October 6, 2003