Happy Birthday Bonnie Raitt: Joining Jerry Garcia Band In 1987

Acclaimed guitarist Bonnie Raitt was born in California on this date in 1949. The renowned performer inherited musical talent from her Broadway-starring father John Raitt and has gone on to critical and commercial acclaim since making her debut in 1971.

Rooted in the blues, Raitt’s slide guitar playing and soulfully captivating voice has influenced countless fellow musicians (she’s the reason Jason Isbell plays slide, using his middle finger just like Bonnie). She’s shared studio spaces and stages around the globe with some of the most talented performers to ever live and in celebration of her birthday today, here’s a look back a collaboration with the Jerry Garcia Band in 1987.

A JGB lineup featuring the Grateful Dead guitarist backed by bassist John Kahn, keyboardist Melvin Seals, drummer David Kemper and vocalists Gloria Jones and Jaclyn LaBranch held a concert at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California on August 30, 1987. Following a second set opening take on Allen Toussaint’s “I’ll Take A Melody,” Garcia welcomed Raitt out to join the group on a cover of the bluesy classic “Think,” which was written by Jimmy McCracklin and Don Robey. Bonnie stuck around to also add slide guitar and additional vocals on a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”

Posted by Resaca Rat, stream purported soundboard audio of Bonnie’s sit-in with Jerry below:

[Originally Published: November 8, 2017]