Bonnie Raitt performing “Need You Tonight” at Jazz Fest, April 28, 2018
On April 30, 2018, Bonnie Raitt announced that due to an unexpected medical situation that required immediate attention, she had to cancel her involvement in the first part of James Taylor’s 2018 tour. JT thus began his tour without his frequent touring companion.
Raitt’s announcement indicated “the prognosis is good and a full recovery is expected.” Raitt noted that she expected to return for the tour’s second U.S. leg in June followed by their European tour that summer. She closed her statement in an upbeat manner: “Can’t wait to see you all back on the road again soon!” She ultimately returned to the stage on June 22, 2018.
Raitt’s most recent concert performance was just two days prior to her stunning announcement, when she played the 2018 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known simply as Jazz Fest, on Saturday, April 28. The beloved singer-songwriter participated in a tribute to Fats Domino that afternoon followed by her own full set where she shone with her band later that day. Here are some of the highlights from her performance.
Watch her perform her biggest hit, “Something to Talk About,” a #5 pop single in 1991
Jazz Fest 2020 was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. The 2021 event has been postponed until Oct. 8-17. Tickets to see Raitt perform are available here.
Watch Raitt sing her cover of INXS’ “Need You Tonight,” which she recorded on her 2016 album, Dig In Deep
Related: Our review of Dig In Deep
The musician had done a handful of shows in March before taking time of from the road prior to Jazz Fest. She was scheduled to begin her tour with Taylor on May 8, with another 14 U.S. dates in May and plenty more in June, before the pair were to fly to the U.K. for several concerts, including two opening for Paul Simon on his Homeward Bound farewell tour.
Watch her familiar cover of Mose Allison’s “Everybody’s Crying Mercy”
Related: Our recap of Raitt’s return to the stage following her 2018 surgery
We’re posting this one because we’re mesmerized by the crowd…
At the end of her set, ever gracious, she said to the audience: “Thanks everybody; it’s been a great treat, as always. Have a great Jazz Fest!” Raitt turned 72 on November 8, 2021.
She released a studio album in April 2022 and has a busy concert calendar. Tickets are available here and here.
Related: Our Album Rewind of 1989’s Nick of Time
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