Photo by Sam Jones.
"There are a lot of artists older than me! Joan Baez, Judy Collins, folk artists. I feel like a young pup compared to them. There also all those people who do jazz standards, which lends itself to growing older with grace. In blues, classical and jazz, you get more revered with age. Muddy Waters and Sippie Wallace and John Lee Hooker were these wise older people who were very non-plussed. I was hoping that I'd get like that one day, and now I am! But look at the Rolling Stones! Nobody rocks harder than the Stones. People just need to get used to seeing people rocking in their 70s and 80s. Rock music is the music of rebellion, so it sits differently when you're older, but they still rock. I have no doubt that Beyoncé will still be rocking in her 70s and 80s."
What do you think gives your career such astounding longevity?
"Incredible luck and opportunity. There were not that many women playing blues guitar then and the music industry was much smaller. I didn't have to be a pop singer with a certain look. When I started, there was really a revolution in natural artists with blues and folk artists crossing over, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get started. As for longevity, I had family in the business [her parents are legendary Broadway performer John Raitt and pianist Marjorie Haydock] who taught me a lot. I'm so aware of how lucky I am to get to do this and it was never lost on me when my dad felt that way. He performed throughout his life until he was in his late 80s, and he loved and knew what an honor it was that anybody, 20 people, would want to hear him sing. As for my longevity I have to thank my fans for all their loyalty. I was also lucky to get out 25 years ago and live a clear and healthier lifestyle that let me stay on the road and be healthy."
Time Magazine Interview
SETLIST1. Used To Rule2 Right down the line3 Thing called love4 Million Miles5 Come To Me’
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