Since her 1971 recording debut, Bonnie Raitt has faithfully demonstrated a catholicity of the heart. Over three decades, she has essayed most every facet of blues – and folk-derived American pop – from Robert Johnson to Motown, from the cockiest blues to the most heartrending contemporary ballads – yet distilled a style uniquely her own. A master blueswoman, a consummate pop singer, a legendary guitarist – all describe her, but none fully define her.

When Raitt’s fittingly titled Nick of Time swept the Grammys in 1990, the general consensus was that her time had come. In truth, though, it was always her time, because through the years Raitt remained true to her vision and to her fans.