Sunday, September 29, 2013

John Raitt was far more than Bonnie's daddy

John Raitt helped set the standard for tenor/baritone strong voiced, granite chinned leading men on Broadway in the late 1940's and 1950's.  He originated the lead roles of Curley in Oklahoma, Billy Bigelow in Carousel and Sid Sorokin in the Pajama Game, among others. 
Raitt was unable to translate his stage success to films with his only major big screen triumph coming in Pajama Game opposite Doris Day. His career continued, however, in national touring companies and he remained popular for many years as a concert singer. 
He is, perhaps, best remembered today as the father of Bonnie. This  collection may help rectify that oversight. 



John Raitt and Bonnie with the Boston Pops 1992

Bonnie and John "It's Wonderful"


Bonnie and John on Letterman 1994


Hey There from Pajama Game
Songs from Carousel with 
Jan Clayton


Oklahoma on The Ed Sullivan Show
Soliloquy from Carousel

The Barber of Seville


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