Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow made the perfect musical duo when they gave a tear-jerking version of the Bonnie Raitt track ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ at the Kennedy Center Honors last year. Best of all, Bonnie herself was there to watch the performance, adding even more emotion to what was already an incredibly stirring rendition.
Both singers looked absolutely stunning, and the picture of consummate performers as they delivered their rendition. Sheryl contributed some beautiful, emotive piano, which really added to the delicate feel of the cover, whilst Brandi’s vocals are nothing short of angelic, floating elegantly over the audience and leaving many of the video’s viewers in tears.
One of my personal favourite parts about Sheryl and Brandi’s cover is the fact they really put their own stamp on the song, stripping it back to its rawest and most emotive parts. The pair really do make a brilliant duo onstage, feeding off each other’s energy and complementing each other’s performance with their own stage presence.
For those Music Man readers who aren’t already familiar with Bonnie Raitt’s original, you’re in luck because we’ve got the video right here for you! Steeped in dramatic black and white imagery and mysterious shadows, Bonnie’s version is both ethereal and poignant, and it’s little wonder the song’s music video has racked up 36 and a half million views on YouTube.
Bonnie Raitt watched numerous tribute performances when she received the much-coveted title of Kennedy Center Honoree. The performance given by Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile, however, had to be one of the best of the night, showcasing not just the beauty of the original song but also the accomplished musical talents of both Sheryl and Brandi.
Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow demonstrated their exceptional synergy with a heartfelt performance of Bonnie Raitt’s ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me,’ leaving a lasting impression on all who watched. Their emotional connection and individual artistry shone through, creating a moment that encapsulated the power of live music.