Bonnie Raitt to receive humanitarian award from record merchandisers

SAN DIEGO (AP) _ Bonnie Raitt is being honored for her devotion to social, environmental and community issues by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers. <br/><br/>The singer-songwriter will

Wednesday, July 20th 2005, 10:56 am

By: News On 6

SAN DIEGO (AP) _ Bonnie Raitt is being honored for her devotion to social, environmental and community issues by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers.

The singer-songwriter will receive the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award during the opening session of NARM's 47th annual convention Aug. 12 at the San Diego Marriott.

The award memorializes Chapin's efforts on behalf of the environment and other humanitarian causes. Former winners include Bob Geldof, Midge Urie and Kenny Rogers.

Raitt's selection was announced Tuesday by Jim Donio, president of the not-for-profit trade association serving the music retailing community.

Raitt, 55, has campaigned to stop war in Central America, participated in the Sun City anti-apartheid project and performed at the 1980 No Nukes concerts at Madison Square Garden. She's also worked for environmental protection as well as rights for women and American Indians.

In 1988, she co-founded the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, which works to improve royalties and financial conditions for R&B pioneers.