Ritter ready to do her best Bonnie Raitt

Gifted with a thick head of fiery red hair and a singing voice as smooth as silk, entertainer Susan Ritter said becoming a Bonnie Raitt impersonator seemed like the perfect musical path to follow. For the past 17 years, Ritter has toured the country performing the songs of Raitt, as well as Ann-Margaret, Cher, Amy Winehouse and other music stars.

On Friday, she is set to appear in Steve Waddington’s “Retro-Rockin’ All-Stars” tribute concert at Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living, 18575 Corwin Road, Apple Valley. The show, which also will feature Waddington’s spot-on impersonations of Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Carl Perkins and Dean Martin, will begin at 6:45 p.m.

The Daily Press recently caught up with Ritter, who shared a little about her upbringing in Dayton, Ohio, how she got into show business and other interesting facts about her successful career.

DP: At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to be an entertainer?

SR: I give all the credit to my mother for inspiring me. She’s a singer and piano player and her influence had me singing even before I could talk.

DP: Other than your mother, who are your greatest musical influences?

SR: Well, of course Bonnie Raitt. She was my hero growing up, mostly because of the way she played guitar. I would teach myself to sing like her too and became quite good at mimicking her sound.

DP: What was the catalyst for deciding to make a career of impersonating Raitt?

SR: From the beginning of my professional career, I would always incorporate some of Bonnie’s songs into my shows. People would come up to me afterwards and comment on how much I look and sound like her and that I should do a tribute show. I was reluctant at first but after thinking about it more and I more, I finally decided to go for it.

It’s been greater than I ever expected, mostly because of the way Bonnie’s music gives so much back to audiences. And also that by playing her songs in my shows, it introduces to them to a whole new generation of fans.

DP: Outside of impersonating Raitt and the other legendary stars, do you also perform your own music?

SR: I’m a songwriter and my original material is kind of bluesy with a folk/pop edge. And yes, I have in the past done many shows where I sang my own songs. But truthfully, I haven’t done much of that lately because it seems I am in more demand with the impersonation stuff.

That’s fine with me because I really enjoy what I do and love the energy and the connection I have with live audiences. There’s no greater feeling in the world than when you connect with people through music.

Tickets to “Steve Waddington & The Retro-Rockin’ All-Stars” are $35 per person. Seating is open. Doors open at 6 p.m.

To reserve, call 760-684-9622, 760-242-2302 or visit https://www.ticketriver.com/event/19137