Raitt's musically inclined parents had a strong influence on her life. From a young age, she and her two brothers were encouraged to pursue music. At first, Raitt played the piano, but was intimidated by her mother's talent. She instead began playing a Stella guitar, which she received as a Christmas gift in 1957 at the age of eight. Raitt did not take lessons, and instead took influence from the American folk music revival of the 1950s. She was also influenced by the beatnik movement, stating: "It represented my whole belief ... I'd grow my hair real long so I looked like a beatnik."