Joni Mitchell, the venerable music icon boasting an illustrious career with nearly six decades of Grammy triumphs, took the Grammy stage for the first time this past Sunday.
The audience was treated to a mesmerizing rendition of her timeless classic, “Both Sides, Now,” backed by a stellar ensemble that included the likes of Brandi Carlile, Lucius, and Allison Russell. Despite her impressive collection of 10 Grammy awards, including the recent Best Folk Album for “Joni Mitchell at Newport,” this marked her inaugural performance at the prestigious awards show.
Before taking the stage, Brandi Carlile showered Mitchell with praise, hailing her as the “matriarch of imagination” who revolutionized the landscape of songwriting. Mitchell’s latest Grammy win is another jewel in her crown, but her journey back to the Grammys has been a remarkable tale.
In 2015, Mitchell faced a challenging period following a brain aneurysm that impacted her mobility and speech. With the support of friends like Brandi Carlile, she gradually rekindled her musical spirit, hosting intimate gatherings known as “Joni Jams” at her home.
Fast forward to 2022, Mitchell surprised everyone by gracing the Newport Folk Festival stage alongside Carlile. The following year, she headlined a significant solo concert at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington, marking her first major solo performance since 2002. It was a momentous occasion, with notable friends such as Annie Lennox, Wendy Melvoin, and Sarah McLachlan joining the celebration.
The Grammy performance was a poignant display of Mitchell’s resilience and musical prowess. Seated on a throne with her iconic cane, she embodied the spirit of the “Joni Jam” style, surrounded by a supportive cast including Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, and others.
Brandi Carlile, paying homage to Mitchell, emphasized her profound influence, asserting that Joni was the catalyst for many aspiring singer-songwriters. She highlighted Mitchell’s transformative impact, turning songs into profound journeys into the soul. At 80, Mitchell showcased that she still possesses the magic. This Grammy win marks another remarkable chapter in Joni’s enduring legacy, reaffirming her status as a timeless music icon.
Joni. Wow. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/EXxiPDX3tp
— Cynthia Littleton (@Variety_Cynthia) February 5, 2024