Joni Mitchell, the iconic singer-songwriter, has made her return to the public eye after suffering from a brain aneurysm in 2015. She graced the stage once again for a rare live performance and was awarded the Gershwin Prize for her musical mastery by the Library of Congress. The star-studded concert took place on March 1st, 2020, at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and featured Mitchell’s friends and collaborators taking the stage while her visual art provided the backdrop.
Mitchell’s music has touched countless lives over the years, and she has been recognized for her contributions to popular music with several accolades. These include the Kennedy Center Honor, MusiCares’ Person of the Year, and an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music. “I’m a creative person,” Mitchell said. “I like the creative process, so it’s a great honor to join the pantheon of recipients.”
MusiCares Foundation’s Executive Director Laura Segura said that Mitchell’s songwriting skills are incomparable as she is “one of those rare artists who can write both incredibly personal songs with lyrics that can speak directly to people’s hearts or she can write songs that speak to us all.” On the PBS special “Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,” her contemporaries and fans pay tribute to her.
Marcus Mumford paid tribute to Joni Mitchell by covering her song “Carey” at a tribute concert in honor of her being the annual recipient of the Gershwin Prize for songwriting. Mumford became a resident percussionist in the concert after reaching out to the executive producer, Ken Ehrlich. Mumford and Brandi Carlile became a part of the fabric of the show and kind of took ownership of it.
Mitchell’s mesmerizing performance of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” was one of the highlights of the night, showcasing her stunning vocal ability as well as her masterful guitar playing. She also performed “The Circle Game” from her 1970 album Ladies of the Canyon during the concert, which was a last-minute addition to the setlist.
Ken Ehrlich, the producer of the PBS special, mentioned that Joni’s paintings became an “essential” part of the show itself. The concert showcased Mitchell’s visual artwork and paintings behind the stage, adding an extra layer to an already beautiful event.
The Gershwin Prize is awarded to an artist who has made a lifetime contribution to popular music. Previous recipients include Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Carole King, and many more. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden comments on how Mitchell’s music hits you straight to your heart down to your soul.
Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song premiered on Friday night at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS App, but you can still watch it now. The special will also broadcast to U.S. Department of Defense locations worldwide via the American Forces Network.
In conclusion, Joni Mitchell’s contributions to popular music cannot be overstated. Her unique sound and storytelling have touched many hearts over several decades. It is fitting that she received an award that honors her lifetime contributions to popular music with a tribute from her friends and fans alike.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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