13 JUN. 2023 · Joni Mitchell has been a part of my adult life for as long as I can remember. I first heard her on Israeli TV when I was 14 years old and was immediately captivated by her unique sound and style. I remember thinking, "Wow, this is some strange and beguiling stuff!" But I couldn't help but be drawn in.
It wasn't until I was a little older and had started to experience the complexities of life for myself that I really began to understand the power of Joni Mitchell's music. Her songs spoke to me on a deep level, and I felt like she was the only artist who could truly understand what I was going through.
I remember the first time I heard her song "A Case of You." I was going through a difficult time in my personal life, and the song's lyrics resonated with me on a visceral level. I felt like Joni was singing directly to me, and her words gave me comfort and strength.
Over the years, I've come to see Joni Mitchell as one of the most important artists of our time. Her music is both personal and universal, and it has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. She is a true visionary, and her work will continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to come.
In 2015, Joni Mitchell suffered a brain aneurysm that left her unable to speak, walk, or play guitar. It was a devastating blow, but Joni is a fighter, and she refused to give up. With the help of her friends and family, she began to slowly recover.
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Joni Mitchell made a triumphant return to the stage at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington. She performed for a sold-out crowd, and her show was a stunning reminder of her incredible talent and resilience.
Joni Mitchell is a true miracle. She has overcome incredible odds to return to the stage, and her music continues to inspire and uplift us all. I am so grateful for her work, and I am so glad that she is back.
P.S.
In August 1998, I had the incredible opportunity to see Joni Mitchell perform live at the "A Day in the Garden" concert at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. The concert was a 30th anniversary celebration of the original Woodstock festival, and it featured a star-studded lineup that included Joni Mitchell, Richie Havens, Lou Reed, and The Who.
I was a guest of Joni's drummer, Brian Blade, and I had the amazing experience of seeing the entire concert from the stage. I also got to join Joni and her band for lunch after the show, and I had the chance to chat with Joni for a few minutes. She was incredibly gracious and down-to-earth, and I felt like I was talking to a friend.
It was an unforgettable day, and it was a true honor to meet Joni Mitchell and to see her perform live. She is a true icon, and her music will continue to inspire me for years to come.