How Joni Mitchell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Joni Mitchell is a highly influential Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter, emerging from the 1960s with personal lyrics and unconventional compositions. Her style evolved to incorporate pop, jazz, and other genres. She has received numerous accolades, including eleven Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Mitchell is considered a pivotal figure in late 20th-century music.
October 31, 1962: First Paid Performance
On October 31, 1962, Joni Mitchell had her first paid performance at a Saskatoon club featuring folk and jazz performers.
1963: Early Years of Archives
1963 marks the starting year for Joni Mitchell's Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) collection.
1964: Decision to Become a Folk Singer
In 1964, Joni Mitchell told her mother that she intended to be a folk singer in Toronto and left western Canada.
1965: Began Touring in the United States
In 1965, Joni Mitchell moved to the United States and began touring, marking a significant step in her career.
1965: Performances and Composing
In 1965, Joni Mitchell performed at coffee houses in Detroit and began composing songs in alternative guitar tunings.
1966: CBC Television Program Appearances
In 1965 and 1966, Oscar Brand featured Joni Mitchell several times on his CBC television program Let's Sing Out.
1966: Early Harmonic Innovation
Joni Mitchell's early work between 1966 and 1972 was marked by harmonic innovation, incorporating modality, chromaticism, and pedal points.
1967: Late Years of Archives
1967 marks the ending year for Joni Mitchell's Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) collection.
1967: Discovery by David Crosby
In 1967, David Crosby discovered Joni Mitchell at a club in Coconut Grove, Florida, and introduced her to his friends in Los Angeles.
1967: Newport Folk Festival Debut
In 1967, Joni Mitchell first played at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, a key early performance in her career.
1967: Other Artists Recording Mitchell's Songs
In 1967, Judy Collins covered "Both Sides Now" and "Michael from Mountains", included on her album Wildflowers. Collins also covered "Chelsea Morning".
1967: Judy Collins Covers "Both Sides, Now"
In 1967, Judy Collins's recording of "Both Sides, Now" reached No. 8 on Billboard charts, a breakthrough in the careers of both artists.
March 1968: Debut Album Release
In March 1968, Joni Mitchell's debut album, known as Joni Mitchell or Song to a Seagull, was released by Reprise.
1968: Debut Album Release
In 1968, Joni Mitchell signed with Reprise Records and recorded her debut album, Song to a Seagull.
1968: Debut Album Release
In 1968, Joni Mitchell's debut album, Song to a Seagull, showcased her innovative use of quartal and quintal harmony.
April 1969: Clouds Album Release
In April 1969, Joni Mitchell's second LP, Clouds, was released, containing her versions of songs recorded by other artists.
1969: First Grammy Award
In 1969, Joni Mitchell received her first Grammy Award.
1970: Popular Songs
In 1970, Joni Mitchell released popular songs such as "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock", defining an era.
1970: Neighborhood Covers "Big Yellow Taxi"
In 1970, Pop group Neighborhood scored a hit with a cover of "Big Yellow Taxi".
April 1971: James Taylor's Album Release
On the April 1971 release of James Taylor's Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon album, Joni Mitchell is credited with backup vocals on the track "You've Got a Friend".
June 1971: Blue Album Release
In June 1971, Joni Mitchell released her album Blue.
1971: Release of Blue
In 1971, Joni Mitchell released her album Blue, which is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.
October 1972: For the Roses Album Release
In October 1972, Joni Mitchell released her album For the Roses.
1972: Early Harmonic Innovation
Joni Mitchell's early work between 1966 and 1972 was marked by harmonic innovation, incorporating modality, chromaticism, and pedal points.
February 1973: "You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio" Single Peak
In February 1973, Joni Mitchell's single, "You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio", peaked at No. 25 in the Billboard charts.
1973: Release of "Raised on Robbery"
In 1973, Joni Mitchell released "Raised on Robbery" right before Christmas, as promotion for the upcoming album "Court and Spark".
January 1974: Court and Spark Release
In January 1974, Joni Mitchell released "Court and Spark", marking a shift towards jazz and jazz fusion and reaching No. 1 on the Cashbox Album Charts.
February 1974: Tour with L.A. Express Begins
In February 1974, Joni Mitchell started her tour with the L.A. Express, receiving positive reviews as they toured the United States and Canada.
1974: Court and Spark Release
In 1974, Joni Mitchell explored more jazz-influenced ideas on her album Court and Spark, which became her best-selling album.
1974: Jericho written by Mitchell
In 1974, Joni Mitchell had written "Jericho", and in December 1977, she revived the song in her album "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", never before recorded in a studio setting.
November 1975: The Hissing of Summer Lawns Release
In November 1975, Joni Mitchell released "The Hissing of Summer Lawns", showcasing her move towards more jazz-inspired music and featuring early sampling techniques.
1976: Cross-Country Journey and Hejira Composition
In 1976, Joni Mitchell traveled across the country and composed several songs during her journey, which featured on her album "Hejira".
December 1977: Release of Don Juan's Reckless Daughter
In December 1977, Joni Mitchell released "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", her first double studio album, receiving mixed reviews but selling relatively well.
June 1979: Mingus Album Release
In June 1979, Joni Mitchell released "Mingus", her collaboration with Charles Mingus, which was poorly received and marked a shift in her sound.
August 1979: Mingus Tour Begins
In August 1979, Joni Mitchell's tour to promote "Mingus" began in Oklahoma City, featuring jazz-inspired songs and collaborations.
September 1980: Shadows and Light Release
In September 1980, Joni Mitchell released "Shadows and Light", her second live double album, which was her final release on Asylum Records.
1981: Inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame
In 1981, Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
1982: Marriage to Larry Klein and Wild Things Run Fast Album
In 1982, Joni Mitchell married Larry Klein and released "Wild Things Run Fast", marking a return to pop songwriting.
1983: "Refuge" World Tour
In early 1983, Joni Mitchell began her "Refuge" world tour, visiting several countries and later releasing a home video of a performance from the tour.
1984: Collaboration with Thomas Dolby
In 1984, Joni Mitchell hired Thomas Dolby to assist with synthesizers and production for her upcoming album, leading to creative differences and challenges.
October 1985: Dog Eat Dog Release and Controversy
In October 1985, Joni Mitchell released "Dog Eat Dog", which faced moderate sales and generated controversy due to the song "Tax Free" and its criticism of televangelists.
1985: Outtake photo session
In 1985, Joni Mitchell had a photo session for the later album "Dog Eat Dog", where one of the outtakes was used for the 2024 reissue of "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter".
1988: Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm Release and Collaborations
In 1988, Joni Mitchell released "Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm", collaborating with various artists and exploring larger political themes.
1990: Performance at The Wall Concert in Berlin
In 1990, Joni Mitchell participated in Roger Waters' The Wall Concert in Berlin, performing "Goodbye Blue Sky" and "The Tide Is Turning" with other artists.
1990: Recording of Night Ride Home
Throughout the first half of 1990, Joni Mitchell recorded songs for her next album "Night Ride Home".
March 1991: Release of Night Ride Home
In March 1991, Joni Mitchell released "Night Ride Home", which received better critical reception compared to her 1980s work.
1991: Hole Covers "Both Sides, Now"
In 1991, Hole covered "Both Sides, Now" on their debut album, Pretty on the Inside, retitling it "Clouds" with altered lyrics.
1993: Lifetime Achievement Award
In 1993, The Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association bestowed upon Joni their Lifetime Achievement Award.
1994: Turbulent Indigo Release and Grammy Win
In 1994, Joni Mitchell released "Turbulent Indigo", which won a Grammy Award and coincided with the end of her marriage to Larry Klein.
1995: Amy Grant Covers "Big Yellow Taxi"
In 1995, Amy Grant scored a hit with a cover of "Big Yellow Taxi".
1995: Virtual Guitar Solution
In 1995, Fred Walecki designed a Stratocaster-style guitar with the Roland VG-8 to solve Joni Mitchell's frustration with using multiple alternative tunings live.
1995: Billboard Century Award
In 1995, Joni Mitchell received Billboard's Century Award.
1996: Greatest Hits Album Release Agreement
In 1996, Joni Mitchell agreed to release a Greatest Hits collection and Reprise agreed to release Misses.
1996: Polar Music Prize
In 1996, Joni Mitchell was awarded the Polar Music Prize.
1996: Governor General's Award
In 1996, Mitchell received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, Canada's highest honour in the performing arts.
1996: Sarah McLachlan Covers "Blue"
In 1996, Sarah McLachlan covers "Blue".
1997: Janet Jackson Samples "Big Yellow Taxi"
In 1997, Janet Jackson sampled the chorus of "Big Yellow Taxi" in her hit single "Got 'Til It's Gone".
1997: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 1997, Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1998: Autobiography Announced
In 1998, Joni Mitchell told the New York Times that her memoirs were in the works and would be published in multiple volumes.
1999: Dianne Reeves Covers "River"
In 1999, Dianne Reeves covers "River".
April 6, 2000: All-star celebration at the Hammerstein Ballroom
On April 6, 2000, TNT presented an all-star celebration at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City in tribute to Joni Mitchell, featuring performances of her songs by various artists, and Mitchell herself performing "Both Sides, Now".
2000: Star on Canada's Walk of Fame
In 2000, Joni Mitchell received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.
2000: Both Sides Now Album Release
In 2000, Joni Mitchell released 'Both Sides Now', an album of jazz standards and remakes of her early hits, showcasing her new vocal range.
2000: Both Sides Now Tour
In 2000, Joni Mitchell's last official headline shows were on the Both Sides Now tour.
2002: Counting Crows Covers "Big Yellow Taxi"
In 2002, Counting Crows released a version of "Big Yellow Taxi".
2002: Discontent with Music Industry Voiced
In 2002, Joni Mitchell expressed her discontent with the music industry, describing it as a "cesspool" and indicating her desire to control her music's release over the Internet.
2002: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2002, Joni Mitchell received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
2002: Travelogue Album Release
In 2002, Joni Mitchell released 'Travelogue', a collection of reworked songs with orchestral arrangements.
2002: Companion of the Order of Canada
In 2002, she was named a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honour.
2003: Musical Revue Launch
In 2003, Bryden MacDonald launched When All the Slaves Are Free, a musical revue based on Joni Mitchell's music.
2003: The Complete Geffen Recordings Release
In 2003, Joni Mitchell's Geffen recordings were collected in a remastered four-disc box set called 'The Complete Geffen Recordings'.
2003: Mandy Moore Covers "Help Me"
In 2003, Mandy Moore covered "Help Me".
2003: Greatest Guitarists List
In 2003, Rolling Stone named Joni Mitchell the 72nd-greatest guitarist of all time, making her the highest-ranked woman on the list.
2004: George Michael Covers "Edith and the Kingpin"
In 2004 singer George Michael covered her song "Edith and the Kingpin" for a radio show.
2004: A Perfect Circle Covers Mitchell
In 2004, A Perfect Circle, another band featuring Keenan as lead vocalist, recorded a rendition of Mitchell's "The Fiddle and the Drum" on their album eMOTIVe.
2004: Allison Crowe Covers "River"
In 2004, Allison Crowe covers "River".
2004: The Beginning of Survival and Dreamland Compilation Releases
In 2004, Joni Mitchell released two themed compilations: 'The Beginning of Survival' and 'Dreamland'.
2004: Honorary Doctorate from McGill University
In 2004, she received an honorary doctorate in music from McGill University.
2005: Oral Tradition for Autobiography
In 2005, Joni Mitchell mentioned she was using a tape recorder to record her memories for her autobiography.
2005: Songs of a Prairie Girl Release and Saskatchewan Centennial Concert
In 2005, Joni Mitchell released 'Songs of a Prairie Girl', a compilation reflecting her Canadian upbringing, coinciding with her attendance at the Saskatchewan Centennial concert attended by Queen Elizabeth II.
October 2006: New Album Recording Announced
In October 2006, Joni Mitchell revealed she was recording her first collection of new songs in nearly a decade.
2006: Sarah McLachlan Covers "River"
In 2006, Sarah McLachlan covers "River".
January 2007: Inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame
In January 2007, Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
February 2007: Advisor for Alberta Ballet Company Premiere
In February 2007, Joni Mitchell returned to Calgary and served as an advisor for the Alberta Ballet Company premiere of "The Fiddle and the Drum".
September 25, 2007: Herbie Hancock Tribute Album Release
On September 25, 2007, Herbie Hancock, released 'River: The Joni Letters', a tribute album to Joni Mitchell, featuring various artists and a vocal contribution from Mitchell herself.
September 25, 2007: Shine Album Release
On September 25, 2007, Joni Mitchell's album 'Shine' was released by Starbucks' Hear Music label, achieving her highest chart position in the US since 1976.
2007: Tribute Album Release
In 2007, A Tribute to Joni Mitchell was released by Nonesuch Records, featuring various artists covering her songs.
2007: Re-release of Big Yellow Taxi
In 2007, Joni Mitchell released another version of "Big Yellow Taxi", the original version of the song appeared on the live album "Miles of Aisles".
2007: Last Album of Original Songs
In 2007, Joni Mitchell released her 19th and last album of original songs.
2007: Nena Covers "Big Yellow Taxi"
In 2007, Nena released a version of "Big Yellow Taxi".
2009: Diagnosis of Morgellons and Potential Retirement
In 2009, Joni Mitchell stated she had Morgellons and that she would leave the music industry to work toward giving more credibility to people who suffer from Morgellons.
2009: Nick Vernier Band Release a 40th anniversary of Woodstock
In 2009, Nick Vernier Band released a 40th anniversary of Woodstock.
February 12, 2010: "Both Sides, Now" Performance at 2010 Winter Olympics
On February 12, 2010, Joni Mitchell's song "Both Sides, Now" was performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver.
2011: Focus on Visual Art
Since 2011, Joni Mitchell has focused mainly on her visual art, which she displays only on rare occasions.
2013: "River" Becomes Second-Most Covered Song
By 2013, "River" became the second-most covered song in Mitchell's repertoire, especially for holiday albums.
2017: "Joni Jams" Begin
In 2017, inspired by Eric Andersen's visit, Joni Mitchell began hosting monthly music sessions at her home in Laurel Canyon, known as "Joni Jams," which Brandi Carlile helped organize, attracting famous musicians.
September 2018: Both Sides Now: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 Documentary Release
In September 2018, Eagle Rock Entertainment released 'Both Sides Now: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970', a documentary featuring restored footage and interviews with Joni Mitchell.
November 2, 2018: Love Has Many Faces Vinyl Reissue
On November 2, 2018, Joni Mitchell released an 8-LP vinyl reissue of 'Love Has Many Faces: A Quartet, A Ballet, Waiting to Be Danced'.
November 2018: Joni: The Joni Mitchell Sessions Photo Book Release
In November 2018, Joni Mitchell approved the release of 'Joni: The Joni Mitchell Sessions', a book of photos taken by Norman Seeff.
October 22, 2019: Morning Glory on the Vine Publication
On October 22, 2019, Joni Mitchell's 'Morning Glory on the Vine', a collection of lyrics, poetry, and artwork, was published in an expanded edition.
September 2020: Joni Mitchell Archives Project Announced
In September 2020, it was announced that Joni Mitchell and Rhino Records had created the Joni Mitchell Archives, a series of catalogue releases.
October 30, 2020: Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 1 Release
On October 30, 2020, 'Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967)' was released.
July 2, 2021: The Reprise Albums (1968–1971) Release
On July 2, 2021, a remastered collection of Joni Mitchell's first four albums (Song to a Seagull, Clouds, Ladies of the Canyon and Blue) was released as The Reprise Albums (1968–1971).
January 28, 2022: Spotify Song Removal
On January 28, 2022, Joni Mitchell demanded that Spotify remove her songs in solidarity with Neil Young, who protested against COVID-19 misinformation.
June 2022: Return to Live Performance
In June 2022, Joni Mitchell returned to live performance with an unannounced show at the Newport Folk Festival.
July 2022: Return to Live Performance
In July 2022, Joni Mitchell made a triumphant return to live performance at the Newport Festival with Brandi Carlile, marking her first public performance in nine years, following her aneurysm in 2015.
July 24, 2022: Newport Folk Festival Appearance
On July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell made an unannounced appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, marking her return to the stage since her performance there in 1967. She joined Brandi Carlile and Friends, contributing to a 13-song set and playing electric guitar.
October 19, 2022: "Joni Jam 2" Concert Announcement
On October 19, 2022, Brandi Carlile announced that Joni Mitchell would perform a headline concert, "Joni Jam 2", at the Gorge Amphitheatre on June 10, 2023.
June 10, 2023: Headline Concert at Gorge Amphitheatre
On June 10, 2023, Joni Mitchell performed a nearly three-hour set at the Gorge Amphitheatre, marking her first headline concert in 23 years since 2000.
2023: Headlining Show
In 2023, Joni Mitchell made several appearances, including a headlining show.
2023: Gershwin Prize Awarded
In 2023, Joni Mitchell was awarded the Gershwin Prize for her contributions to popular music, celebrated with a concert on March 2 in Washington, D.C.
2023: Live Album Release
In 2023, the Newport set from Joni Mitchell's performance was released as a live album.
February 4, 2024: Grammy Awards Performance
On February 4, 2024, Joni Mitchell performed for the first time at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
March 22, 2024: Return to Spotify
On March 22, 2024, Joni Mitchell restored her music to Spotify, ending her protest over the platform's hosting of The Joe Rogan Experience, following Neil Young's similar decision.
October 20, 2024: Hollywood Bowl Concert Dates
Further Joni Jam concert dates were announced for Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, 2024, at the 18,000 capacity Hollywood Bowl, where Mitchell performed three-hour sets with various supporting musicians.
2024: Grammy for Best Folk Album
In 2024, Joni Mitchell received a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album, her most recent Grammy.
2024: Grammy Award for Best Folk Album
In 2024, the live album from the Newport set won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album, adding to Joni Mitchell's accolades.