Joni Mitchell Talks ‘Blue’, “Both Sides Now”, & Newport Folk Festival with Elton John | Apple Music

In this special episode of Rocket Hour, Elton John sits down with legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell for a rare and personal interview.

The two reminisce on the stories behind some of Joni's classic tracks, as well as some of the personal favorites she's selected from other artists.

Joni reflects on the music and the stories behind each song. She also touches on her experience performing at the Newport Folk Festival with Brandi Carlile, how the music industry has evolved, and her evolution as an artist, and her vocal shift from a soprano to an alto.

00:00 - Intro
00:53 - "Carey"
5:32 - "Amelia"
7:36 - "Charleston Alley" by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross
9:39 - "Sex Kills"
11:28 - Newport Folk Festival
13:14 - "Both Sides Now"
16:06 - "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
17:07 - 'Shine'
19:33 - "Les Trois Cloches" by Edith Piaf
22:30 - "A Case of You"

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[superdougie]

Elton you have no idea how important this interview is for historical reasons with this lovely well spoken gem of an artist. I can not thank you Elton enough for this.

[lars]

Kudos to Elton for showing Joni respect she deserves. These two people are really great people with enormous talent.

[jefferyrowley]

"both Sides Now" is probably one of the best songs written in the 20th Century. Joni Michell is also a national treasure.

[krtvlfu]

Joni Mitchell has inspired an entire generation of female singer/songwriters, myself included. I paid tribute to Joni in 1982 by recording a song she wrote called "You Turn Me On (I'm A Radio), " which was a huge hit for me on the Billboard country charts. I'm so pleased that Brandy Carlile has picked up the baton and is carrying it forward. We love you, Joni.

[cp]

There's a childlike resurgence in Joni today that warms the heart so. You can see that she's come full circle in life, and it's a joy to witness.
We love you so much, Joni. Thank you for so many beautiful touchstones.

[suchisthismystery]

Joni, the singer, the composer, the poet, the storyteller, the lyricist, the psychologist, the musician, the arranger, the producer, the painter, the artist, the GREATEST of the greats bar none ❤

[GEORGEARNARE]

Joni Mitchell is the G.O.A.T. That's all. She's taken the art form of lyric writing and chords to new levels of emotional language. She makes you 'think' as she questions life itself. We need the reminder right? The world has become embroiled in blotting out these deeper questions and lives only for perceived immediate pleasure. Joni dug deep and continues to. She sure was a humbling discovery to my own music. At first she left me feeling hopeless, like what's the point even trying? Then I figured we all have our stories and perspectives so we are all valuable musical co creators. My entry into Joni's world was her album The Hissing Of Summer Lawns- the lyrics floored me, made my head spin. Brilliant. This was Prince's favourite Joni album, he said this album made him want to be a songwriter.

[edithlazenby]

Thank God she is finally getting the Honors she so richly deserves....she is the Ultimate Artist!! ♥️🎶

[agarbo]

Elton John is so humble and so intoxicated with music, it was really sweet to watch

[michaelglennwilliams]

Love Elton's take on Joni's "new voice" She has reinvented herself for 6 decades. Life lesson for us all!

[ExtremeRecluse]

Nobody sounds like her. Her songs are calisthenics for the voice. She does it effortlessly. She never grabbed the spotlight. Her talent speaks for itself.

[joeschmoe]

Happy tears for Joni. Her sheer will to overcome when nature tries to take her down is something to behold.

[Bevoe]

She is without a doubt a modern day Renaissance woman & one of the greatest singer/songwriter/musicians of all time. Love you, Joni and thank you.

[aprilsimandl]

I'm 68 and was first enthralled with Joni at 14, listening to her album Clouds. So many of her songs bring tears to my eyes, both happy and sad. No other musician captures my emotions so well. I'm So glad she has come through her medical challenges and is still full of spirit. Thank you Elton for a wonderful interview. I feel the same as you.

[RXbee]

Love how Joni laughs when Elton gushes but doesn't, like sooo many people (especially women), feel the need (or requirement) to compliment Elton back. Then again, Joni is jnlike any other person. She is the epitome of *unique.* ❤️

[lazlomattachine]

Hissing of Summer Lawns is just a masterpiece. That record blew my mind when I first heard it many years ago and I continue to find new things in it every time I listen. Beautiful, confronting and wonderful.

[bicycle]

How can you not love Elton?? He is such a source of joy in a weary world! And Joni is Joni. We are blessed with all she has done and who she is.

[wildrosecece]

Her memory is remarkable for detail. That’s why she’s such a good lyricist.

[jtfdan]

Such beautiful souls....people who made music in the 60s and 70s just seem to be in a class of their legends.

[anonymouskat]

No words can adequately describe how important Joni's music is to me. I turn 70 this year and Blue is absolutely my favorite album.