Joni Mitchell’s Scandalous Past

Life is tough, but Joni Mitchell is tougher. Mitchell has been through heartbreaks, tragedies, and feuds that would’ve broken anyone else. Instead, they drove and inspired her to create music that stands the test of time.

[Factinate]

Calling all Joni fans! Share your love in the comments below! 👇

[Thestupot]

I am 70 years old and have been a fan of Joni all my life. Listening to Blue still brings me to tears every time I hear it. She is very special.

[Pearlruby]

What I learned the most from Joni's life is how much I appreciate my own life. Everyone has their own life's path. You can only be you.

[JE-]

I really don't know where to start with this artist. I have been listening to her for 50 years now and I hear something new every time. Her voice -- moving from the angelic, groovy of the '60's, to the folk-rock, rock and then deep-throated jazz of the late '70's -- is just mesmerizing. She has a tone and quality that is incomparable. She has a vibrato that has an ethereal quality about it. Then there is her guitar playing. I'm a jazz guitar guy. But Joni has had a big influence on my playing. Her voicings (she apparently has over 50 alternate tunings) are incredibly unique. Then there is her songwriting. Her ability to weave lyrics and melody are groundbreaking in every genre that she has pursued. If she had done nothing more than write the lyrics she would have been a genius. Take the lyrics to any song -- Woodstock, A Case of You, Amelia -- any song at all, and read it aloud. It's Shakespearian. How she has not been awarded a Nobel or Pulitzer for literature is baffling.! She should have received the Nobel AND a Pulitzer and any other award for creative genius in the arts that exist. So, so very unique, out of nowhere(Saskatoon) and into international prominence before her 25th birthday.My favorite songwriter/singer/musician of all time. Most special lady of all times. 🎼🎵🎶 ❣💜

[cindylewis]

Don’t normally watch these. A person’s personal life should stay that way. I found an independent girl fighting polio, a teen finding herself as we all did. Her talent gave her a way to make a living and we all make mistakes when it comes to love. Giving up her daughter must have been difficult but she did the right thing. Women of that time found it extremely difficult for make a living. We all live life the best we can. She is an amazing vocalist songwriter and beautiful woman. She lived life on her own terms. Not many can say that.

[lisagrlm.]

I'm 53 yrs old and grew up listening to Joni through my parents starting in the 70's.❤❤

[Carriedawayncaffinated]

I worshipped her growing up..her songs ..through every teenage angst.. metaphorically .. poetically..defined my entire adolescent life..and now at 62..i play her songs now and then..and they still hold up..and surpass most today..some new songstress is always touted as, "the NEW Joni Mitchell...and not one...in all the years since..has measured up.. Joni is a genuis..a rarity that comes along only once in a lifetime..

[Larry-gobg]

One of the greatest artists of our time what she gave us with her music fuelled by the trials and tribulations of her life is mindblowing as it made her write and compose some of the greatest songs in the history of music God bless her.

[DesperateForSanity]

This lady has a mystical quality about her persona and her music that people connect to on a spiritual level. If I hear one of her songs in a shop as I'm leaving, I go back into the store and mill around until it ends; it's weird, but it's like an invisible thread is pulling me toward the music. Seeing this piece connected a few of the dots for why I've always felt such a strong personal connection to her. Genius has its price.

[chloescarf]

taught myself to sing at 17, sitting on the floor with my ear to the speaker, and ear train myself by learning every inflection note for note. She's shaped so many of us. other than Ella Fitzgerald I can't quite think of a 'female singer' who male musicians were more openly awed by.

[MaryGaleno]

You will always be loved Joni! Everyone has their own story. Thank you for what you've given me! Love and Peace, Mary

[docdurdin]

Creative people aren't happy unless they are creating drama that fuels passion, for bad or good, it doesn't matter. The human experience. That she lived through it and survived is her most shining accomplishment. The music and art are her gift to those who share the same joy or misery. No beer or wine is needed, let the tears flow.

[lyndabrushia]

Had never heard about Kelly before but had always felt the song "Little Green" was about something like this. Joni's music & lyrics have touched me more than anything ever & probably always will.

[abrahamulagay]

I couldn’t see anything scandalous but a lovely documentary with beautiful photos, thank you so much for sharing it 🌿🕊️

[CarolLustgarten]

A very talented singer and songwriter who experienced alot of loss betrayal disappointment and sadness. Also a bit self destructive by smoking 🚬 so much. And getting into dysfunctional relationships. But she was able to express it through her music 🎶. A truly amazing talent. Love her music. Love the song river. Love the album blue and so many others. 😊

[davidmayhew]

Oh leave her alone! She suffered greatly for this and we should support her and all women who find themselves in such a situation. Men leave women to raise their babies all the time and nobody cares. The double standard always indicts women. Mitchell has given so much to so many people. God bless her and her child.

[duelenigma]

She's a great artist . She had a family who did not give her support . She saved herself from polio and much else without the benefit of a good balanced family . One learns to look after themselves and not put up with BS from the manipulating people around .when you've had to fend for yourself from the beginning . She is a survivor and gave us some great entertainment . Many thanks Joni :)

[chris]

I'll give this guy one thing for sure: "a match made in convenience" is a helluva good line. Hemingway's ghost might have been hovering around when he wrote that line.

[ApothecaryGrant]

I never bought the idea that Joni Mitchell was some sort of winsome ethereal faerie … she always struck me as fierce .

[MsTdougherty]

I love Joni. I am 70 years and I’ve been a fan of hers since 1969 when I was 15.