Joni Mitchell Archives

In a rare interview, Joni Mitchell sat down with Elton John on the latest episode of his Apple Music show Rocket Hour to discuss her storied career and surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in July, which she wants to turn into a live album. It was Mitchell's first full live stage appearance since 2002, after she took a pause from music due to health issues stemming from a brain aneurysm in 2015. Mitchell said she didn't rehearse ahead of that surprise set, where she was joined by Brandi Carlile, Blake Mills, Taylor Goldsmith, Lucius, Wynonna Judd, and Marcus Mumford. "It was very well received, much to my delight," she said of the performance, adding, "we're trying to put out." John also floated the idea that Mitchell should record new music at her home. "One day I want you to sit in this room, like we're doing now, but with some recording equipment, I want you to make an album in this room. Like Johnny Cash did with ‘Hurt' ... I've been to a lot of places in my life, but this room is one of the most special rooms I've ever been to in my whole life," John said. In response, Mitchell told the host that "we did some background vocals up in the balcony once. That's the only time we've recorded in this room." The pair also discussed Mitchell's passionate feelings on war and the environment, her love for Chuck Berry, and her kinship with Carlile, who has been instrumental in Mitchell's return to the stage, first at the MusiCares’ Person of the Year tribute to Mitchell on April 1 and then at Newport. The two artists will team up again in June 2023 for a two-night concert event dubbed Echoes Through the Canyon, to be held at Washington's Gorge Amphitheatre. Hear John's complete Rocket Hour interview with Mitchell here.

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell Reveals New Live Album Plans in Elton John Interview

Joni Mitchell Joining Brandi Carlile for June 2023 Concerts in Washington

Bandsplain is Back with Road Trip-Worthy Music and Talk

Brandi Carlile to Release ‘Laurel Canyon-Inspired’ Re-Record of Latest Album

Joni Mitchell Makes Rare Concert Appearance at Newport Folk Festival

The 50 Best Albums of 1972

Joe Rogan on Spotify Disclaimer on Podcasts: ‘I’m Very Happy With That’

Joni Mitchell Removes Her Music From Spotify in ‘Solidarity’ With Neil Young

5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: David Crosby

The 50 Best Live Albums of the 1970s

Watch Brandi Carlile Cover Joni Mitchell’s ‘A Case Of You’

Joni Mitchell and Me

The 50 Best Albums of 1971

Joni Mitchell Launches Archives Series, Shares Acoustic Version of ‘House of the Rising Sun’

Brandi Carlile Announces Performance of Joni Mitchell’s Blue

Joni Mitchell to Reissue Book of Paintings and Handwritten Lyrics

Joni Mitchell Announces Tribute Concert to Celebrate Her 75th Birthday

Saskatoon Names Promenade After Joni Mitchell

Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, & Janis Joplin’s Chelsea Hotel Doors Sold At Auction

Jukebox Jury: Esperanza Spalding on Writing an Opera and Doris Day’s Street Cred

Joni Mitchell Eschews the Spotlight in 1986 Interview

Update: Rep Says Joni Mitchell Is ‘Alert’ and ‘Has Her Full Senses’ in Hospital

Joni Mitchell Hospitalized in L.A. After Being Found Unconscious

IMPACT

The Toll of Living Life by the Drop: Margo Price Tells Her Truth

Capricorn Records: The Rise and Drug-Addled Fall of the Label That Launched Southern Rock

Taking On AC/DC Taught Me Why Most Music Biographies Suck

Show up and Ask for Help (And Maybe Legends Will Deliver), Says Sober Documentary Maker Michelle Esrick

more from spin

Vic Mensa Teams With Thundercat on ‘Strawberry Louis Vuitton’

The Top 10 Nirvana Cover Songs, According to Seether’s Shaun Morgan

5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Get New Music, News, Reviews, And More Delivered Right To Your Inbox.