Imagine the awe-inspiring scenario of crafting a song at 23 and then, decades later gracing the Grammy Awards stage at 80 to sing it again. It is amazing, right?
Over 5 decades after Joni Mitchell won her first Grammy, the legendary singer-songwriter made her debut performance at the ceremony.
The event, held on February 4, 2024, in Los Angeles, featured an opening introduction by Mitchell’s friend and frequent collaborator, Brandi Carlile. He called Mitchell “one of the most influential and emotionally generous creators in human history.”
Mitchell then took the stage, delivering a soul-stirring rendition of “Both Sides Now,” accompanied by a talented ensemble including Carlile, Russell, Blake Mills, Lucius, Jacob Collier, and Sista Strings.
“Whether we know it or not any one of us out here who ever dreamed of becoming a truly self-revealing singer-songwriter did it standing on the shoulders of one, Joni Mitchell,” Carlile said. “She redefined the very purpose of a song to reflect the contents of a person’s soul and before she took this leap, the popular song was observational.”
The duo’s performance of Mitchell’s 1968 hit “Both Sides Now” earned a standing ovation from the audience. Watch the video of the moving performance below:
The song, released from her second album “Clouds,” had previously won Mitchell the Best Folk Performance award in 1969.
Since the video was shared on social media, it got much attention. Numerous compliments are filled in the comment session, applauding an emotional performance and honoring what Joni Mitchell contributed.
One YouTube viewer commented, “The most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. It ages like wine — just like Joni Mitchell. So emotional, sensual, sad yet hopeful. The more experience in life, the better understanding what this song is all about.”
Another added, “I saw this performance when I watched the live Grammys on February 4th, and it brought tears to my eyes. I have to say it may be the most beautiful performance I’ve ever heard and seen in my life.”