Joni Mitchell and friends perform Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" | The Gershwin Prize | PBS

Official website: to.pbs.org/41eoAAr | #GershwinPrizePBS
Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile and Sista Strings interpret Elton John's classic song "I'm Still Standing" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024.
"I'm Still Standing", with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin, was released as a single on Elton John's 1983 studio album Too Low for Zero.
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#GershwinPrize #EltonJohn #JoniMitchell #livemusic
About the Gershwin Prize:
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in the field of popular song. It was established in 2007 to recognize and honor the artists whose creative works, both printed and recorded, are collected, preserved, made accessible, and valued by the nation’s library. It acknowledges the preeminent place of popular song in modern society and its vital role in expressing and deepening the personal and shared values of our time.
Gershwin Honorees are selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with music specialists within the Library, former Gershwin Prize Honorees, and eminent outside experts in the field, including scholars, publishers, producers, composers and performers.

[@naomiarram5187]

You know someone is a legend when Annie Lennox happily sings backup for her!!

[@waynedexter]

Do we really have to make this about Annie Lenox? No disrespect to her but when did she become a barometer for determining who’s legendary? Especially when you consider that Joni has been legendary for at least 50 years now. Which is before Lenox’s singing career even started

[@nealhall5997]

I know. Bgs for Annie. But it might have been the only time they saNG together.

[@robertwebb3546]

@nealhall5997 Mitchell selected Annie Lennox as one of the performers when Mitchell was honored with her own Gershwin Prize. They’re friends.

[@uesr-sz7xv5qy7x]

@@robertwebb3546it’s wild how many supposed Joni fans seem to live off of hating the women next to her. It’s like no other woman is allowed to near her without being put down.

[@mattoneill1272]

@@waynedexter breathe

[@87mini]

Joni swings this song to the moon! After all of her challenges, she doesn't try to reproduce the Joni of old; she takes what she has and paints a beautiful sonic picture using the amazing pallet of what she has now. I will be watching this many times in the coming months - Thank you Joni and PBS for posting this clip!

[@nealhall5997]

I think it's the best we've seen her since her recovery.

[@j.c7719]

She really made the lyric shine. It’s so great when she sings “a bumpy little detour there”. I love her older voice, it’s so rich.

[@owenlichtenberg7932]

absolutely, her 2000 version of Both Sides Now is without doubt my favourite, most profound vocal performance ever. A woman who has lived life and reflects in the most incredible way.

[@richierich291266]

The verses aren't the original lyrics. The lyrics to the verses have been rewritten for this performance (perhaps by Joni heself!) And they're amazing!

[@wolfgangluef5102]

i hear: "you were just a bumpy little detour, Dear."

[@j.c7719]

@@wolfgangluef5102 “There” is a better lyric and relates to the previous line, I’m pretty sure it’s “there” she just sings it with an inflection.

[@wolfgangluef5102]

@@j.c7719 guess we will never know, but "dear" not only relates to the previous line (even better than "there" imo), it also rhymes with "clear", which "there" clearly does not. Agree? But again: There is no telling.

[@evascharfe1892]

When Joni sings Elton John is almost giddy watching her so intently. Joy!!!

[@brentpatterson5715]

80 years old and belts out one of the best covers I've ever heard (of any song ever)

[@twohandsandaradio]

Your bar is set pretty low isn't it. Horrible.

[@mareshields9]

It's not a cover..she rewrote it with her own lyrics..these aren't Eltons

[@joclermont]

@@twohandsandaradio Guess not every human is equipped with a soul. Maybe that's why you like working on machines?

[@jukkakaitala4635]

@@mareshields9Makes it so unique and just beyond any artist. Brilliant!

[@walterevans2118]

@@mareshields9Bernie wrote the original lyrics not Elton. What I don’t understand is why they both gave Joni permission to re write these lyrics…The Candle in the Wind rewritten lyrics for DIANAS funeral in 1997 (Goodbye English Rose) moved me to tears but this re write seems by contrast malicious rather than beautiful…I just can’t understand this.😕😔 What is happening here ? And why ?

[@CarterParker3D]

Honestly, I’ve heard this song many hundreds of times including at least ten by Elton in person, but I NEVER truly heard the lyrics until Joni reshaped it!!! WOW!

[@gabrieleschulze7627]

That is exactly why I would call her a Jazzz singer - among other qualities she has ❤

[@richierich291266]

The verses aren't the original lyrics. The lyrics to the verses have been rewritten for this performance (perhaps by Joni heself!) And they're amazing!

[@xelamercedes]

Exactly! I love Elton but this was not one of my favorites. I had no idea the depth of meaning. Joni lit this song up for me.

[@wakygee]

Any time I see JM singing anything lately I just cry, because her legendary talent shines through

[@michael5089]

I'm crying now!❤

[@cactustree505]

It's like Elton wrote a theme song for Joni - overcoming Polio and a brain aneurysm she could be singing it to the fates.

[@walterevans2118]

yes

[@tomryan4968]

Credit to Bernie Taupin.

[@assafnaor5752]

Bernie wrote the lyrics Elton the music.Hats off to Bernie.

[@lavoca12]

Joni twisted the lyrics heavily. Hence the better fit to her person. 🎉

[@lynnehrgott3091]

​@@lavoca12Elton & Bernie Approved!

[@bbass8748]

I love Elton John and Bernie Taupin, but this was never a favorite song until I listened Joni Mitchell sing it. Now I love it. I can't get this tune out of my head! The lyrics are so fun, I'm still standin, better than I ever did, lookin like a true survivor, feelin like a little kid!

[@murfdog19]

This woman has remained cool for 60 years!

[@arcana_mystery]

Get Joni in the studio to do this song justice! Her take on it is brilliant. She needs it.❤

[@hummingbirdcity]

Joni was legendary in youth, but her elder tone is absolutely divine.

[@judy4688]

When she let out a laugh during the song, I almost cried. She's still the fun loving, live in the moment young girl at heart.

[@murfdog19]

Joni Mitchell's voice used to soar up and down multiple octaves with ease, but she sounds just as fantastic singing jazz.

[@Ziadha]

How?! Just how?! She infused soooo much jazz and a cool vibe into this rock song!! Only JM can be so cool

[@mynameisnoonesbusiness4488]

What a glorious rendition. Elton is rapt and then so beside himself at moments! What a compliment. Elton and Joni, 4 ever.

[@tomreese2285]

That was EVERYTHING!! Another Joni masterclass!!

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

I never really heard the lyrics to this song until Joni LIVED it. Love her sarcasm and the way Eltons legendary bandmembers play in a " louche" kind of way that is Not their norm, to suit Jonis ACE interpretation. Not surprised Elton and David and Bernie LOVE it. So do I. Ms Carlyle does a great job subtly leading the band and singers to suit/support Joni - even a force of nature like Annie Lennox is staying " in the pocket".

[@richierich291266]

The verses aren't the original lyrics. The lyrics to the verses have been rewritten for this performance (perhaps by Joni heself!) And they're amazing!

[@PDogB]

Standing and still having fun with many joyous people in her life. Thanks for this clip.

[@mshedg]

Great arrangement. Blake Mills is a phenomenal guitar player.

[@badef5387]

Really great 👍

[@PJChgo1]

He also played (and perhaps arranged) her magnificent performance of Both Sides Now at this year's Grammys.

[@dubasciver3234]

Agreed. The arrangement was incredible.

[@giovannaceroni6116]

Joni is truly magical! Her voice and posture add so much to the original version that it almost feels like a totally new song. Thank you

[@selvamthiagarajan8152]

What a tribute to sir Elton John and testament to her own legacy

[@kmanyrivers]

Speechless in the face of such greatness.

[@florasonners1635]

She's belting it out with all her heart so the world can hear! She's still standing!

[@yogainjoy5843]

MEGA. Elton ist total gerührt. Ich auch.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Joni Mitchell has a sense of humour

[@charlieaugustus4742]

We've waited years for someone to remake spectacular performance

[@melaus6150]

I cannot get enough of this....listening again and again.....and still standing

[@malexder0082]

Bernie Taupin. The guy is one of the greatest ever.

[@bluecurlygirl]

I've watched this several times and it brings tears to my eyes each time. Joni is just awesome. She always was and she still is and to think what she has gone through. This song couldn't be more appropriate for her. Wonderful.

[@walterevans2118]

Yes

[@SpecialSP]

I'm gonna watch this repeatedly ALL day long …

[@fifermcgee5971]

Me too, honey you are not alone on this one.

[@SpecialSP]

@@fifermcgee5971 I did, until 3am!

[@collinnc2001]

Me too!

[@mareshields9]

This is not the song Elton sang written by Bernie Taupin..Joni rewrote it so these are largely her own rewritten lyrics

[@SpecialSP]

@@mareshields9 Thanks for the info.

[@nealhall5997]

Elton & Bernie Taupin's focus is on Joni Mitchell's changed lyrics (and cadance - Joni is one beat behind sometimes, on purpose, making it jazz).

[@allnutritionalyeast]

you can tell around 1:00 when she gets to the chorus and Elton realizes

[@JunieB214]

It's called singing in the pocket 😊

[@swatantrayoga9634]

Hi 😊

[@richierich291266]

The changed lyrics are amazing. And they appear - quite understandably - to have somewhat blown Elton and Bernie's minds!

[@JunieB214]

@@richierich291266 they really are. I'm going to be covering this now!

[@josecosta2008]

Today I’m celebrating 50 years of freedom in my country, my heart is full of joy, but after heard Joni singing this version I feel it’s overflowing now.

[@grinsko6741]

Congratulations! Which country, sir?

[@josecosta2008]

@@grinsko6741Portugal

[@josecosta2008]

@@grinsko6741Portugal

[@josecosta2008]

@@grinsko6741Portugal

[@gabrieleschulze7627]

I have always loved Joni Mitchell since my teens in the 1970. This is a great rendition showing that she is a Jazz singer in the best sense 😊

[@scrubadubdub8360]

You can still just hear the power behind here voice, notes just still so clear. What a joy shes still going.

[@genesclean1]

Loved seeing Elton singing along cheering Joni on.

[@Captains2012]

She’s still incredible. Her own unique vibe

[@vec875]

First time this song made me tear up

[@Drk-oz8tn]

Freshly touched and performed with a bit of a reggae beat, some new words, fabulous friends, mostly, purely, exquisitely, JONI!!! ❤❤❤

[@mynameisnoonesbusiness4488]

I know, reggaes… plus bluegrass? And Swing! So great.

[@Melissa-tw2gp]

She still has such amazing sense of rhythm!! Makes me want to jump around, she brought even more glee to this song.

[@Disturbednum1fan]

I love how politley Brandi helps Joni keep the tempo and time when she slows a bit. Joni is a legend and im so glad shes singing at 80

[@PiazzaGurl]

I love the vibe she gives. Love Joni. Bless her and overcoming illnesses.

[@MariaTurnbull]

Love the song. It’s so lovely. Also have you noticed the E clip on her beret? That’s an Elton E.

[@albr113]

I’m so glad to see Joni I love that woman she is prolific

[@user-gz2bn3nc1p]

Joni, still standing and singing despite so much ill health!

[@rundoetx]

Thank you, Bernie, Elton, and especially Jonie. Love you all.

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

Simply wonderful❤

[@darenshinnick2043]

There are simply no words 😭 ❤️.

[@gaberoyalll]

no need for walkers still standing and still singing wow !! such incredible voices

[@ELal-rd1bk]

She’s even better than she was before. Is that possible !!!! Yeah Yeah Yeah it is. EVEN BETTER ! Love you Joni !!! Love this version and Love Elton and Bernie ❤❤❤❤ Joni you’re the best !!!!

[@paulhoughton5164]

Sublime. I’m listening to this as no great Elton fan but marvelling at this song in her hands . It could almost have been written by her. She is beyond brilliant

[@mareshields9]

Those aren't the lyrics of Eltons song..she rewrote it.. its better now than his original with Bernie

[@walterevans2118]

@@mareshields9 'Im still standing' part is MAGNIFICENT . but the details in both the old & the new lyrics are totally unforgiving.

[@Smackwater587]

Legends!!!!! Joni rocks!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Nylgk]

Joni is spectacular with a song that seems tailor made for her. Bravo!👍🏼

[@creativeartist83]

Wow Absolute legend honoring another 👏 🙌 lovely version ❤

[@brianmillerthomas]

So far...this is the best performance of the night

[@JunieB214]

💯

[@fredricgrethel1717]

We love you Joni!!!

[@trevorray6212]

lol. that was such a change up. we see you still standing Joni!!! How about Annie Lennox being your backup singer!

[@joemug4079]

Goodness! When is this going to be a single!

[@yasseford]

My favorite voice of any human.

[@kassiapencek6185]

True master of her craft! Wove fabrics of time to make a New hit out of an oldie🙌💙💙💙🫶

[@wernerrohr7259]

Oh my she was always my musical love ever. Love you Joni...

[@petermatthews6819]

Wow what a great version 👏 👌

[@MrQuebec11]

Love it!

[@flowergrower1247]

Way to go, Joni! You're still standing and you still sound great!

[@johnhawkins4890]

First verse is completely new - did she write it for Elton? Brilliant

[@mareshields9]

She rewrote the whole song and made it better than the one Elton sang

[@johnhawkins4890]

@@mareshields9 Still got it. Love the line "You were just a bumpy little detour dear"

[@walterevans2118]

@@mareshields9 The 'Im Still Standing' part is Magnificent. But I never liked the detailed lyrics of the original because they are too much unforgiving aggression even if cathartic to the person.

[@enta2]

@@mareshields9 I don't understand why there are talent show fan evil people, whose only goal is to humiliate the author and glorify the performer or a cover macker. John's version is perfect, but Elton's version is also perfect. She didn't rewrite the whole song. She sang the melody in a slow tempo like a ballad. And you can compare the original lyrics here: You could never know what it's like Your blood, like winter, freezes just like ice And there's a cold, lonely light that shines from you You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use And did you think this fool could never win? Well look at me, I'm a-comin' back again I got a taste of love in a simple way And if you need to know while I'm still standin' You just fade away Don't you know I'm still standin' better than I ever did? Lookin' like a true survivor, feelin' like a little kid And I'm still standin' after all this time Pickin' up the pieces of my life without you on my mind I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah) Once, I never coulda hoped to win You're startin' down the road, leavin' me again The threats you made were meant to cut me down And if our love was just a circus, you'd be a clown by now You know I'm still standin' better than I ever did Lookin' like a true survivor, feelin' like a little kid And I'm still standin' after all this time Pickin' up the pieces of my life without you on my mind I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah) Don't you know that I'm still standin' better than I ever did? Lookin' like a true survivor, feelin' like a little kid And I'm still standin' after all this time Pickin' up the pieces of my life without you on my mind I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah) I'm still standin' (Yeah, yeah, yeah)

[@karinezuccolancarvas4576]

This is so beautiful

[@Anne-tp7ny]

Love you Joni!

[@anitacoffey]

Wow! Amazing rendition.

[@crazylady8702]

I love this

[@HelHathNoFury1111]

Absolutely fabulous❣️

[@mermaidofaloha]

I LOVE these lyrics Joni. Thank you. ❤️

[@PJChgo1]

The fact that Joni is, in fact, still standing.....is a beautiful thing. The richness of her whole life, and her amazing recovery, just adds so much to this performance.

[@kendylhoudyshell1399]

Amazing ❤

[@monpetitgraindesel6192]

🥀Qu’est-ce que c’est CHOUETTE❣️❣️❣️Incroyable Chanteuse…Quelle présence! Superbe voix!♥️♥️♥️

[@missme6727]

Yes, LOVE

[@wolfbecker5977]

with a cane, but still standing!

[@a27garbo]

How precious was this ❣

[@mermaidofaloha]

I LOVE this SO much. I've watched it so many times! Thank you ❤️

[@jokopancha]

Te amo Joni Mitchell. Gracias!

[@tropicalpancake56]

Just wonderful!

[@jeffreywinsor350]

Magical! How about that Blake Mills on guitar!!!

[@lehmanxo]

This is so hot. Lennox. Carlisle. Joni. Her note choices are perfect, so smoky and cool ❤

[@amusicment4829]

Ha! Very cool and swinging!

[@lynnnoonan628]

Loved it. Tonight and company looked so cool.

[@cathyjensen3964]

please record a new record Joni - you've haven't sung your best yet!

[@damienlynch7428]

Just wow

[@sosoc2616]

WHAT A TREAT !!! 😍

[@questioneverything1682]

Very touching! It became even more of an anthem about overcoming when delivered by Joni. Elton delightedly returned her honoring he and Bernie by waving and pointing to her.

[@pasqualedevitto5569]

Joni❤

[@derekgibbs7271]

Wonderful stuff ❤X

[@sailingsam3815]

Joni is so cool

[@ligiaarias9810]

Wonderful

[@davidatobin]

I am crying ❤❤❤

[@AvrilWatson]

Wow 🤩 no other words needed ❤❤❤

[@danielraymadden]

Bernie great lyrics

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

BRAVO!!✌️♥️☀️

[@Ratseno]

Pure MAGIC!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾

[@abeiji]

How Amazing!

[@TylerSines-ib8nr]

Hoping for some new material from Joni. I love her new voice.

[@Condorman12]

love it !!! my favorite breakup/go......yourself song !!!!!