Joni Mitchell - Born to Take the Highway (1965)

[@slownoman]

oh, my. This is the earliest footage of Joni I've ever seen. It was three years later her first album came out, and I saw her play in Berkeley a few months later. In this film, she looks as if she'd descended from heaven to play amongst mere mortals. I knew she was beautiful, but this is beyond the pale.

[@philgarlic8047]

You have to smile at the dumbstruck look on guy's faces in awe and envy of this gloriously talented beauty ... Joni, we love you and always will, for all the musical enjoyment you've given us... exquisite !

[@37BopCity]

This is one of the reasons why I love KZbin. Where else can you see this wonderful historically important stuff? Wow

[@KaliRea]

37BopCity 2017 gotta agree there 🙏💕💙

[@jimlawton4184]

I literally just said the exact same thing to myself out loud after watching this!

[@barbaraadelman2391]

Hear hear!!

[@dannygraham7885]

Beautiful and Iconic, that's joni mitchell!!!

[@muffcrusher]

One of the most talented artists that Canada has ever produced,so unique and so beautiful,love you Joni

[@scottmatheson2390]

Martin Muffcrusher Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Robbie Robertson just to name our "first tier" of songwriters and up against that level of competition she still manages to hold her own.Personally I love all of these great artists like family but Joni...she's special.

[@MicroWorldLover]

Scott Matheson Yes, she is. After all, how many other women are in Rolling Stone's 100 greatest guitarists of all times list? Last time I checked, she was the only one. And she was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. She has written a ballet. Not with men backing her. On her own. She deserves the utmost respect from us. She had to give up a lot, to get to where she is now. I don't know if it was worth it, because, I also sing. But, I chose to be a wife and mother, and have a job outside of music. I will never be famous, but, I admire her.

[@scottmatheson2390]

MicroWorldLover very well said.

[@MicroWorldLover]

Scott Matheson Thank you, Scott.

[@krollpeter]

She is one of the best songwriters ever, and a not only that, she is also an excellent musician.

[@Ethan96jag]

Wow! Just wow!

[@vexviper]

She was really beautiful.

[@cblse]

She still is.

[@andiejanefisher]

She always had such an amazing gift for song-writing. Her lyrics are so evocative.

[@mhartung8335]

if anyone has ever doubted the presence of angels on earth ; look no further ..........its right before your eyes......

[@frewofstew6304]

And you did "...take the highway...". And we are glad you did!

[@Ferocious_Imbecile]

She sure was beautiful back then. My o my.

[@brandonburrell8517]

It's like you're drinking a young wine, full of life and flavour, with astonishing depth at this stage, which will endlessly age, taking on richness and profundity, growing only more rewarding with each year. Such is the experience of watching an early Joni Mitchell (Anderson) for me. You know what's coming, and because you can view her work retrospectively, you can see that it's all there already. Time will only improve upon the glorious vintage nature has provided. What an awesome artist she is! She has a gift from God. May she honour Him alone with it.

[@PieceofSheet0]

You absolutely nailed it, my friend.

[@brandonburrell8517]

@@PieceofSheet0 Merci beaucoup

[@Freyjapup]

i LOVE THIS YOUNG VOICE OF JONI'S...IT'S SO PURE ....

[@JohnnyCaprise]

Back to the Music. I've never seen such an early Clip. What a beautiful vision this is. She sang just like an Angel... Johnny Caprise

[@GLD-hopeful]

Love the sharing of these performances from long ago!

[@TheRjjrjjr]

Joni was so beautiful! A singular talent who brightens my day. She is a reflection of the best things of my childhood. I thank God he blessed us with her.

[@sisterwendy]

Damn, she was awesome even back then. What an amazing talent.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

The amount of talent on that stage was incredible. One beautiful lady, one beautiful voice.

[@2011zurich]

Excellent, heart-breaking, gorgeous... thank you

[@ew1usnr]

She is so beautiful.

[@rr7firefly]

Stunningly so.

[@davewalsh3885]

Her eyes are hypnotising......

[@mscir]

She was so good! Her intricate guitar harmonies, her voice so melodic and so precise, wow!

[@LHcountryboy1]

All these years as a FAN of Joni Mitchell--I've spent the last 3 hrs gettin' to know Joan (Joni) Anderson----I neeeeeveeer knew!!!! Thanx, Hank---ya've Made my Day!!!! =D

[@jamesalt7433]

Oh, My. I forgot the face of pure talent until now. Thank You

[@yebdox]

What a woman. So complex, so talented, so pure, so adventurous, so beautiful. An amazing package. I'm not sure most of us share the same genetics.... I think she must be from a much more advanced planet somewhere. I'm grateful she wound up here! Thank you, Joni.

[@bigfoot4408]

I've never seen film of her before she became popular in the 70's. God, what an incredibly gorgeous young woman.

[@bobg525]

clothed in greatness .. from her earliest times..thank you Joni.

[@StandUp555]

Just wonderful ... a precious diamond !

[@EliteRock]

Amazing - this was the formulaic 'folk' that almost every other female American singer stuck to for the next decade or more, whereas Joni went and invented her own unique music within a couple of years of this performance.

[@EliteRock]

FFS, I know she's Canadian, but the word "American" means North American - US or Canadian - in the cultural sense as most people use it. What, was I supposed to say "every other female CANADIAN singer"? And that would have made my point clearer, how?

[@johnjarou2357]

i'm american (usa). and i can certainly understand you wanting to distance yourself from us. if i was canadian, i would too.

[@kirkbaddley7439]

Sad but all too true.

[@tmac8892]

+Ann Gibson get oot eh.

[@cbotten106]

Joni wrote these type of songs (you call formulaic folk) so she would have something to sing on the Canadian cafe circuit. She says popular songs that she wanted to sing were all "claimed" (and apparently enforced by some mechanism) by local talent so she started writing songs to have free-and-clear material for singing as a traveling folk singer. She has U.S. citizenship too.

[@Moodymongul]

There is no denying, Joni had a certain 'je ne sais quoi' from the very start. Truly wonderful artistry

[@BobKovacs]

What a line up on this show... Tom & Harry Chapin, Dave Van Ronk and Joni. All excellent talents. I wish there was a show today that highlighted young and growing talents that make actual music. Leave the over-produced dance numbers to the manufactured acts.

[@fosbury68]

Oscar is almost as enchanted as I am. I've got the exact same silly astonished smile on my face. Imagine seeing this performance live.

[@MrsCalabresesTeachingChannel]

Joni is and was SO talented, beautiful! Thanks for sharing this!

[@kittipride]

Joni was beautiful when she was young!

[@jvpyout]

Just to clarify: It's Dave VAN Ronk. It's Oscar Brand (no T at the end). None of the Chapins are Canadian and neither is Dave. But what a WONDERFUL artifact this is! KZbin is awesome and people are generous in sharing through it.

[@spottsue4986]

James Clement van Pelt bh

[@herbertwells8757]

Is it the same Harry Chapin who later got quite a bit of airplay with his “Taxi” song?

[@roundabout130]

@@herbertwells8757 Yes, same Harry Chapin. Check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZXMlHaMoJKNiKs Who knew?

[@marksmail2]

This is absolutely lovely in all ways. Thanks for posting.

[@dumbdumber1885]

i'll be damned yet another well written song, fantastic lyrics i think. this is the 2nd tune from joni i've come across here on utube that i've never heard before and both are so well done. thanks for posting this.

[@seattlepainter]

You could tell at this early time that Joni was going to go on to become a huge star. Anyone with this kind of enormous talent and good looks couldn't be an unknown for very long. Her visual artwork is on the same profound level as her songs.

[@suzannelawson9215]

I do agree with what you wrote but do you think if Joni was what some guys call some girls ("plain Jane's") not attractive at all, that it have been as easy to find success or as easily? It is very hard for women (even with a lot of talent) to get anywhere in certain industries where looks are paramount ( in the entertainment field.)

[@seattlepainter]

@@suzannelawson9215 - You asked a very interesting question. I'm not certain if Joni could have found the same level of success if she were plain or unattractive. I can't think of too many singers (both men and women) who found great success who were either plain or unattractive. Nevertheless, I'm thankful that Joni was successful.

[@suzannelawson9215]

@@seattlepainter You are right but I think for women, it probably is even more so. Take Billy Joel or Bruce Springsteen to name just two. Maybe not the best looking guys around but that didn't seem to matter because they are so talented, that average looks didn't hold them back. But women seem to be held to another standard. Yes, they have to be very, very talented but ALSO very, very attractive to make a big success. All these talented singers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, all so good looking. I once worked at a movie studio back in the late 90's in an office and sometimes as a person who had people sign in when they were auditioning for a a role in some upcoming program. So all these girls would come in, show their ID, etc and try out for the part. It wasn't even for a starring role, just a small part for the program. Well some girls were not all glamorous types or the kind that 'would stop traffic" but were talented and read for the part very well. The producers, directors only called back ONLY the best looking ones for auditions. I was not into acting myself, just worked in an office and sometimes to help sign in girls who showed up for acting parts. . The directors, producers barely said two words to me. I wasn't their "type."

[@seattlepainter]

@@suzannelawson9215 - I cannot disagree with your comments about this subject. There certainly is a double standard when it comes to men and women. No one ever said that life is fair. However, there have been some notable exceptions. Take Susan Boyle for instance. She was not taken seriously when she first appeared on that television show ("Britain's Got Talent"). But once she opened her mouth and began singing, the judges and the audience were shocked. If it's any consolation for you, no one gets to remain young and beautiful forever. That's the reason why even the most attractive women never lasted in show business for very long. They also had to be smart and talented to have a long lasting career.

[@suzannelawson9215]

@@seattlepainter Yes, Susan Boyle is the exception. Very talented lady but not a beauty queen. Unfortunately, not too many other women without great looks seem to make it in this business very often.

[@PanosKonstantinou]

..Still in love with her

[@Davestaysfly]

I wish I could hear the whole show, I like Harry and am a big Dave VON Ronk fan it would never been a treat to re live those days for a few more minutes more.

[@FilmandVideoFun]

Thanks, this is a true treasure! American Idol contestants & hopefuls should see this. If I was a record producer and saw this at the time-"Wow, there's a winner here!"

[@champlain9]

I love Joni, she is my all time favorite singer and artist. Thank you for posting this rare vidio.

[@eschewary]

This is some sweet early footage, easily my favorite incarnation of Joni. She is gorgeous and her eyes are twice the size they were 5 years later.

[@funcktheduck]

What a beauty . . . what a beautiful voice she had back then . . :)

[@scottprather5645]

She's so beautifully female. Love it

[@jayaybe1]

The little lyrical surprise of the final verse really elevates the song to a transcendent level...beautiful...

[@juandominguez9167]

La artista mujer más completa, por ser humilde en opinión. Para mí: una diosa que bajo a la tierra a darnos su luz y esperanza humana. Gracias Joni Mitchell gracias. Abrazos desde Uruguay

[@Bluesphan]

Oh my gosh... what a find, beautiful in every sense of the word! The talent already oozing from her fingertips and voice is clearly evident. That young artist from Saskatoon WAS born to take the highway and chase a dream... she did and the world is richer for it. Thank you for this post!

[@marx007100]

She was then...and still is.

[@MartinBarreby]

Wow.. just, wow..

[@lorrainep2954]

I thought I had heard all of her songs...not this one. Thank you for posting/sharing this!

[@robertwhite2793]

Lorraine This song sort of defines the rest of her life. Hejira continues this thred.

[@saoirsesmith7583]

wow.. I never noticed that the last guy introduced before Joni was the late great Harry Chapin...

[@membender]

Yes! And his two brothers!!

[@dixonjazzy56]

Harry Chapin was such a wonderful man very giving to charities it was such a shame when he died at a young age in an car accident on Long Island I saw a remember it around 1973 I believe, of course the facts can be Googled

[@StuartMStrickland]

@@dixonjazzy56 July 1981. In May 1981 he was the commencement speaker at SUNY Geneseo, and somewhere in his speech remarked that a quarter of his life was now behind him. I was in the audience that day wearing a cap and gown, and later obtained a transcript of that speech.

[@darrelm5995]

she has such a sweet voice

[@billjhyt]

Willie Nelson is most comfortable when singing a song that suggests hitting the road 'again'. Born to take the highway at this point in Joni's life suggests that her life's journey is about to begin, that the bus is about ready to leave, so to speak.

[@dankippert2677]

Wow i was 6 at the time she was talented and beautiful but wow wow thanks for all great memories

[@asbpab1966]

Beautiful girl. Great voice. Great song. I give it seven stars.

[@tryparticpating8774]

It is like she is a porthole to another dimension , the crowd is silenced in aw of its importance

[@justrick56]

It is experiences like watching this treasure that make life worth living. Wow!

[@vannigio27]

Thanks for sharing.

[@manitou1954]

Harry Chapin whose song "Taxi" is on of my favorites from that era @ 1:05 on the same stage with Joni Mitchell. Maybe someone will post the entire show.

[@nunya1738]

I was wondering if that had to be him.

[@tsiminiera]

So gifted this lady!!!

[@Greg07623]

God , she absolutely radiates in every way.

[@keithmoon1957]

Beautiful as always.

[@suesjoy]

I was thinking the SAME thing! She is a treasure. I wish I could just...THINK like her. She understands truth and beauty...that's for sure.

[@Joebycool]

@Hexl702 I am a law student. I spend my whole day thinking about people's problems and learning about arguments and tragedies and injustices. I often go to forums where abortion IS discussed, because it's an issue I want to have a voice about. However, this is a beautiful piece of music. So don't you dare accuse me of not wanting to think, when I have come to listen to Joni Mitchell. I want to think about beautiful music right now, that is what I'm here and that is what this space is for.

[@JasonEA]

Holy shit...the amount of talent on that stage is INSANE!

[@ewaf88]

Goodness a sweet 22 year old and only 10 years away from writing one of my favourite albums 'Hissing of Summer Lawns' What a talent.

[@kirbygene]

This reminds me of the movie "A Mighty Wind" lol Great video. I've never seen her in her Canadian career

[@jimlawton4184]

Thank you so much for finding this and uploading it! I feel Joni's spirit with the wind, she is the most beautiful songwriter, I love her so much, and you for sharing this

[@custardflan]

That introductory part reminds me of the movie Mighty Wind.

[@ArtFernandez1]

what a talent and beautiful too!!!!!!!

[@bumcheek7]

How awesome that when they announced the 'Chapin Family' and it was those Chapin Brothers! Thanks for posting this rare perfomance!

[@send2meez]

Sweet Mother of Jeebus...thanks so much for sharing this...

[@izzydazzle8]

One of the best Joni Mitchell songs EVER!!! x

[@onetontex7615]

Ha, she steals the show! Incredible that Harry Chapin and Joni Mitchell were on that stage at the same time.

[@nov20five]

Her eyes are mesmerizing!

[@woodessence]

Wow, She didn't use her beauty, to succeed while strumming a guitar and singing someone else's songs. She has worked hard at writing her own very good songs, and playing the guitar with great skill. I love how she ends this song.

[@brewingblues]

Ugh. Why can't I 'like' this more than once?

[@LexxLemon]

She was absolutely amazing! I can't believe she hasn't released this stuff, its gorgeous! Thank you so so much for uploading, you have made my day :)

[@StephenThomsonMoore]

so beautiful!

[@MouseOfVirtue]

wow I adore this. New favorite!!! This i s freedom..

[@gregbutcher_musicplacecheck12]

wow isn't Joni so stunning when she was younger with the sweetest voice.

[@uradragon]

Thanks so much . I have listened since her first album and this was a treat. Stops me in my tracks and to take it in.

[@OL8Twho]

This is incredible!! Awesome! Who knew she played with open tuning so early in her career? Thanks for posting this- i love it!

[@myyootube2]

I went to try to play it today, and I don't believe it's in an open tuning. The chords are all standard, until she gets to the "C#m" followed by the "Bm", where she just leaves the high E and the low A strings open on both chords, which will give you the proper sound.

[@EliadesPastor]

Yes she took that highway folks HWY 17.....to Trana and LA. What a warrior!

[@fosbury68]

I've skipped on concrete, danced on cobbles Stuck to pavement in the heat I've seen where children crouched at marbles Made chalk circles in the street Found a penny at my feet I was born to take the highway, I was born to chase a dream Any road at all is my way, Any place is where I've been Anything is what I've seen

[@drneuropsych]

Wow-who knew she was so darned beautiful?

[@alau2058]

So lovely! Thanks for sharing this!

[@poipu96756]

Favorite Joni vid of all time. Thanks for posting this.

[@potrezeb1]

a really intersting archive ...thanks for the clip

[@karenmccants1439]

Wow---so wonderful.

[@iwys]

Beautiful.

[@SaritaTaylor]

OMG this is a treasure!!!!! thanks for sharing!!!

[@michaellebor23]

Incredible... prophetic song.

[@Mooser42001]

Good Lord, when the camera is on her, when she's singing, there's not another person in the room. is there? Shining like a new-minted star.

[@Sincopare]

Breathtaking...

[@mikelisacarb]

Even then her songs were not straight forward. Just a few little twists and turns that keep up the interest. You can see the start of something that was unique even back then.

[@danthebugman62]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@bootseycat]

one of my favorite songs of hers

[@gfred944]

An early version of Refuge of the Road. Love it!

[@garyspence2128]

That's a good comparison. Always loved her style and substance. She kept progressing every step along the way. Loved when she was in her 80's-90's jazz phase. She's so beautiful here, with that folky look. Did we all look so wholesome back then? Not so sure...ancient history.

[@BananaJSSI]

Beauty!