Shawn Colvin Inducts Joni Mitchell into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | 1997 Induction

Shawn Colvin Inducts Joni Mitchell at the 1997 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories celebrating Joni Mitchell? Visit her official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/in...
Dive into the full 1997 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/1997 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@MartyFeffer]

I would venture, to those here have been critical of Shawn Colvin's induction speech, that some exposure and familiarity with Shawn's art, craft, and poetic expression in her own music might yield more appreciation, and acceptance, of her style and the depth of her understanding. I have been familiar with her music for some time and my opinion is that, along with Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin is one of the most powerful and substantial writers of poetry in lyrics today. She had a rough upbringing and has greatly transcended it, to the point where I think I understand about her that she has no room for pretention and artifice, and strives for personal authenticity. That might have something to do with her communication style here, which, as is always good to keep in mind when hearing anyone talk, leaves it incumbent upon us a listeners to separate style from content. I feel there is much depth and honoring content in Shawn's induction.

[@bb1111116]

The value of this rambling speech comes from the last minute. I didn't know that Mitchell said that in an interview but it shows the depth of her music involving survival during the most difficult times of life.

[@lankylankster7148]

I like Colvin, based on what I've seen/heard. It takes an authentic person to appreciate another authentic person. Listen to some of her 90's stuff & watch appearances on The Larry Sanders Show. She can stand on her own. Impressive. LL

[@confidentmystic]

It is hard to induct some one of Joni's caliber. Joni transcends words.

[@DAS1962]

I was so fortunate to see her live in 1983 and it changed so much

[@atis9061]

You criticize her for a rambling speech or whatever but you are an armchair critic if you do. She's taking this position because she's wanting to allow personal feelings into it. It's a style, and I prefer it (sometimes ) because it creates an intimacy with the audience, and this is someone she really cares about. You want her to read from a paper? She is an accomplished musician in her own right, so she delivers the speech like music.

[@carolhardin7397]

Not to mention her beautiful paintings and designing her own album covers. She is the Quad !

[@emilydill9357]

At a Bruce Hornsby concert back in the 80 ‘s ? She was on stage with him . I knew then she was talented, still feel that way

[@DAS1962]

Joni was a force from the late 60's so you were at least 20 years too late. Shows you know nothing about Joni

[@John-pc3cx]

Not to be picky but Jack was a Colonel, not a General.

[@gregdahlen4375]

joni's songs are superb but i've usually thought her singing voice was fairly ordinary. but maybe that fits with the songs and makes them more real

[@ralphsaad8637]

Her singing from 1963 to 1974 more or less is some of the most unique and beautiful I've heard. She had this unique way of yodelling and jumping from a low register to a very high one effortlessly, which was both unprecedented and very difficult. She did so while still sounding like an angel. Her voice started to degrade later on due to smoking sadly.

[@lynnmiller3937]

Who cares?

[@karenmeyer1392]

Terrible. Joni deserved better.

[@happycarlo1]

Tha worst induction speech ever..

[@MacawOz]

Agreed. At that time, Shawn was a big name in music, but they should have chosen other artist for the induction. I mean, we’re talking about Joni Mitchell.

[@bwprag123]

what a shame that the RRHF couldn't honor an artist of Joni Mitchell's stature and importance without an authentic appreciative statement understanding her extraordinary musical and lyrical achievements; instead of this awful right wing tribute to the Nicholson character in the movies who ordered the abuse and torture of the innocent for the sake of American white supremacy and dominance. A shameful moment for Shawn Colvin. She blew this badly.

[@dar76sh59]

Shawn is anything but a right-winger.

[@fredkrissman6527]

The most terrible induction speech for a lifetime of unimaginable achievement that I can imagine. I have to assume that Ms Colvin was drunk, either on alcohol or (temporary) celebrity... Graham Nash and James Taylor must have been appalled, and thank the gods that Joni wasn't there to hear this load of shite!