The Joni Mitchell Interview

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In advance of the Joni Mitchell Luminato Tribute Concert the legendary singer and artist sat down with Q host Jian Ghomeshi at her house in Los Angeles.

[@interstategar]

She is a genius. Her music, her voice. I don't know anyone like her. One of a kind in this world.

[@cbcmusic]

True that!

[@laurasantos6126]

Totally agree! Also, no one plays the guitar like her, the unique style in playing the cords. She's exquisite at her own. Love her very much!

[@eithneowen8782]

I love this woman....an absolutely wonderful person, .....one in a million..saw her live in Frankfurt.....😍🥰❤🌻🍀❤

[@Irishpeggy51]

I have loved her music for years, but watching this interview has made me RESPECT this woman. What a life. What obstacles she overcomes. She is just fascinating

[@windyprarie_08.402]

HATE THIS INTERVIEW ER!

[@mypuritanicalopinion3332]

Maybe the greatest living lyricist, and she is blunt and honest.

[@eithneowen8782]

Totally agree......😁

[@SillyGoose2024]

Bob dylan is better lyricist

[@joeschmoe373]

@@SillyGoose2024 Let's just agree to disagree.

[@SillyGoose2024]

@@joeschmoe373 i dont agree to that.

[@HunterBelkiran]

@@SillyGoose2024 sorry no - Jodi's imagery and ability to translate deep wisdom into simple, memorable phrases is unmatched. Dont it always seem to go that you dont know what you've got till it's gone. Dylan is an amazing lyricist, but Joni is a goddess.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

18:30 "Fame is a series of misunderstandings surrounding a name." Ever the poet.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Ah, attributed to Warren Beatty at 1:07:53

[@SarahFimm]

"Honor died with WWII." I wish he would have continued with that line of questioning. That was a golden opportunity she gave him.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

Yes, it was a great line. Someone else just wasn’t up to the task at that moment.

[@M14r5z9]

Joni was on a roll when she was sharing her thoughts on songwriting. I was so into it. She made so much sense. I was learning and then...he interrupted and changed the subject back to painting. Pity.

[@SusanCarroll]

As a journalist, he's doing a fine job of trying to fit her into a category which she by her genius simply defies. And she remains patient and humble throughout it all.

[@heidilevo]

Yes. She handles it well. But you read what she wrote about him after the interview?

[@MuggsyStyle]

heidilevo what did she write?

[@CutleryWonder]

@@MuggsyStyle "You know I did an interview with a CBC commentator. I exorcised the house after this guy left. I smudged it and opened all the windows. Now it comes out that he has been fired from CBC. People kept saying, “What a great interviewer.” I didn’t think so. After about the 20th one, I said, “What did you think was great about it?” That he couldn’t knock me over? They would look stunned when I said that. To me, his behaviour was overtly hostile."

[@johanstaelens5194]

The interviewer did a great Job. He's talking to Joan !

[@bepitan]

@@CutleryWonder ...if what she said after the interview was true then she comes across as two faced which doesnt quite fit in with this version of herself here that she portrays.

[@mjkirtz]

As Joni said at the end " we are all alone " I was a creative introverted loner and her music spoke to me and I felt less alone. Her music was comforting and felt and sounded familiar. That was the gift. I drew, painted and wrote but was discouraged from it and became a nurse. I understand so much of what Joni is saying. In my core. I am grateful to her for choosing to share herself/music/paintings with us.

[@katherinehunter9526]

I'm sure when David Crosby died last week she felt deep sadness. I thought about Joni immediately when I heard of Croz dying. Been playing all those old albums since Jeff Beck and now David have died this year. Before Christmas Ian Tyson's passing really sadden me. Had a listen to Neil Young sing 4 strong winds... Oh it's tough when all our heroes start passing.

[@jgwire]

I thot of Joni too when David died- I didn’t see comments from her- last I heard he said “I don’t think she cares for very much……”

[@anoukclairdelune3908]

This woman gave me my voice...I was born in 1960 and watched my brothers, all older than me in '69 take off for the Woodstock festival only a couple of hours from our home in Brooklyn, NY. I was 9 then and very shy. Just before the festival one of my bothers who was a musician heard me in my room singing along with my Joni Mitchell album.. I had all of them....and taught myself the guitar chords to each of her songs so I could sing to myself when I was blue. One day my brother told me..."You sound just like her...you should be very proud". In later years, when I became a mother, I sang to my first baby, a preemie born at my 24th wk of pregnancy, while she was in the n.i.c.u for 4 months to comfort her in her struggle to live. After she'd passed away, 7 1/2 months later, Joni Mitchell's voice comforted me as I would sit alone in my grief. When my other children were bourn to me, again I was blessed and would softly sing Joni's tunes as I'd cradled each one in the carrier every day, over my heart, on our journey to the market, nursing them or just doing my chores around the apartment, lulling them to a peaceful sleep. I, myself was adopted as a child, so parenting is nothing I take lightly. I never knew my birth mother, but I thank heaven I was finally taken in to a permanent family. To this day, when I feel grief and the blues coming on, I sing to myself while going about my day. My heart broke when I had heard Joni was rushed to the hospital. I cried and prayed...There is no one, absolutely no one who compares to this lovely Angel on Earth. She is radiant!

[@chattycathy8089]

WHAT a wonderful story!! Joni's genius was being able to touch our souls, even if it wasn't her intention. Her music helped me also!!

[@jameshuseby6290]

Sounds to me like your the real angel

[@Oilzilla]

This is the most profound tribute to Joni's music and voice I've ever read. Thank you for sharing your life experience. Although your loss happened many years ago, condolences on the loss of your first child. Thoughts and prayers for you, and for Joni's healing and recovery. Blessings.

[@angieagentlesoul]

This is really one of the nicest comments I've ever read. Elogent.

[@brandonburrell8517]

You are sweet. Thank you for sharing so much of your experience with us.

[@mikomyer7450]

She is humble and great. She is brilliant, clear sighted, critical and insightful. The interviewer is unfortunate. But Joni shines!

[@kikicrete]

Joni said in a later interview that people were saying :what a great interview!" and she said "what was so great about it? and that she wasn't at all surprised by the sexual assault and sexual violence case against him. She also said she had to smudge the house afterwards because Jian's vibe was so predatory and toxic. She is known for her "Xray vision" into people's characters. As a journalist myself I have to say it was obvious he wasn't prepared - he had a lot of notes he seemed unfamiliar with. He got things wrong which was a giveaway he hadn't done his research but assistants had researched extensively and formulated the questions for him. And then of course the most unprofessional thing you can do as a journalist, especially in a TV interview, is to interrupt constantly,, talk over the guest, which he did many times, and worse, push your own views and conclusions onto everything, just about every topic covered. So many times Joni was sharing something really interesting and he didn't let her finish and many times, because she wanted to finish what she was saying, and make herself clear, she returned to what she was trying to say, after he had moved onto the next question, always looking at his brief because he wasn't knowledgable enough about her career or music to springboard off questions and have a flowing conversation. The most horrible moment was: "oh and by the way you had a child..." and rushed over the fact she gave her baby up for adoption and moved to Vancouver and he was about to launch into the next question and she had to really push to set the record straight abut what happened. This period in Joni's life was traumatic, it would have been for any young woman. Sh said she was alone and destitute and his complete discomfort and lack of empathy was totally shocking. Such an incredible disappointment really. especially afterwards, that this disgraced media figure was the one CBC chose to interview such a significant artist. CBC did you not have more talent in your stable than this guy? The interview only has value because Joni is a phenomenal communicator and fascinating and brilliant artist.

[@stephenwyatt7747]

I aqree Gomeshi does not ask about her music because it's over his head and he doesn't have the soul to appreciate it. The cbc could not have picked a worse interviewer if they tried. I used to listen to cbc radio a lot but when Jians talk show came on in the morning i would turn the radio off. That guy was so full of himself as he was in this interview. He did not see it as a golden opportunity to reveal the heart soul and mind of a creative genius, but more as a means to further his career.

[@kikicrete]

@@stephenwyatt7747 Yes exactly.

[@BrandonSchmit]

Agree. He’s not very good.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

Agreed! He made me nervous all the way through the interview. Someone said he was too young. Perhaps that was it.

[@thedawneffect]

Thanks for taking the time to write that out kikicrete. I couldn't agree more. He totally missed the magic and an Incredible opportunity due to his ego. His approach was so Off. I could tell she was not pleased...

[@RISK9000]

"The trick is: if you listen to that music and you see me, you're not getting anything out of it, but if you listen to that music and you see yourself, it will probably make you cry and you'll learn something about yourself, and now you're getting something out of it. And those are the people, you know, that my communication is complete. Most of them they know I'm famous, they know I'm this, but there's no real communication. It's just a phenomenon there. And people flick their Bic at anything."

[@terryrollins1973]

Take a good look kiddies, this is a true artist. Unfortunately they don't make models like this anymore. Thank you for sharing with us Joni ❤️ ...the world is a more beautiful place because of you

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤❤

[@Soormand]

they do - every generation is imbued with artist of her stature - but pop culture is not inclined towards it currently due to a multitude of reasons

[@Kimby62]

"If you listen to that music and see yourself it'll probably make you cry and you learn something about yourself and now you're getting something out of it"... wow.

[@lynb2039]

X 1,000,000. The ONLY artist in the world not only to say it, but MEAN it.

[@UditaMehta]

Where is that part please help

[@SDobbs-vt3pd]

A beautiful, extremely intelligent, courageous woman with a big heart and loads of wisdom.

[@judyhigginbotham958]

M

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤❤

[@noregretcoyote1808]

Billion year old carbon! And we get to be here at the same time as this woman. It’s like a lottery win.

[@micahgomez1253]

Maybe it makes more sense to think it was on purpose. 😉

[@robertdore9592]

I still have a MASIIVE crush on this woman and her music.

[@dereckvon]

I love this woman so much.

[@kevinharron6134]

It is good that black people like her. I love most kinds of black music and we should all cross lines and enjoy each others music. Joni is a good talker, she could talk the hind legs off a( forget)

[@popeye1250]

Kevin Harron "She could talk a cat off a fish wagon." (Irish)

[@Putaspellonyou]

ok...following that mildly racist comment, i'll say this. derek: i love YOUR vids and your take on music, culture, and everythinh else. every time i watch i find something to explore. well done, sir. keep it up.

[@nngemini13]

Joni’s music brought me through a rich conversation with myself, to explore my inner self. Each exploration of her musical journey I found gold in the mud. An extraordinary woman artist, creative genuine light to illuminate the shadows.

[@carolgray8391]

7dereckvon

[@alexismello8735]

The interviewer doesnt understand her alot. She is so intelligent and talented.

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

The interviewer clearly is unfamiliar with her work and doesn’t know a great deal beyond what can be found on Google. I’d like to see her have a genuine conversation with an intelligent woman of a certain age.

[@rexmonarch2]

Joni, I met you in a funky little natural foods store in the spring of 1976 in Boulder CO. I found out later that you were on a journey through America and Canada getting inspiration for Hejira. You came up to me and stood very close to me looking deep into my eyes. You looked exactly like Joni Mitchell on the cover of the Clouds album. You were flirtatious and friendly. I was tongue-tied and in awe of you. You asked me if I knew you. I was rude because I was so star struck. I told you that you were mistaken. You asked me if I was sure I didn't know you. I said: "Yes, you are mistaken." You looked at me with those heartbreakingly blue Scorpio eyes and said: "Well, that's just too bad then." And then you walked away. I thought that a beautiful blonde woman who looked exactly like Joni Mitchell being flirtatious with me in Bouder CO must be my imagination. Later on when I got home from that dream-like encounter the phone rang and a friend said: "Joni Mitchell is in town visitng Robben Ford."

[@candacewilliams9073]

I could relate to so much she sang about.

[@GracieMurray]

what a fabulous "story" - wow!!!! I love what you shared about your face to face interaction with her. Thank you!

[@CoreIntegrity]

"When the women aren't singing in the kitchen, you've got a sick Nation." Dude. Dropping Truth Bombs :O

[@sparklesmcgee]

this is one of the most sublime and profound interviews I've ever been privy of observing. Thank you for Sharing. I adore her. A rare bird. She gave the greatest gift someone can give. Bless her soul. I am in awe and grateful.

[@sentimentaljourneyproductions]

well said, Warren.. I so agree.

[@JacoMoRocco]

+warren pacific The guy did a fine job of keeping it simple for us

[@nunziototaro586]

Yes, words that I can only completely agree with

[@robertrericha9970]

I'm a jazz composer, And I love her work!

[@Life-oo2tr]

You can tell Joni Mitchell is a genius. When she's speaking and thinking, she's in her own world. Her creative process is really fascinating. You can tell the interviewer is trying his best to understand what she's saying haha!

[@maryahhaidery7986]

They’re just on two different wavelengths - real discussion requires “resonance” and when interviewers (Zane Lowe is my favourite ) get it right, it’s such a beautiful thing. God, if I had the chance to interview this phenomenal woman, I’d just listen and try to understand and absorb the insights - to follow where she led rather than trying to get back to *my* own conceptions and pre-formulated questions! So aggravating!!! Edit: To be fair, I watched it again and he is still a *bit* better than some interviewers and I think he does make a half-hearted attempt toward the end to understand what she’s saying and not interrupt as much but he’s just not that good. He’s basically formulaic and trying to copy every journalist he thinks is good and “muddy the waters to sound deep” - in other words, he’s the exact opposite of Joni who is the embodiment of a real genius - authentic, courageous, rebellious, empathetic, passionate, and yes, temperamental. She doesn’t “suffer fools gladly” and god damn I love her for that!

[@sorensonacupuncture]

What a beautiful soul.

[@macoeur1122]

I have watched this video a number of times over the past 9 years...I just love her style and her story...and pretty much everything about the way she thinks. Then, every time I do, I get on a whole new "Joni music kick" again for a while afterwards. Her recent performance at the Newport Folk Festival (2022) just bowled me over with delight. I never thought we'd get a chance to see her rockin' out on stage again...To see her doing so...at 79 years old....after all of the challenges she's faced...and doing it with a big, authentic smile on her face....Words just can't express what a wonderful sight !

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤❤❤

[@AzimuthTao]

"if they honor you wrong, it's dumb if they honor you right, it's inspiring". Even that thought is poetic.

[@christianshreve5101]

This is the best interview I have ever heard from a complete artist.

[@shinybeast8946]

You obviously have never seen a Frank Zappa interview.

[@BoatingBiker]

Joni is of another level. Best we can do is try to keep up and maybe get to understand.....if we get lucky.

[@SuperStig23]

So rare to see an interview with such a private genius, so nice to have an interviewer with half a brain. Brilliant song writer, wonderful voice, and a hell of a guitar player too. Each album takes a while to get used too, but this is what makes her great, she doesn't just churn out albums, like the great painters each one is an original masterpiece.

[@archerblake1418]

She's one of my heroes. She changed my world and how I listen to music.

[@jamesarmbrust334]

I just love her even more after seeing her in this interview. What an inspirational effect she has had on me. She is a beautiful, real person. What an honor to have felt like I just spent an hour with her. THANK YOU!

[@frewofstew6304]

She puts great thought into her response. Draws the picture! Takes you there!

[@emmajacobs369]

Very happy to hear she is writing her autobiography

[@coloursoftheguitar]

... No words , no sounds .... just can't describe how this interview makes me think.... Think in silence ... Thanks for the Inspiration

[@christiandaly1886]

"I don't play the professional sick person..." That is so awesome. Joni Rocks!

[@notawuss]

If I read the comments first, I wouldn't have sacrificed almost two hours with this, but I didn't and it was great. Revealing, Fascinating. I loved it.

[@nightswim96]

I spent this entire interview in awe of her brilliance. She's hilarious, intelligent, confident. A beautiful person with a good heart.

[@opihipiker]

I was a junior in high school when I first heard Jonis first album . Her music and singing blew my mind and as a guitar singer myself I tried to figure her open tuning She plays some very strange tuning but the music is wonderful. God gave out creative genius in buckets to Joni Mitchell. Her songwriting, singing, guitar playing, poetry and painting is magnificent. I love everything about this lady and wish her a very long life. She has brought joy to be for 50 years. Thankyou Joni Mitchell!Kimo Holland

[@valeriegriner5644]

Kimo Holland: I totally agree with you! She is a multi-talented creative genius, and has influenced more than one generation. I loved her music a long time...and then my daughter began to love it. We used to play guitars and sing her songs, and we're also "artistic." Nobody on the radio today could hold a candle to her!

[@francissalazar6436]

I believe she tunes her guitar in open d and yes she is a icon in the world of music! Her music is timeless!🎸😎

[@francissalazar6436]

@theconstruct67 after I researched her tunings, david Crosby in a interview said she was one of the greatest manipulators of tunings, and he had said she has 40 variations of tunings! She is a very interesting women! her health is rather poor due to her chain smoking , stroke and some other weird disease she has

[@francissalazar6436]

@theconstruct67 I'm a intermidiate guitar player as well and I've watched this video as well! I'm going to learn sex skills and song for sharon, 2 of my favorites

[@klbpissfark]

Her 3 month stint in isolation in hospital due to polio when she was 7 and the weak hand as a result is responsible for her tunings 🎶🥰🤩

[@Wonderhussy]

I'm new to Joni Mitchell, and I really liked her affect in this interview... She seemed like someone I'd enjoy having a conversation with at a bar; super down to earth but full of interesting ideas and information. She came across as someone totally comfortable with herself. A true boss!

[@quickdraw3411]

Hey I watch your channel and enjoy your adventures. Funny meeting you here be careful out there and keep up the good work.

[@Wonderhussy]

@@quickdraw3411 thank you!

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Hey lady , great channel you have ! 💕

[@Wonderhussy]

@@Tamar-sz8ox thanks❤️

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

@@Wonderhussy Saw the recent “ episode “ on the Lost coast in Cali 👍 safe travels 💕

[@orlihimmelweit2105]

If anyone seemed to be someone to look up to it has been Joni Mitchell. Thank you Joni Mitchell for knowing that sensitivity in a person is precious but not recognized in Western culture and for knowing that celebrity is not a thing to be coveted. Love her not just the music.

[@thehapagirl92]

What a gift this woman has. Not only can she sing and play guitar so wonderfully well, but she can paint just as well. A creative genius!

[@kennywowie]

I remember a time when getting hold of a new Joni album was like holding a treasure that promised to deliver unknown adventures, sumptuous textures, mind-bending prose, exotic rhythms, harmonic complexity, human conditions, humor, and a worldliness not attainable from where I sat. Living in the 70's was exciting and full of hope in spite of bad hair and clothes styles and Joni was at the very forefront of the creativity that was still pouring out from the 60's. She mirrored and enhanced culture with such brilliance that a whole generation (or two or three) were lifted up and out of their doldrums and forever changed within the psychological and sensuous spaces she created. Thanks forever Joni.

[@cbcmusic]

Thanks for sharing Ken!

[@chattycathy8089]

Soooo true!!!

[@PinHead9707]

Integrity. Eloquence. Fulfilled talent? Painter. Poet. Composer. Musician. Philosophical. Honest. Brave & beautiful. Joni Mitchell - in our time. Thank you for posting this!

[@MrPengProductions]

This is quite possibly the best interviewee I have ever witnessed in my entire life. I have fallen even deeper in love with this woman, the real Joni, the off-stage one, who appears ageless, and infinite, in her depth. She is quite possibly the purest soul ever. I love her soul. She is such a brilliant person. She feels misunderstood, because there is a small amount of people who Would understand her; the select few that have a higher degree of awareness. Her soul speaks to my soul. Love2Joni.

[@marshallanepack]

I have shared my life and heart with Joni. Total honest creativity through and through. Thank God Joni walks among us.

[@sentimentaljourneyproductions]

I so agree, Lane.

[@ulper7282]

So very true!!!

[@ChristianUhlenhutMUSICIANEUM]

She is still young in her mind like always.Love you.cu.Chris

[@gittarraman]

Don't usually need to know the artist.......just their art.Started watching and couldnt't stop.Joni M is the music.Thanks for sharing yourself.

[@marilynlovejoy]

What an amazing blessing to have been alive and "grown up" with this amazing artist.

[@beeztrapp1612]

I love her so much. She is like no other, and I'm thankful she shared herself with us all.

[@zadielacy7456]

Well said ❤️

[@Judith1774]

I love when she speaks. I do not like the interviewer. I feel he is missing some of the essence of what she is saying.

[@buddyneher9359]

The interviewer is Jian Ghomeshi and why I won't be sticking around for the interview, unfortunately. You can search his name.... basically he lost his CBC gig due to violence against women.

[@tparker2095]

@@buddyneher9359 ok lol

[@larrytate1657]

It was a lie.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

I don’t believe he’s that bad. Interviewing someone like Joni would be tough, because she’s nobody’s fool and you have to bring your “A” game. He does a decent job. At least he’s not being a fanboy.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

Nailed it, Judith. He’ll learn as he matures, I hope.

[@666katch]

I wish the cameraman would of showed the paintings!

[@michaelalago7033]

love the interview..my thought is that she let the crew know there was not to be any shots of her home at all. Very deliberate. I could play this interview every day. :-)

[@michaelwertzy9808]

HAVE

[@patriciamitchell247]

Me too!

[@lastrada52]

@@michaelalago7033 - Having been in the television business in NYC myself you would be right Michael. When an interview takes place in a famous person's house they usually outline before the taping what can and cannot be photographed.

[@TrumanGN]

Joni Mitchell kinda defines the word, "artist." And the interviewer does a wonderful job.

[@creswellformey7654]

What a remarkable human being Miss Mitchell is. I could sit at her feet for days and bask in her wholly original, stimulating thought processes. Pound for pound, she's one of the most brilliant artists of our time.

[@mrmaskerville]

From her first album - Song To A Seagull - Joni Mitchell changed my musical perspective. I'm proud to own everything she has released.

[@kevinharron6134]

I haven't read many comments but I hope people will remember she is a great artist and not criticise her for smoking. It is her choice. Better than shooting smack.Give her a break. I saw her with Jackson Browne in London and was great. Joni, hope you have many more years.

[@earthangel8730]

While I don't condone smoking. She has been addicted to it for decades and is still breathing plus it ADDS to the throaty sensuality of her totally unique voice. I can't imagine her house smells too good and perhaps not great for her paintings either. She's other worldly!

[@majidakinnard9497]

I didn't like the interviewer...he seemed more like an interrogator. Im assuming his intentions were good, but some of those questions were too standard for a very non-standard artist. I love her music and also wanted to see more of her paintings.

[@larrytate1657]

Does she smoke pot too?? Or did she?

[@cbcmusic]

Hi Ronnie, Thanks for watching. We did edit out about 15 minutes from the interview. Much of that was when the two took breaks and the content surrounding that as it was a very long interview. We did cut out a few things here and there where we felt it didn't move the interview along etc... We don't think you'll miss them (too much) but we did it to present the best possible long form interview. Thanks again for watching!

[@davidholt2335]

Nice job with the interview.

[@petecanthropus9947]

You've made a great interview, in depth, respectful, informed ... I've enjoyed it very, very much, thank you !

[@teodelfuego]

Jian was a great interviewer. I miss his skill

[@jamesrmore]

Missed hearing about "Shadows and Light" tour which I saw. Brilliant!

[@KidIndigo1]

Wow. I have always loved Joni Mitchell. Haven't realized, until watching this, how brilliant she really is. Wow.

[@barbaragalbreth4429]

So nice to hear Joni's wisdom. Really talented people normally don't live long enough to teach others about their magic.

[@davidrbanta]

I'm glad I saw this. I had never connected with her aside from her music. I was getting a kick out of her and laughing a lot with her...cool interview...

[@cbcmusic]

Thanks, David!

[@jackschimmelman6355]

i love you, joni mitchell. did her spotlight when she played my school in new york in 1969. she never moved an inch so my job was quite easy. i always wondered about that. but her performing style did loosen up as her career developed. she's great.

[@arnie8604]

I feel nothing but love for this artist.

[@msmegs93]

I have always loved her music, her incredible artwork, but most of all her wonderful spirit. A genius, an original- never will there be another like her.

[@ulper7282]

" Woman of heart and mind." The greatest artist of the 20th century. An unparalleled genius. Own all of her records. Love her forever, a true inspiration!!!

[@jamesrae7597]

Certainly a classic interview of Joni Mitchell. Regardless of what people think of Jian the interviewer he got a lot out of her and let her ramble on which really produced some gems.

[@apocalypseplough8089]

james rae Regardless of what people think of Jian ?! Are you serious? What does anyone think of someone who breaks women's ribs? What did Joni think? _I exorcised the house after this guy left. I smudged it and opened all the windows. Now it comes out that he has been fired from CBC. People kept saying, “What a great interviewer.” I didn’t think so. After about the 20th one, I said, “What did you think was great about it?” That he couldn’t knock me over? They would look stunned when I said that. To me, his behaviour was overtly hostile._ That was from Maclean's Magazine. I can't even imagine how Jian must feel, interviewing Joni, and then she smudges her house after he leaves. I bet it devastated him when he heard that.

[@jamesrae7597]

I gather you didn't watch the interview. It stands as I stated. He got her talking. That is enough.

[@RaeZoladawn777]

wow

[@CatherineSTodd]

Yes, why would she feel that she had to "smudge the house" after he left?

[@porsche83]

@@apocalypseplough8089 like anyone's work of art - will it stand the test of time and can it stand alone. Mr. Ghomeshi can stand proud of this work. Context will fade.

[@tjfSIM]

I have to say I don't agree with the harsh criticism some others have levelled at the interviewer - I actually thought he struck a good balance and asked intelligent and thought provoking questions. Rather than sitting there being awe struck and obsequious, he did actually hold his own and no doubt managed to draw some interesting thoughts and ideas from Joni as a result. As someone else observed, she does appear to be relaxed and enjoying the interview.

[@besamemucho5]

i agree with you to the extent that he made good questions...but did we have to wait all 1:44:54 just for him to get all 10 good questions that he asked? i can see it must be difficult to interview this woman...she is so into herself...for her to tell us that her painting was more important than her music and yet the reason why we know of her existence is because of her music...i feel sorry for the interviewer he had to put up with her smoking, it is terrible and so out of control..she must have hard time in california because she is not allowed to smoke anywhere except in her house...

[@Silverhand290]

besamemucho5 You "Feel sorry for the interviewer Because she smokes"?? He didnt have to be there, and was, no doubt well paid. It is is "terrible" and out of control? Look up the dictionary definition of" terror" (I doubt it was anything like that) And what's out of control is the Tobacco nazis like the state of California. Everyone knows it's unhealthy and you shouldnt do it around children, But you have to draw the line somewhere, If you dont like smoke dont hang around people who do so.(although common courtesy means you dont hang around people who object to it, for whatever reason.) I'm sure the interviewer's reason was in his cheque at the end of the month

[@1974farmermama]

Pffftt- I would chain smoke non filters to converse with her- this guy got to spend time with an interesting, intelligent and artistic person. xoxo much love to Joni Mitchell

[@besamemucho5]

Rayann Kay i don't care if she sings beautiful or how famous she is....her smoking is so unhealthy and the fact that she doesn't care about the interviewer's health or the other people that must be working behind the scene, like the camera man....you and her can sit and smoke the health (hell) out of yourselves...

[@Silverhand290]

besamemucho5 Bloody tobacco nazi, get a life. none of them HAD to be there

[@illbeeaye-lee-un2236]

The woman is brilliant! She's a huge inspiration for me! Much Respect!

[@Dieselsdog3]

"Dame" Mitchell, I have loved you since "Clouds" and I will love you until the end of time!

[@jack002tuber]

Wonderful interview. For years and years I have admired her and knew nothing about her. A real creative person with no big ego to have to deal with. So enlightening.

[@THEJET52]

She is real in this interview. She might be "touchy", but so what, it shows her humanity and real-ness. She is real and not politically correct. What a refreshment. She is also very challenging.

[@popeye1250]

I think Jian Ghomeshi did an outstanding job. Not easy interviewing a *legend.* He missed a few small things that I would have asked; "Did you have a strict upbringing?" "Did you grow up catholic- from her Irish mother's side." "Were you a wild kid as a teenager?" "Did you like to drive fast?" Things like that.

[@sjo49]

Hate to see the passing of time.......we watch the greatest songsmith of them all.the greatest interpreter of emotion that we are ever likely to see The emotional highs the inconsolable loss we feel when life takes a downturn........this women we watch we will never see the like again Feel sad in some ways to view this..from laural canyon.to now seems to quick....she has been my constant companion for nearly 50 years....sustained me through cancer and my recovery Joni....I love you from the bottom of my heart

[@joeschmoe373]

she goes on to mention how she was like a surrogate Mother to a lot of people of her generation....and we all needed one back then.. and even though many of our Mom's have passed, we still do from time to time. She's viewed as great melodic genius and songwriter and she is, but to me she's just a great interpreter of how to process all the BS to get through this life. I feel sad the years are passing way too fast as well, but her optimism and spirit is as fresh today as it was 50 yrs ago.

[@sparklesmcgee]

agreed. well put.

[@sparklesmcgee]

wish more people could process this info...

[@skygazer4251]

Stephen Owens: Perfect remarks. I'm in the fan club too, since 1971. Isn't she wonderful?

[@linnocarroll1775]

When I was art college in 83 I heard a Joni Mitchell album and I thought wow, who is this song bird? I think she is a rare find in this world both early on and now...I believe she ploughs her own furrow...and when we do that creatively we become misunderstood...people want to label you, misrepresent you...we live in a tick box world...she has influenced so many people...but she's not doing it to win friends...she is a wonderful bright star and an inspiration...a strong women, in what is still a man's world...she is a trail blazer and a wonder - it strikes me that she has kept her curiosity ...and continues to flutter her wings...in this chaotic world...we have been fortunate to feel those ripples...long may it be. Thank you for you honesty...listening to this interview ...it strikes me you truly extoll the power of having a voice...song/stories/love of life...hardship....resilience...preserving the human spirit...our natural world... Like Rachel Carson, she has been a quiet ambassador...

[@bluesman97]

She's a Worldly Treasure for all to enjoy.

[@MelancholyCool]

What an incredible interview! Love her even more beyond her music, writing and painting. She truly is delightful in so many ways! Wow!

[@hotsand4u]

She is so over my head, love her!

[@phillipclarke8871]

I love the honesty of this interview. And because Joni sees the world through a different lens to most of us, - well it is just beautiful. She is not like anyone else - she is unique. What a blessing.

[@MoonChild-zg3gx]

The greatest honor to be able to meet her let alone sit down with her for a talk

[@jacquelinejuneau5962]

How could you possibly be "too young" to "pull off" something that you had written yourself that had come from YOUR soul and YOUR experiences? You've probably lived a thousand lifetimes. I have been told over the course of my life that I'm so much like Joni Mitchell... even by my own Mother and sister - we were all raised in a family of vocalists, musicians, writers, arrangers and painters. I assure you that I always felt complimented and very well complimented. It wasn't only my appearance, but even as I watch this interview, we have twin thought processes. I've also been told I think too much. For this I'm grateful - I know you are too, Joni. Thank you for being a part of my life.

[@jacquelinejuneau5962]

Join is and always has been a gift

[@lisabayliss3394]

Joni ,love you X was listening to Blue in 1973 with my friend Catherine luyster now deceased.. at school ..you have and always been an inspiration ..,

[@JAWilsonwhitetidelinedesigns]

'In the rooms the women come and go, talking of Michelangelo...do I dare to eat a peach?....do I dare to disturb the universe?' - It was the poet, T.S. Eliot, Joni was trying to pin down. Joni Mitchell is sublime, 100% all there and still with so much to share, to teach. She is her own person, her own muse and she has been one of few to to disturb the universe and we are all the better for it. Thank you Jian Ghomeshi & Joni Mitchell for this gift of an interview, void of muddy waters, crystal clear and full of melodious thunder!

[@mojorising0071950]

spot on dear!

[@webstercat]

Universe doesn’t have the ability to be disturbed

[@boatman222345]

This is the third time I've watched this interview over the past few years and I like it better each time! Joni's characterization of the Baby Boomers (of which I am one) is as concisely brilliant as is humanly possible. Her explanation is the nutshell portrait of what was, why it was that, and what it ultimately led to. It is a rare pleasure indeed to encounter such a genuine person, someone so unafraid to be who she is, and someone so driven to do the best that she can do. Although I've never met her in person I can't help but think that we are dear friends...

[@cbcmusic]

Glad you had such a positive reaction to the interview!

[@larkspurrose3136]

thank you Joni for giving this mother of 8 many songs to joyfully sing in her kitchen!! (if you watch to the end, you will get it ;)I LOVE Joni, have since I was a teen.

[@robertcronin6603]

This guy jumps to another question and another topic far to quickly when Joni is talking and gives the impression that he's not really interested in her answers but cares more about his next question...Joni is amazing 🔥

[@jraaccounts]

seriously!

[@cosmicdrifter287]

joni mitchell is a very bright spark with an incredible gift for all kinds of arts. great analytical and well thought out points of view in this conversation.gives me great insight on where this truly wonderful artist is coming from.anyway,she advanced my life.

[@PhillipJohnsonZENOPHILE]

Bloody brilliant

[@cosmicdrifter287]

Phillip Johnson right on!this made my sunday afternoon

[@cherylmarie4619]

I have always been and will be a Joni Mitchell fan. Thanks for sharing this interview. It was great.

[@eithneowen8782]

❤❤❤

[@phattebytch]

I love this lady dearly.

[@solacevy]

i admire her way of expressing her opinions. it's very deep and i feel her..

[@EDRISSALEXIS21]

Jian Ghomeshi, job well done. An unknown, (younger) interviewer (at least, unknown in the States) facing a legend rarely stands a fair chance in the Court of Public Opinion, particularly in the KZbin/Social Media universe. I thought he did a very good interview. He acknowledged that she doesn't do many interviews, yet she agreed to sit down with him. @ 13:00 Pointing out the irony that she critiques her recordings of the past, yet hangs her paintings throughout her home, @ about the 1-hour mark, not letting the "Singer/Actor" issue just pass by without challenging her to draw out more of that concept to the point that she broke down the origin of "art" being short for "artificial". I loved that. I will admit that I certainly limited that word to "The Arts" and never looked at that word like that before, but she was informative in the etymology of a daily word often overused and made us look at it from a new angle. Had it not been for Ghomeshi being on his game, that concept wouldn't even have been mentioned. I found him to be respectful, but not cowering down in fear, amiable without patronizing and engaging and able to keep up with her. I thought this was a great, insightful interview.

[@joleneloveland2942]

Aye! Me too! I think some people feel challenged to analyze an interview until it's over analyzed.

[@brianlynch1854]

After all these years She is still beautiful and expressive.

[@tapper701]

Cigs have taken a toll ...

[@tapper701]

Was same with Mary Travers ...

[@michaelgaytan3660]

I think he did okay as an interviewer but definitely was not up to her mental ability and didn't play off the answers she gave but kept to his original script no matter how interesting it was getting. And he kept interrupting her because he couldn't see how it related to his question... but she took this on such a different journey than he wanted it to go in and I love her for it. Thanks for this interview

[@johnhuwroberts7766]

“Birds that came to me to die!” No one else thinks like the wonderful, original Joni. Xx

[@frewofstew6304]

Yes! Her love of nature! Empathy!

[@user-mq7gg9qv3q]

She is so wise, intelligent, humble and classy. This interview was very interesting and informative - - I can see myself watching this again and again.

[@SuperStig23]

In 1967 I was 17, I was in a rock band, had an MBG sports car, I thought I was hot stuff then a buddy of mine said just listen to this and played me an early Joni album, I was pole-axed by her songwriting, singing and wonderful Guitar and Piano accompaniment. In that same year I also saw Jimmy Hendrix live,even though I was the local young hot stud guitar player in my area, I was just not ready to see Jimmy in his Prime, I went home and put away my guitar and said forget it. Who helped me through this major life crisis ?? Joni of course. Later in life I turned my wife on to Joni and she turned me on to Prince. Joni please get better soon, even though you are not playing or singing anymore I still think Shine is your finest album ever !!

[@leahbrill9353]

You were the depths of my soul when I was younger. I sang your songs daily, living in Oregon, alone w/my first child. I got angry w/you upon learning you gave up your baby. It was a heart crushing blow to my idea of idol. Since I have grown more experienced in life, I have no right to be judgemental of anyone. We are now at peace, my dream idol & I! Ha, ha! I can fully enjoy your music & art, for the rest of my life! Gracious gratitude dear Lady. You will always be part of me.

[@suediederich]

I'm still in love with you Joni - renewed health and many, many blessings

[@sallypian3524]

This was a pleasure to watch. Joni has many qualities that are admirable. I hope we will see more of her.

[@girlborough]

won't ever, ever forget her playing the dulcimer at a concert in Knoxville, TN in 1975. She played both a lap dulcimer and a hammered dulcimer.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

Is there video of her on those dulcimers? Love to see it!

[@whichypoohs]

Amazing lady. Love her.

[@kamalmanzukie]

i love you joni

[@kathy2trips]

Why did he interrupt her when she was talking about entertaining the troops during the Vietnam era? I thought that was fascinating; I had no idea she felt that way.

[@gordiannot77]

I'm 41yrs old. I got into Joni twenty something years ago. The first album I bought of hers was Ladies of the Canyons.. Morning Morgan Town sold me instantly. I was taken by her right away. She blew me away just as someone like Shawn Lane etc etc did upon my first hearings. Thank you for being Joni❤

[@joselito7776]

This woman is very cognizant of the processes of her genius. Its like shes advising us how to bring out the genius in ourselves.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

underrated... a great poet-musician... no one comes close to her with today's artists.. a shame

[@mda037]

Whether you agree with her politics or not...she is one of the great observational thinker artists of the past few decades. I'm not sure how many of our social media, reality tv, smart phone generations can fully comprehend where she is coming from in a relatable way.