The famous folk singer Joni Mitchell, with a long career strewn with rock, pop or jazz detours, was rewarded Wednesday evening by the Library of Congress in Washington for all of her work.
Celebrated for her independence and multiple talents, the 79-year-old artist, cane in hand and golden beret on her head, received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, during a gala evening attended by many stars such as Annie Lennox or Herbie Hancock.
After receiving his award, the superstar graced the audience with a sublime and moving interpretation of
Summertime
, the aria composed by George Gershwin for the opera
Porgy and Bess.
I am upset
, she confided on stage, facing the public standing as one man, which included, for example, Cyndi Lauper, Graham Nash, Diana Krall and Angélique Kidjo.
There are so many people who are important to me here tonight from different times in my life.
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Resilience
Canadian-born singer-songwriter, musician, lyricist and painter Joni Mitchell was diminished in 2015 by a ruptured aneurysm, after which her appearances were rare.
It was believed then lost for the music.
It was without counting on her iron will, which she channeled into grueling rehabilitation sessions.
And, in July 2022, she made an unexpected return to the stage, giving a surprise concert at the folk festival in Newport, in the eastern United States.
We saw her guitar in hand, playing
Just Like This Train
and proving that she had retained all her musical gifts.
She notably sang
A Case of You
, one of her great classics, in duet with another folk star, Brandi Carlile.
“
Her resilience is obvious
,” explained the latter on Wednesday evening before the gala.
"Some of the crucial characteristics of his voice and vibrato are back."
Joni Mitchell was a major figure in the folk-rocker generation of the 1960s with hits like
Big Yellow Taxi
, a hymn to the environment,
Both Sides Now
and
Woodstock
, in praise of the famous festival to which she had no not participated in August 1969.
"Alongside Zeus"
Her gala was also an opportunity to salute her efforts to make the world of art, which is largely dominated by men, more accessible to women.
"Joni was the first woman I really identified with as a singer-songwriter, as a creative woman,"
singer Annie Lennox said from the red carpet.
“
She was this aerial beauty, with this penetrating and deep understanding of the world.”
“This industry is so male-dominated
,” explained Angélique Kidjo.
“We have to find our place there and she (Joni Mitchell) has opened so many doors for so many women in this country and around the world.”
Among Joni Mitchell's prestigious predecessors to have received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, named after brothers George and Ira Gershwin, are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.
Joni Mitchell has also been hailed for her forays into jazz, leading to collaborations with big names such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
The latter, who played
River
on Wednesday, told AFP that the singer should
"be placed on a pedestal alongside Zeus".
“She unveils her very soul,”
launched the superstar pianist, who notably won a Grammy for his album entirely dedicated to covers of songs by Joni Mitchell.
“Sometimes we try to hide things from others, and she talks about it.
It liberates those who listen to it.