Joni Mitchell's folk, pop, and jazz have made her a music icon, and now she'll be recognized as such in San Francisco as part of a gala on May 8th at SFJAZZ.
"The mission of SFJAZZ is to celebrate the full spectrum of jazz as a living
artform, built on a constantly evolving tradition," writes the organization, who "has also
championed openness and creativity in all forms of music. No artist better
embodies constant evolution than Joni Mitchell."
Per the organization, Mitchell's unique style and collaboration with jazz artists is to be celebrated with a lifetime achievement award. Previous honorees include the likes of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Stevie Wonder.
The "lonely painter" who writes songs hails from Canada but is closely associated with the '60s and '70s West Coast scene. Mitchell will be at the event with Wayne Shorter, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, SFJAZZ Collective, and others.
Of late, Mitchell has devoted herself to advocacy for Morgellons syndrome, which she believes she suffers from. She recently released a box set called Love Has Many Faces: A Quartet, a Ballet, Waiting to Be Danced.
Here in California, Mitchell might be best known for this track from her album Blue, performed live in a video from London.