Happy Birthday Joni Mitchell: Performing ‘Me & My Uncle’ & More In 1965

Distinguished Canadian folk artist Joni Mitchell celebrates her 73rd birthday today. Last year the renowned singer-songwriter and innovative guitarist suffered a health scare, but a full recovery was expected and she was happily seen in August attending a Chick Corea concert in Los Angeles. In honor of her birthday today, take a trip back to 1965 to watch Mitchell performing live on the Canadian television program Let’s Sing Out.

According to Mitchell’s official website, the performance on the Oscar Brand-hosted show was recorded at the University Of Manitoba in Winnipeg and aired on CJAY-TV on October14, 1965. Introduced by her given name “Joan Anderson,” the black and white footage features a 21-year-old Mitchell performing a number of songs on acoustic guitar accompanied by The Chapins, Dave Van Ronk and and Patrick Sky.

Early examples of her singular singing style and innovative approach to guitar can be seen as she performs John Phillips’ “Me And My Uncle,” which would later become a standard of live Grateful Dead shows. She also played originals “Born To Take the Highway” and “Favorite Colour” as well as the traditional “Blow Away The Morning Dew” (not to be confused with the Bonnie Dobson song also covered by the Dead).

[Me And My Uncle]

[Born to Take the Highway]

[Blow Away The Morning Dew ]

[Favorite Colour]

A special “We Love You, Joni!” website was launched for fans to send birthday wishes to the legendary performer. Head over to weloveyoujoni.com to view the messages and use the hashtag #WeLoveYouJoni on Facebook and Twitter to send a note to Joni.