Happy Birthday Joni Mitchell: Aoife O’Donovan & Chris Thile Tribute On ‘Live From Here’

Revered by fans and fellow musicians alike for her singular talent to craft a song and deliver a melody, Joni Mitchell today turns 76. Calling Mitchell influential only barely begins to scratch the surface of her contributions to music since she began sharing her songs with the world in the 1960s.

A singing voice as recognizable as her innovative guitar playing, Mitchell entered the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997. Mitchell, who was born in a small town in Alberta, Canada, was honored with her home country’s prestigious Companion of the Order of Canada appointment in 2002.

Mitchell’s influence is easily observed through the countless musicians that have covered her songs. For years other musicians have covered generational documents such as “Woodstock” and “Big Yellow Taxi,” timeless heartfelt personal examinations like “Help Me,” “Chelsea Morning” and “River,” as well as other treasures “Free Man In Paris,” “Both Sides Now,” “Carey,” “California,” “Down To You” and many others.

Last weekend’s episode of Live From Here devoted the weekly Musicians’ Birthday segment of the radio program entirely to Joni Mitchell. One of the guests last Saturday at Town Hall in New York City was Aoife O’Donovan. The I’m With Her member led a performance of Mitchell’s classic “Coyote.” The show’s host Chris Thile then offered a take on “Marcie,” which he covered with the Live From Here band’s pianist Brad Mehldau on their collaborative LP. O’Donovan returned to sing a gorgeous version of Mitchell’s “A Case Of You.” The full tribute can be viewed below: