Greetings Everyone,
Today is the 80th Birthday of the legendary musician, poet and painter, Joni Mitchell. She was born on November 7, 1943 at 10:00pm, in Fort MacLeod, Alberta, Canada.
I have been listening and playing/singing along to Joni’s music, since I was literally a child. Fascinated by her haunting melodies and lyrics.
I learned to play piano and guitar, just to be able to be in the same emotional world as Joni. She was not just a musical idol, but a psychological muse. I actually remember the very first time I heard a song she wrote, “Both Sides Now,” as someone else was singing it. Of course, it was hard to find, as the other title of the song was, “Clouds.” But, finally — I found it, and bought a copy, and that was the beginning of an entire phase of my life.
Joni’s songs were complex, and many were played in altered tunings, which made it even more challenging. Her songs were beautiful, but made even more stunning by her singing voice, with its pure, clarion tone.
I learned all her songs, as soon as I could, both on guitar, and then on piano, multi-tracking myself to learn all her complex harmonies.
Finally, at the age of 15, playing two of Joni’s songs, “River,” and “You Turn Me On, (I’m a Radio,”) I won a huge talent contest at school. That sealed the deal. I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life — to be like Joni. To write meaningful songs, and play the guitar and piano. So, that’s what I did.
In order to plan my musical career, even from a young age, I turned to Astrology, Qabalah and the Thoth Tarot, in order to plot my path. Over time, the spiritual side of things, took over, and overshadowed my original path of music. I even learned to draw and paint, and shared that with Joni’s inspiration too.
The fact of it is, my entire life has been entwined with the inspiration of Joni Mitchell, in every way. I finally got a chance to meet her back in 1998. I had literally just had a dream about her, and she and I were painting in her studio. I woke up, and went outside my psychic shop to a little restaurant next door, and there she was! Joni Mitchell was literally sitting in front of my shop, eating breakfast with a friend!
I walked up to her and apologized for interrupting her, but told her of my dream that I had just awoken from, where she and I were talking. She asked me to share more of the dream, and invited to sit and have lunch with her and a guitarist friend of hers.
We talked about some friends we shared in common, and had a wonderful time. I’ll always remember her kindness and open-hearted friendliness to a stranger.
Joni, over the years, I have wished that I could have reached the pinnacle of self-awareness, which you’ve shown in your music; But, now I know how rare such a talent is. I’m just grateful I am alive, at the same time you are. May you have a blessed birthday, and many more to come! ~V~
Legendary musical and lyrical genius, Stephen Sondheim, passed away today. He was known for his work on such Broadway masterpieces as, “West End Story”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Gypsy”, and many more.
