LAS VEGAS, April 1 (Reuters) – Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell thrilled a Las Vegas viewers on Friday by taking the stage throughout a uncommon public look to sing together with an all-star lineup of musicians who paid tribute to her pioneering profession.
Artists from John Legend to Cyndi Lauper, Beck, Billy Porter, Mickey Guyton and Brandi Carlile carried out favourite alternatives from Mitchell’s catalog on the annual MusiCares fundraising gala earlier than the Grammys.
After practically three hours of heartfelt speeches and performances, Mitchell stood on the stage in an MGM Grand ballroom considerably speechless.
“It is a very particular night. I do not know what else to say. I do not need to say I used to be honored. That is apparent,” she stated.
“I used to be very impressed with the standard expertise that was right here tonight,” she added. “Every little thing was splendid.”
Mitchell then joined a number of of the night time’s performers to sing alongside to 2 songs, “The Circle Sport” and “Huge Yellow Taxi.”
The Canadian-born musician, 78, has stored a low profile since struggling a mind aneurysm in 2015 that left her unable to talk or stroll. On Friday, she walked with the help of a cane, which she tapped alongside to the music.
MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, raises funds to assist musicians battling well being and different points. The group stated it honored Mitchell as its particular person of the 12 months due to her artistic work, philanthropy and resilience.
The “A Case of You” musician is considered probably the most influential singer-songwriters of the Seventies and is thought for albums together with “Clouds,” “Girls of the Canyon” and “Blue.”
With songs equivalent to “Chelsea Morning” and “River,” she broke into an trade beforehand dominated by males and offered tens of millions of albums.
Lauper recalled first listening to Mitchell’s music when she was 15. “I had by no means heard anybody singing so intimately about what it was wish to be a younger lady navigating via this world,” Lauper stated.
Actress Meryl Streep, who appeared through video, stated Mitchell “sang me into the girl I’m.”
Porter, who sang a sluggish, soulful model of “Each Sides, Now,” referred to as Mitchell “a motion all by herself.”
Mitchell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 1997. She is scheduled to current an award at Sunday’s Grammys ceremony.
Different musicians or musical teams just lately honored by MusiCares embody Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and Dolly Parton.
Reporting by Lisa Richwine;
Enhancing by Alison Williams
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