Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Joni Mitchell, self portrait

Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell receives the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at an all-star tribute in Washington, D.C.

Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, airing Friday, September 1 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV, is a memorable tribute that includes performances from Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Cyndi Lauper, Angélique Kidjo, Graham Nash, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Marcus Mumford, Herbie Hancock, Ledisi, Lucius, Celisse…and Joni Mitchell herself. After getting her start performing in coffee shops and nightclubs in her native Canada, Mitchell would go on to set a new standard marrying music and lyrics. With such songs as “Both Sides, Now,” “Chelsea Morning,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock” and “The Circle Game,” Mitchell became a household name.

Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music. The honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and other music specialists. Previous recipients are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks, and Lionel Richie.