Such was the diversity of artists honoring a most diverse artist, Mitchell, a Canadian-turned-Californian, folkie-turned-rocker-turned-jazz explorer who was honored as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the year by the Recording Academy two days before the Grammy Awards.
“I don’t know how you do what you do, I just know I need it like food,” Meryl Streep said in a video message played for Mitchell and the crowd. “Ever since we were both young girls. We didn’t know each other, but you sang me into being. You sang my life." Mitchell is a presenter and a nominee for best historical album at Sunday’s Grammys. She says she's always found herself in the genres and categories that don’t make the Grammy telecast.Inside, sitting a table with Hancock and director Cameron Crowe, Mitchell often appeared near tears as a parade of artists praised her before giving their takes on her songs.
“We helped shepherd artists to their Joni songs, the ones that their souls connected to,” Carlile told the AP. “This isn't easy music. This is complicated, brilliant music that is really hard to interpret.”
Make sure Will Smith isn't in attendance!