Joni Mitchell: Shadows and Light

by Karen O'Brien

Joni Mitchell is an icon of sixties rock n' roll and has long been regarded as the best female singer/songwriter of her generation. Beginning as a folk singer in her native Canada in the early 1960s, she was discovered by the Byrds David Crosby and threw herself into New Yorks bohemian scene. In the late 1960s and 1970s she enjoyed international hits including Chelsea Morning and Big Yellow Taxi , and has recorded several critically acclaimed albums including the landmark Blue and the jazz-influenced The Hissing of Summer Lawns .

During the 1990s she has continued to create adventurous and highly-regarded music, while also turning her hand to the visual arts. Her idiosyncratic paintings and photography have been well received, and she regularly exhibits in the USA and Canada.

Shadows and Light The Definitive Biography charts the life and loves of this fascinationg and complex woman, whose career has spanned over 30 years and defied fashion and genre. The story is told with an unrivalled degree of access, including first-person interviews with many of those closest to her, including her family, friends and musical collaborators.
- The first in-depth biography of Joni Mitchell
- Reveals the remarkable story of the life and loves of this complex and fascinating artist.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2002

Reviews

[Sonicrob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover says that it's the definitive biography. I disagree. It's ok; worth reading - but the definitive biography has yet to be published.

[Elli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty well researched, poorly executed.

I loved the language of this book, I really did, and I loved the first pages, up until Joan decides to become a folk musician.
After that, it seemed to me that the flow of the book started changing. The language becomes bleaker and the narrative derailed by unrelated events.

All in all, it’s worth the read, but it could’ve been a little shorter and tidier.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It skims the surface a bit, for a biography. But it's always great to read about the musicians you love.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok apparently Joni Mitchell is annoying and not a feminist. That’s nice. Still like her music, but now I understand she’s just like every other asshole famous musician

[Rob Howes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joni is the best! This biography however, is just average. Definitely feel like it could have been better.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

shite

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly interesting

[Robert Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my idols thanks to older sister Cheryl. Have loved Joni since the 1970s and continue to do so.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woman is a genius - I love her