Joni Mitchell’s influence on Taylor Swift is undeniable. As a pioneer of intimate female songwriting, Mitchell paved the way for artists like Swift to bare their souls in their music. Mitchell’s radical honesty in her lyrics, as seen in her iconic album “Blue,” encouraged others to dig deeper and share their own experiences ¹.
Swift has often spoken about the impact of Mitchell’s music on her own songwriting. Her 2012 album “Red” is thought to be partly inspired by Mitchell’s “Blue,” with Swift admiring how Mitchell explores the human soul so deeply ². The connection between the two artists is evident, with Swift even being spotted fervently clapping during Mitchell’s emotional performance at the 2024 Grammys ².
Mitchell’s legacy extends beyond her music. She’s a testament to female artists taking control of their careers, owning their publishing rights, and pushing boundaries. As Brandi Carlile described her, Mitchell is “the matriarch of imagination” ².
The 2024 Grammys marked a special moment for Mitchell, who performed live for the first time in decades, despite her health struggles. Her performance of “Both Sides Now” left the audience, including Swift, in tears ³ ².
