Joni Mitchellis celebratingChristmasearly with a special gift for her longtime fans.
The nine-time Grammy Award winner, 78, released the first officialmusic videoThursday for her 1971 de facto Christmas song “River” for the track’s 50th anniversary.
Her likeness appears throughout the black-and-white animated video, in which she skates away on an ice-covered river, just as the lyrics depict. The song is brought to life with a watercolor paint effect, which begins to fill with splashes of color later in the video.
The video ends with a quote from Mitchell, explaining the song’s inspirations. “‘River’ expresses regret at the end of a relationship… but it’s also about being lonely at Christmas time… A Christmas song for people who are lonely at Christmas! We needed a song like that,” the quote reads.
Joni Mitchell/Youtube
Mitchell was recognized earlier this month for her lifetime of contributions to American culture, alongside fellow performing arts figuresBette Mider, Berry Gordy,Lorne Michaelsand Justino Díaz,at the 44th Kennedy Center Honors.
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“I always think that polio was a rehearsal for the rest of my life: I’ve had to come back several times from things. And this last one was a real whopper. But, you know, I’m hobbling along but I’m doing all right!” Mitchellsaidduring her speech. “So I don’t know really what else to say to you, except this is a glorious building and a fantastic Honor, and I’m so pleased to be here — see my old friends and acquaintances. Enjoy yourselves, I’m gonna go back down and sit down.”
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Mitchell is also nominated for a Grammy Award, as her compilationJoni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967)is up for best historical album.
Additionally, the Recording Academy will honor Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year during a pre-Grammy gala.Jon Batiste,Black Pumas,Brandi Carlile,Leon Bridges,Mickey Guyton,Herbie Hancock,Graham Nash,Maggie RogersandJames Taylorare scheduled to perform during the Jan. 29 event.
source: people.com
