When singer, musician, and broadcast journalist Malka Marom had the opportunity to interview Joni Mitchell in 1973, she was eager to reconnect with the performer she’d first met late one night in 1966 at a Yorkville coffeehouse. More conversations followed over the next four decades of friendship, and it was only after Joni and Malka completed their last recorded interview, in 2012, that Malka discovered the heart of their discussions: the creative process.
InJoni Mitchell: In Her Own Words, Joni and Malka follow this thread through seven decades of life and art, discussing the influence of Joni’s childhood, love and loss, playing dives and huge festivals, acclaim and criticism, poverty and affluence, glamorous triumphs and tragic mistakes . . .
This riveting narrative, told in interviews, lyrics, paintings, and photographs, is shared in the hope of illuminating a timeless body of work and inspiring others.
The book, which includes photographs and reproductions of Mitchell’s paintings, makes for a compelling narrative of the creative life and is recommended for both Mitchell fans and for music lovers. Publishers Weekly
In the rare interviews she gives, Joni Mitchell doesn't hold back. This is even truer in Malka Marom's new book about the musician's life and creative process. Mitchell comes across as more candid and outspoken than usual, likely due to the fact that Marom is part of Mitchell's inner circle of friends.” Quill & Quire
The gifted, adventurous musician talks as brilliantly as she writes and sings.” Kirkus Reviews
Curiously, I find I admire Mitchell more and more as I get older (the opposite of my experience with most of her fellow ’70s singer-songwriters). Albums like Hejira’ and Blue’ now sound undeniably like great art, and don’t lean one bit on nostalgia to do so. But l•