Joni Mitchell left her native country Canada in 1965 to live in the USA. Starting a career as a folk singer. Her first songs became hits for other people like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young who covered her "Woodstock" on their 1970 "Déjà Vu" album. And also Buffy Sainte-Marie ("The Circle Game"), Dave Van Ronk ("Both Sides Now") and Judy Collins ("Both Sides Now", "Michael from Mountains", "Chelsea Morning"). She ended up in the city from the flower power Los Angeles for her third album where she finally scored hits performing her own compositions.

Picture from 50th anniversary

In 1970 Joni Mitchell released her third album that reached #27 in the US and #8 in the UK. It is titled "Ladies Of The Canyon". The title refers to Laurel Canyon, a centre of hippie music culture in LA during the 60's. It includes Joni's best known songs: "Big Yellow Taxi", "Woodstock" and "The Circle Game". "Big Yellow Taxi" has also become a big succes for the Counting Crows featuring Vanessa Carlton in 2003.

Back album cover

It opens with "Morning Morgantown" followed by "For Free" an emotional accoustic song which ends with a jazzy saxophone. It's accoustic hippie folk with a hint of jazz (mostly at the end of songs). The album also relates to her friendships with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. For example "Willy" is about Graham Nash who's middle name is William. They had a relationship that was coming to an end in 1970. "Our House" on the album "Déjà Vu" from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is also about a day in their life together. The album is completely accoustic accompanying herself on guitar and piano.

Graham and Joni in 1970

She produced the album herself. Musically and also artistically, because she painted the cover.

Joni in 1970

Original album cover

Ladies Of The Canyon (1970)
Morning Morgantown / For Free / Conversation / Ladies of the Canyon / Willy / The Arrangement / Rainy Night House / The Priest / Blue Boy / Big Yellow Taxi / Woodstock / The Circle Game

Big Yellow Taxy

For Free

Morning Morgantown