Photo by: Tony Russell/Getty Images

The Recording Academy’s MusiCares organization has named legendary singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell the “2022 Person Of The Year.”

Mitchell has been a pioneer in folk music for over fifty years inspiring generations of singers and acoustic guitar players. Blue, one of her most iconic albums that features the hit songs California and River, just hit its 50th anniversary last June. Mitchell was heavily involved in the Laurel Canyon rock scene with her friends Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Carole King, Cass Elliot, and John Sebastian.

MusiCares will honor 77-year-old Mitchell with a tribute concert on January 29th, 2022. The concert is usually held annually, but the 2021 ceremony was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m honored to be chosen as person of the year by this great charity,” Mitchell responded in a statement. “I look forward to being part of this gala that will help MusiCares continue their inspired work in providing a support system for those in need.”

Watch Joni Mitchell’s 1969 performance of Big Yellow Taxi and Both Sides Now here: