Joni Mitchell is officially a United States citizen. The legendary singer-songwriter announced the news Tuesday on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself holding a tiny American flag alongside video from her citizenship ceremony. Her caption said it all:“A journey that began 62 years ago.”
That timeline checks out. Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, in 1943, and moved to the United States in the mid-1960s, where she became a defining voice of Los Angeles’Laurel Canyon scene. From Blue to Court and Spark, her catalog shaped generations of songwriters. Her biggest Hot 100 hit as a performer remains“Help Me,”which peaked at No. 7 in 1974.
The citizenship news carries extra weight given her 2024 remarks at the Hollywood Bowl, where she cursed Donald Trump and joked about being“one of those lousy immigrants”who couldn’t vote. Now that chapter closes with a ballot in hand. What’s your favorite Joni Mitchell song? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.