David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, has a deep-rooted admiration for a musical icon that might surprise some fans. But here's where it gets intriguing: his heart belongs to the folk-rock goddess, Joni Mitchell.
While Gilmour's iconic guitar riffs in Pink Floyd may not immediately evoke folk music, his love for the genre runs deep. It all started in the swinging '60s, when folk music captivated him, and its influence on his life and career has been profound.
Joni Mitchell, the Canadian singer-songwriter, has been a constant presence in Gilmour's musical journey. Her music resonated with him so deeply that he couldn't help but shout about his adoration for her. And shout he did!
When asked to choose songs for the BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Gilmour selected Mitchell's 'For Free' as one of his all-time favorites. This song, from Mitchell's classic album Ladies of the Canyon, tells the story of a street performer's struggle, and it resonated with Gilmour on a profound level. He saw a reflection of Mitchell's inner conflict in the song, a battle between her wealth and her artistic integrity.
Gilmour's appreciation for Mitchell goes beyond her lyrics; he also admires her guitar playing, which he believes is criminally underrated. In a revealing moment, Gilmour participated in a historic guitar auction and was asked about his influences. He gave a heartfelt response, acknowledging Mitchell's impact alongside other greats like Pete Seeger, Hank Marvin, and Lead Belly. He admitted to copying these masters, and through that process, he found his own unique sound.
But here's where it gets controversial: Gilmour's admiration for Mitchell is not just about her talent. He sees her as a pivotal figure in music history, a trailblazer who defined what a singer-songwriter could be. Albums like Blue and Ladies of the Canyon are timeless masterpieces that continue to inspire new artists. Yet, it was Mitchell's unique voice and originality that made her a star, something Gilmour believes can't be replicated.
So, is Joni Mitchell truly an all-time great? Gilmour certainly thinks so. But what do you think? Is it her songwriting prowess, her unique voice, or her influence on the music industry that solidifies her place in the pantheon of musical legends? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation about this remarkable artist's impact.
