Joni Mitchell honored with Gershwin Prize at tribute concert

WASHINGTON, DC (AP) — When Joni Mitchell finally took the stage near the end of an all-star tribute concert honoring her (March 1, 2023) as this year’s recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, she opted to perform a cover rather than one of her own songs. The 79-year-old music legend leaned against the piano as she crooned a sultry version of “Summertime,” the popular tune from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” and appropriate choice since the award was named after the composer. Graham Nash, James Taylor, Ledisi, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Mumford, Brandi Carlile and others brought the crowd to their feet in an evening filled with love and admiration.