The Folk Icons Joni Mitchell Accused of Being “Copycats”

Joni Mitchell, an iconic figure in the music world, once proclaimed, “It’s in my stars to invent; I was born on Madame Curie’s birthday. I have this need for originals, for innovation.” Mitchell’s relentless pursuit of originality has not only defined her career but has also made her a harsh critic of those she felt lacked this quality. Two prominent figures in the music industry, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, received some of her most severe critiques, being labeled as “copycats” or mere participants in a larger wave of musicians.

Joni Mitchell: A Pioneering Force in Music

Mitchell’s career is a testament to her pioneering spirit. Emerging during the vibrant folk scene of the 1960s, she quickly distinguished herself with her angelic voice and deeply personal lyrics. Unlike many of her contemporaries who continued producing beautiful, confessional works and honing their guitar styles, Mitchell constantly evolved. By the mid-1970s, her music had undergone significant transformations. Albums like Court and Spark (1974) and The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975) showcased her shift from pure folk to a blend of jazz, rock, and other influences, drawing from classical music, philosophy, and poetry.

Mitchell’s philosophy seemed to embody the idea that stagnation leads to decline. Her continuous innovation set her apart, and her perception of peers who didn’t evolve similarly was often critical.

Leonard Cohen: From Muse to Criticized Copycat

Initially, Mitchell admired Leonard Cohen, even admitting, “I’m only a groupie for Picasso and Leonard.” Their brief romantic relationship saw them exchanging songs written for each other, with Cohen being an early influence on Mitchell. She once reflected, “I remember thinking when I heard his songs for the first time that I was not worldly. My work seemed very young and naive in comparison.”

However, as Mitchell’s artistic vision expanded, her view of Cohen shifted. She desired thematic breadth, which she felt Cohen lacked. Her growing literary knowledge led her to perceive Cohen as derivative, stating, “Though once I read Camus and Lorca I started to realize that he had taken a lot of lines from those books, which was disappointing to me.” For Mitchell, imitation equated to weakness.

Bob Dylan: The Woody Guthrie Copycat

Bob Dylan, another towering figure in the folk music scene, also fell under Mitchell’s critical gaze. She dismissed him as “a Woody Guthrie copycat,” criticizing his perceived lack of authenticity and innovation. Even in 2010, she maintained her stance, saying, “We are like night and day, [Dylan] and I. Bob is not authentic at all. He’s a plagiarist, and his name and voice are fake. Everything about Bob is a deception.”

Despite this harsh critique, Mitchell’s song “Talk to Me” hints at a more nuanced relationship with Dylan. Lyrics like “Talk to me, talk to me / Mr. Mystery” reflect her time on his Rolling Thunder Revue tour and her desire for his recognition, suggesting a complex dynamic beyond mere disdain.

Innovation and Authenticity: Mitchell’s Creed

For Joni Mitchell, the twin pillars of authenticity and innovation are paramount. Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, despite their monumental contributions to music, were seen by Mitchell as falling short in these areas. To her, their borrowings from literary sources and historical figures placed them behind her in the artistic race.

Mitchell’s unwavering commitment to originality and her willingness to critique even her most esteemed peers underscore her unique place in music history. Her journey from the folk heyday of the 1960s to her later genre-blending works exemplifies her belief that continuous evolution is essential for artistic survival.