Legendary Joni Mitchell turned 75 yesterday (November 7). I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan back in the late ’60s / early ’70s when the world was bombarded with songs like her ubiquitous “Big Yellow Taxi.” Or so I thought. So many songs I liked, recorded by others, had been written by Joni, including: “Woodstock” (Crosby, Stills, & Nash), “Both Sides Now” and “Chelsea Morning” (Judy Collins), and “The Circle Game” (Buffy Sainte-Marie). Even today, I’m still discovering Joni’s songs through covers by other artists, such as Keith Harkin’s cover of “River.”

In a belated birthday tribute, I’m offering you three videos, two by Joni and one cover. The title song from Joni’s album “Blue” is a bittersweet love song. Joni’s rendition of “The Circle Game” is a hopeful song of a child’s journey to adulthood. From the thousands of covers available, I’ve chosen the glorious Laura Benanti’s “He Comes For Conversation.” Enjoy!