DEBORAH CROMBIE: The lede here should be just one word–JONI. She is everywhere this week, and so deservedly so. But let's back up just a bit and talk about more than her stunning performance at the Grammys on Sunday.
These "What We're Watching" chats are more difficult than they used to be, because there are so few opportunities for a communal broadcast experience these days. As much as I love streaming, we don't all have access to the same shows, and there is so much to choose from!
But the Grammys are LIVE on broadcast TV, and music is something that touches all our experiences and associations. It connects us, and, boy, did it connect us on Sunday night. I know everyone will have seen clips by now of Joni Mitchell's iconic performance of Both Sides Now, interspersed with talking head chatter. But I hope you watched it as it happened, because it was a moment that those of us who did won't easily forget. I'm still buzzing two days later.
What a night for women!! (The guys might as well have stayed home…) And not just Joni. The fabulous Tracy Chapman! Annie Lennox. Miley!! Dua Lippa. Mariah. Billie Eilish. Brandi Carlisle. Lizzo. Zsa. boygenius. Celine.
And Taylor Swift, of course, winning her 4th Best Album, with such grace and generosity, and having an absolutely terrific time. What I loved most about all of this was the thread running between these artists, how they've inspired and supported one another, how their journeys have fed our journeys and woven themselves into the soundtracks of our lives.
And I have to wonder, if Taylor is performing on that stage when she's eighty, what that will mean to the generation that has grown up with her as an integral part of their lives...
How about it, REDs? Did you watch? Did you love it? Favorite moments?
JENN McKINLAY: For me, it was Tracy Chapman. 100%. I love all the other artists, as well, but Fast Car came out when I was 20 and just figuring out who I was and where I wanted to go with my life. To have it circle back and hit the top of the charts again with the recent respectful and reverent rendition by Luke Combs–especially when I am, weirdly, figuring out who I am once again as my children are out of the nest and my writing career is making another pivot–well, it was just incredible. I felt that performance all the way to my soul.
DEBS:Tracy was mesmerizing, Jenn, I agree, and I was so glad that Luke Combs shared what the song meant to him. She was a touchstone for him, as Joni was for Brandi, and Taylor, and so it goes on. Kind of like the way writers build on one another, and support one another. I definitely felt the same sense of community.
Readers, were there special moments, or artists, for you?
I'd have to say Joni Mitchell was simply amazing . . . it was a wonderful night for women artists.
ReplyDeleteDiana here: I saw photos of Joni and Taylor about the Grammy awards on social media today.
ReplyDeleteTracy! I cry every time I watch it. She radiated joy!
ReplyDeleteI don't watch award shows as a general rule. I rarely know anyone who is nominated. This is especially true for the Grammys since I listen to Christian music. I know who many of the people nominated for the Grammys are, but I haven't heard their music to have anyone I'm rooting for.
ReplyDeleteI have never watched the Grammys but now I wish I had seen this year's! I did watch a clip of Tracy Chapman - that song was also super important to me when I was a mother of young children.
ReplyDeleteBut JONI? Am off to watch now. Thank you for the heads up.
The only award show that I try to watch is the Academy Awards. I love to root for my favorite actors and then I watch Kelly & Mark the next morning and their experiences from the night before from behind the stage with the winners and presenters. I have to watch in another room as my husband would rather watch anything else. I wonder if I can find Joni's performance on the Tube?
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to find anything but clips. Anyone else have any luck with that?
DeleteIf you are looking for full clips of the performances, try the Grammys official website. That's were I found the Tracy Chapman/Luke Combs performance after only clips were available on Youtube.
DeleteThanks, Jay!
DeleteJoni was awesome! She proved she’s still got it! It was wonderful to see so many women rising to the top at the same time ❤️🎶
ReplyDeleteJoni Mitchell was awesome and yes, a tear was shed. I also enjoyed Annie Lenox and Fantasia's tributes to Sinéad O'Connor and Tina Turner respectively.
ReplyDeleteI loved those, too, Dru.
DeleteWe don't get a lot of those programs here in Portugal on the plan that we have, but a poet friend in Sacramento posted that when he watched Joni Mitchell sing "Both Sides Now" with his teenage daughter, he burst into tears. Meanwhile, I'm a Tracy Chapman fan, too. So sorry to have missed all of this.
ReplyDeleteI was sobbing by the end of Both Sides Now, I have to admit, and pretty teary over Tracy Chapman, too.
DeleteI'm with Jenn. 100% Tracy!
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who didn't watch the Grammys. No cable TV for a decade. But thanks to Youtube, I did see some highlight performances on Monday. For me, it's Tracy Chapman & Luke Combs.
ReplyDeleteIn the US you can watch the Grammy’s without cable. It is broadcast on regular digital tv. Most tv’s here can pick up the regular channel signal easily.
DeleteI didn't watch the Grammys. And most years I don't even care to look at the winner's list articles that pop up the next day. I'm only interested in who won in the Metal and Hard Rock categories but since the Grammys segregate the Metal category to the pre-show, there's no reason to tune in to the broadcast.
ReplyDeleteI did see the Tracy Chapman / Luke Combs duet on "Fast Car" (the whole thing, not the 90 second clip) online and it was excellent.
Beyond that, I only saw one clip from the show and moved on with my life afterwards.
Jay, do you have a link to the whole duet? Thx.
Deletehttps://www.grammy.com/videos/tracy-chapman-luke-combs-fast-car-2024-grammys-performance-66th-annual-grammy-awards
DeleteThanks, Grace!
DeleteThanks, Grace!
DeleteOriginally, I saw the full performance because someone had it on Twitter. There was no full clip on Youtube. But I was looking this morning and found that link that Grace posted using Google Search. Worth the hunt.
DeleteI didn't watch the Grammys live, but I have feasted on the clips available online. Yes! to Joni and Tracy. So. Great. ...music -- it's something else, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteWe rarely turn on the TV unless to watch a movie or Acorn or Hulu, but so many of my Facebook friends were commenting on the Grammy show that we tuned in. Boy, were we glad we did. We missed Tracy Chapman, but I later found footage online to watch and it was wonderful. Joni Mitchell blew me away, in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI had two takeaways from the night. First, there is a marked difference between the understated and completely organic way Chapman and Mitchell performed (so beautifully), and the pyrotechnic tricks of the likes of Travis Scott, whose voice was autotuned, and whose lyric on one song was nothing but repeating "fein" over and over again. His antics of throwing around folding chairs was entertaining to some, I guess, but it really provided a decided contrast to the deeply lyrical and meaningful poetry and masterful voices of the much simpler performances.
The fact that so many women won awards is also a landmark moment. After a year of the Barbie movie taking in a billion dollars, after Taylor Swift selling out concert venues everywhere, also raking in a billion dollars. After Roe v. Wade was struck down by the Supreme Court, reducing women to no more than a vessel. Women are finally, I feel, gathering our own power, supporting one another more than we ever have before, and finally, being the role models younger women and girls need today. Of course, not every famous woman fills that need, but enough are using their bully pulpit to send a powerful message that it is having a real effect on society. These next few years should be very interesting.
Hope you don't mind this long reply, but all this has been percolating in my mind since the other night. Thanks for a way to express it, Reds.
Amen, Karen.
Deleteso well said Karen!!
Deletepowerful Karen.
DeletePerfectly said, Karen, and all the things I'd been thinking since, then, too, and why I wanted to write about it.
DeleteKaren, your third paragraph should be inscribed on a wall for every person to see. Very well said and I hope women will start to rise up and support each other. — Pat S
DeleteI agree with Pat, Karen.
DeleteMissed the Grammy Awards. Missing lots of things right now, but can still find time to read. I'm the one planning everything for my brother's funeral and the one to clean out his apartment and 3 (yep, 3) storage units. Gah. No time to grieve. I think I feel sorry for myself. Oh, dear, it's come to this.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs during this tough time, dear Judy.
DeleteOh dear! Sorry about your loss Judy.
DeleteJudy, you hang in there and take your time. The grief will come--what a difficult time this is. xox
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DeleteJUDY: So sorry you are going through this. I remember having to plan my dad's funeral & clean out his Toronto apartment on my own in just 3 days during the pandemic. It was all a blur. HUGS
DeleteJudy, you know we all have you held in our hearts right now. Big hugs.
DeleteSending more hugs, Judy. Please take time for yourself when this is done
DeleteJudy, I’m so sorry. I know the pain of losing siblings. Do take time to grieve. If you find a bereavement group, consider attending. The one I am benefiting from meets virtually. Members are from various parts of the state, and one person even signs in from Virginia.
DeleteI wish you peace.
DebRo
Oh, Judy, I am so sorry. That's just so hard, and especially to do it alone. I wish we could help you in person. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xx
DeleteJudy, I am so sorry about your brother.! His mess is not your mess. If you do not have family members who can help, hire a clear out firm. You should be able to grieve in your own way! Do not take on everything yourself!
DeleteJudy, sorry to hear that it came to this--losing your brother. You'll make it through, you'll find time to grieve, bless you.
DeleteJudy, I am so sorry for your loss and your chore. I learned that grief will come on you when you’re not expecting it (especially when you’re so busy you can’t/don’t allow yourself time to grieve). Do what you have to get done and then take time for yourself. Hugs. — Pat S
DeleteXXOO
DeleteThank you everyone!
Unfortunately, I can relate to you being the one to go through your brother's things. We only had one storage locker for my son. i have boxes all through our house, as I can only stand going through a little at a time. I hope you don't feel rushed either. Please make time for your grief.
DeleteThe above was from me, Judy, Kathy Reel.
DeleteI'm so sorry, Judy. That is a lot to deal with on top of grief. Hugs.
DeleteSpeaking of Taylor Swift, she performed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert today. It's best to google NPR News and look for the Tiny Desk Concert/Taylor Swift.
ReplyDeleteOMG, thank you! I just watched and became a Swiftie, at long last. That's my kind of concert - no glitz, no backup band, regular clothes...
DeleteI'm listening right now! It's just her and her guitar. Loving it.
DeleteHere's the link: https://www.npr.org/2019/10/16/770318649/taylor-swift-tiny-desk-concert
DeleteEdith, David Brooks is a big Swiftie, which somehow really tickles me. He was quoting Swift lyrics on PBS Newshour recently:-)
DeleteThere goes my hope of turning Edith into a stage diving, slam dancing metal head. LOL!
DeleteJay, you cracked me up! Debs, my husband is a big Swiftie and I hear about everything she does. However, he won’t be able to bring himself to root for “Trav” on Sunday because he’s a lifelong 49ers fan. — Pat S
DeleteJay, now I can't get that image out of my mind, lol!
DeleteCongrats to our Hank who did a great job on Tamaron Hall's show yesterday.
ReplyDeleteHank was fabulous!!!! What a great segment!!
DeleteI don't generally watch awards shows as a rule and now that I cut the cable cord, I don't get live TV.
ReplyDeleteLIZ: I cut the cable cord a decade ago & found it very liberating. I went from a TV junkie to not missing live TV at all. Some streaming channel trials for 1-3 months allow me to catch up on some new shows & then I cancel.
DeleteGrace, the only thing we were going to miss was football - but then my son went and bought the NFL Sunday Ticket package. Problem solved. I have a few shows on the streaming channels I watch. Right now I'm binging "House." But yeah. A lot of nights where the TV just doesn't get turned on at all and it doesn't bother me one bit.
DeleteI didn't watch the show, but now for sure I'm going to search out your favorite clips to look at and admire!
ReplyDeleteLucy/Roberta, also look for Miley Cyrus's performance of her "Best Song", "Flowers". I posted a link on my Facebook page.
DeleteMiley was fabulous! I've watched that one a couple of times. She gave us a lesson in celebrating ourselves. It's hard to believe that Miley is only 31, younger than Taylor, because she's been around forever.
DeleteAlso, Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For was stunning.
DeleteThanks for the reminder, Debs! We also missed Billie Eilish's performance, and I wanted to find video of that one, too.
DeleteI joined a little late but have watched Tracy's performance online. I was well into my 30s when Fast Car came out, and it didn't have the impact on me that it did for some. However, Joni's song Both Sides Now was one of those impactful songs for me, and I was so happy to see her perform it so well!
ReplyDeleteI had seen her performances at Newport--the album of which won her the Folk Album Grammy--and was blown away then. And the friendship between her and Brandi Carlisle is so touching.
DeleteFor me it was what we didn’t watch as we lost power for the whole of that evening in the storm! Actually I watched Enchsnted April on my little DVD player
ReplyDeletePoor Rhys! So glad it wasn't any worse for you! A lot of the Grammy attendees were late because of the rains in LA!
DeleteEnchanted April is one of my favorite movies. Diana
DeleteWhat a wonderful movie to watch during a storm! I love it and it's one of my favorites too!
DeleteThe highlight of the Grammys for me was seeing Tracy Chapman once again perform. She looked so happy and the audience was so receptive. Back in the 80's when she was a student at Tufts University she also busked in Harvard Square. I used to watch her sing...just her and her guitar...at the front entrance of the Harvard Coop across from Harvard University. The street performers back then were phenomenal but she always stood out as being exceptional. Her voice was...and still is...so unique. Her artistry as a songwriter...outstanding. It was a thrill to see this reclusive singer blossom on stage again at the Grammys 35 years later singing "Fast Car."
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about Tracy Chapman! How wonderful that you saw her then--and appreciated her talent.
DeleteI admit I'm not much of a contemporary music follower - the Chicks are my most current crush - but did I read somewhere that Beyonce was snubbed? How is that possible with her huge tour success? Thanks fir the link to the Tracy Chapman video, which I 'll watch, and the great observation about women exhibiting powerful community!
DeleteI didn't watch the whole show, but tuned in for Joni. One of my absolute favorites. I am too old to have listened to much Tracy Chapman or more recent artists, but Tracy's music always struck a chord with me. She's been invisible on the music scene for many years now, and IMHO we are much the poorer for that. Perhaps this appearance will bring her out of retirement? One can but hope.
ReplyDeleteI read that she's very shy and really doesn't enjoy being in the spotlight.
DeleteI did not watch - my streaming is pretty much limited to Amazon Prime shows - but I was so happy to hear about Joni! She was part of the backdrop of my college years and her recovery is amazing.
ReplyDeleteBrandi Carlyle's intro mentioned that Joni had had polio when she was young, and then had the brain aneurysm 9-10 years ago. The line that struck me most: Joni has learned to walk three times. I'm tearing up again, just thinking about what that means.
DeleteI know, that's just mind blowing, isn't it? I'm such a fan of Brandi Carlisle, too. So talented, and such a lovely person.
DeleteI was on a real high after watching that show. Joni’s courageous performance was wonderful and poignant, and Brandi’s fangirl-ing of her was so fun. Tracy Chapman, so humble and amazing, and Luke so gracious in his appreciation of her. Taylor, so joyful and gracious. And it truly was a women’s show! I loved it all.
ReplyDeleteJoni Mitchell is very much my era, and I love many of her songs, but it was Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs singing "Fast Car" that made me cry. I lived in Harvard Square until 1983, and Tracy didn't start busking there until 1985. Wish I'd seen her!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I always stop to listen to buskers:-)
DeleteI was as bewitched as the entire Grammy audience with Joni Mitchell's performance. Brandi Carlile's introduction and guitar accompaniment was spot-on, too, along with the other three performers. But, Joni didn't need any help making it a grand performance. I was afraid her voice might not be up to par, but the lower register made it strong and beautiful. I loved how evident it was that Brandi adores and respects Joni. There should be an award for the people who arranged this performance.
ReplyDeleteI was also deeply touched by Annie Lennox's tribute performance of Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares to U." And, her call for a cease fire was perfectly timed. Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs were amazing singing a favorite of mine, "Fast Car." Fantasia Barrino did Tina Turner proud with her performance of Tina's "Proud Mary." I hope Fantasia has a great 2024. She deserves it. And, Billy Joel back and the story of how it happened! I loved his new song and thought closing the show with him singing "You May Be Right" was a great choice.
Wow! I went to the NPR link you gave, Debs, and it's incredible to hear Taylor Swift and just Taylor Swift. Her song "The Man" is perfect. The line "And I'm so tired of them coming at me again" covers so much she has to put up with. What came to mind for me was all the awards she's won, this year Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year, which she made history this year by winning her 4th, was one, and the biggest, she won. So, Jay-Z's speech at the Grammy's calling out the Recording Academy for never awarding his wife Beyonce Album of the Year was inappropriate, at the least, as many, including me, thinks it took away some from Taylor's historic 4th Album of the Year win. And, back in 2009 when Kanye West came onto the stage as Taylor was accepting her award for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards and interrupted her acceptance speech was outrageous. Again, it involved Beyonce, with West basically saying the award should have gone to her. Now, the connection to Taylor's "The Man" song. You have to wonder if a man had won these awards if there would have been any talk (and I know one was a female award) about someone else should have won or others being snubbed on that man's big night. And, I'm certainly not blaming Beyonce for these outbursts, and she has plenty of Grammys to prove her talent.
Oh, here's a link to the lyrics for Taylor Swift's "The Man." https://www.google.com/search?q=taylor+swift+if+i+was+a+man+lyrics&sca_esv=2610265ff35e352d&sxsrf=ACQVn0-jMfSIsxASVdjiHe5md18VK1oo5g%3A1707339678758&source=hp&ei=nu_DZYmULLyY0PEP0a2mKA&iflsig=ANes7DEAAAAAZcP9rt3xE9fXF3oXdEr7EY3GC7SfwVXT&oq=Taylor+Swift+If+I&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz
DeleteHere are the words to Taylor Swift's "The Man."
ReplyDeleteLyrics
I would be complex
I would be cool
They'd say I played the field before I found someone to commit to
And that would be ok
For me to do
Every conquest I had made would make me more of a boss to you
I'd be a fearless leader
I'd be an alpha type
When everyone believes ya
What's that like?
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I'd get there quicker
If I was a man
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again
'Cause if I was a man
Then I'd be the man
I'd be the man
I'd be the man
They'd say I hustled
Put in the work
They wouldn't shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve
What I was wearing
If I was rude
Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves?
And they would toast to me, oh
Let the players play
I'd be just like Leo
In Saint-Tropez
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I'd get there quicker
If I was a man
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again
'Cause if I was a man
Then I'd be the man
I'd be the man
I'd be the man
What's it like to brag about
Raking in dollars
And getting bitches and models
And it's all good if you're bad
And it's okay if you're mad
If I was out flashing my dollars
I'd be a bitch, not a baller
They paint me out to be bad
So it's okay that I'm mad
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man (you know that)
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again (coming at me again)
'Cause if I was a man (if I was a man)
Then I'd be the man (then I'd be the man)
I'm so sick of running as fast as I can (as fast as I can)
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man (hey)
And I'm so sick of them coming at me again (coming at me again)
'Cause if I was a man (if I was a man), then I'd be the man
I'd be the man
I'd be the man (oh)
I'd be the man (yeah)
I'd be the man (I'd be the man)
If I was a man
Then I'd be the man
She's not wrong! I love that she's so fierce. What an excellent role model for young women.
DeleteJust wow. Thank you, Kathy. She is so spot on, and as Jenn says, what a role model, not just for young women but for all of us.
DeleteFavorites: Joni Mitchell, of course, and another quiet powerhouse, Tracy Chapman.
ReplyDelete