Picture this: a towering figure in rock music, Pink Floyd's own David Gilmour, confessing he simply couldn't go on without a haunting folk tune from Joni Mitchell – it's a revelation that flips our expectations and dives deep into the soul of influence and inspiration!
But here's where it gets truly fascinating: Gilmour's obsession doesn't just stop at adoration; it reveals how one artist's genius can reshape another's path, even in the world of prog rock.
While we all know music tastes are deeply personal, and no creator ever achieves total universal acclaim, Joni Mitchell comes closer than most to that elusive dream. Tracking down anyone who genuinely dislikes the singer-songwriter is like searching for a needle in a haystack – her fans span across every musical genre imaginable, from jazz to indie rock. Among her most vocal supporters is none other than Pink Floyd maestro David Gilmour, who practically shouts his unwavering devotion from the rooftops.
Gilmour's passion for folk music might not immediately leap out from his psychedelic rock anthems with Pink Floyd (or his solo work), but the genre gripped him tightly in the 1960s and has never let go. It's a hold that's as powerful today as it was back then.
Mitchell burst onto the commercial scene right around the time Gilmour became part of Pink Floyd. He wasn't one of the band's original founders, but he stepped in when Syd Barrett's mental health struggles and heavy reliance on drugs forced the group to bring in fresh talent. Initially just a fill-in, Gilmour quickly proved indispensable, evolving into a key player in Pink Floyd's legendary machine. Before this career shift, though, Gilmour had envisioned his future in a completely different musical realm.
He'd been roaming Europe, busking with his band Jokers Wild, as a pure expression of his folk roots. Once he dipped a toe into the Pink Floyd waters, his professional journey veered irreversibly. Yet, his affection for folk – and Mitchell in particular – endured, with the Canadian icon claiming prime real estate in his record collection for decades.
Gilmour even spotlighted Mitchell on the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs, where guests pick eight songs they'd take to a remote island for companionship. (For those new to it, this classic program is a delightful tradition where celebrities share their musical picks and personal stories, imagining isolation with only their choices.) He chose her timeless track 'For Free' as one of his all-time favorites and a must-have among those eight. Reflecting on it, the guitarist remarked, "This is Joni Mitchell’s struggle with her wall, if you like. The struggle with her conscience, with being a rich person but still being an artist." It's a profound insight into how Mitchell wrestled with the ethics of fame and fortune.
'For Free,' featured on her seminal album Ladies of the Canyon, showcases Mitchell's exceptional storytelling prowess. The song draws from her encounters with a street performer in New York, who poured his heart into free performances despite his clear talent, without seeking applause or payment. This encounter sparked an internal conflict for Mitchell about her own rising stardom, which she poured into the lyrics of 'For Free.'
Beyond her lyrical brilliance, like in 'For Free,' Gilmour raves about her guitar skills, which he feels get overlooked far too often. It's a testament to how Mitchell's multifaceted talent extends beyond just her voice and words.
Years back, Gilmour participated in the world's biggest guitar auction, donating most of his collection to charity. During the event, he faced questions like: “Who inspired you and how did you manage to grow out of their shadow to sound so original?”
After a thoughtful pause, he honored Mitchell alongside others by saying: “So many players inspired me. I learned from Pete Seeger, Hank Marvin, Lead Belly, Joni Mitchell, John Fahey, Roy Buchanon, Jeff [Beck] and Eric [Clapton] and dozens more. I copied – don’t be afraid to copy – and eventually something that I suppose that I would call my own appeared.”
He echoed this sentiment in an NPR chat, listing Mitchell among countless influences: “There are a thousand other influences that have sort of gone together — folk music, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Big Bill Broonzy, John Fahey, Joni Mitchell — there are thousands of players and singers who have directly influenced the music that I make and who have sort of created the bedrock of what you might call my style.”
And this is the part most people miss: Gilmour sees Mitchell as a legendary force, and it's hard to argue against that. Records like Blue and Ladies of the Canyon redefined what a singer-songwriter could be, shaping the genre for generations. Over 50 years later, aspiring artists still chase her blueprint, yet Mitchell's unmatched originality is what rocketed her to stardom – and that's something no one can truly duplicate.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is it fair to say Mitchell is 'universally loved,' or does her complex, introspective style alienate some fans who prefer lighter fare? Gilmour openly admits to copying influences to forge his own sound – a bold stance in an era that often glorifies pure originality. Does this make him a thief of genius, or just a savvy student of the craft? And can true innovation ever emerge without borrowing from the masters?
What do you think? Do you agree that Mitchell deserves her pedestal, or is there room for debate on her impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear your take!
