My Dinner With Joni Mitchell: 3 hours with an Icon 

Had a friend who worked at a recording studio where Joni was recording and he was given the task of driving her to the airport. He was a big fan and while on the drive mentioned a popular song of hers that she hadn't done at a live show he attended and so she sang it to him right there from the passenger seat.

Amazing story and so wonderful you got to spend time with her :)

Joni, actually asks Rick to dinner.... Rick "Everyone Joni knows is a legend" Welcome to the legend club. 😎

I see her being recognised fully for her genius these days. She’s amazing. I’m so happy to hear that she is out and about.

My Joni moment was as surreal. I was at a tiny eco resort south of Puerto Vallarta Mexico (now closed sadly) and she was in the adjacent attached hut by the beach. She was preparing to do a tour of her latest CD Taming of the Tiger and chilling out, painting with her watercolours. Joni’s boyfriend got quite sick and became bedridden, so we gave her our travel meds of rehydration salts etc. We were giving her space of course, her celebrity status rippled through the 12 or so guests. Coincidentally her daughter that had been given up for adoption in Calgary had just been “discovered” and since we were from calgary we weren’t sure if that would be uncomfortable and seem invasive. But Joni was looking for company and attached herself to our teen daughter, who is a “complex” child and of a unique character. They played pool for hours in the funky antique bar at the resort, and we shared a long veery boozy dinner talking about art, music, energy, creativity, inspiration, a wonderfully free ranging time. She considered herself a painter first, the music was a business. Joni chain smoked the entire time, I was amazed at her perfect smooth complexion yet she must was a massive smoker, blessed or good work. That night we closed the bar down and the staff (who rowed the guests from the bar across the lagoon to the beach side huts) had left. So Joni and I tumbled into a rowboat and i rowed her under a wild sky of stars and hot wind, not too straight, and I was thinking “Do NOT be the person who drowned Joni Mitchell!!!”. I returned her safely to her hut, her boyfriend recovered, and my love and admiration for the wonderful Joni was sealed. Thanks for your great story Rick, it brought back that great memory.

Man, how cool is that?! The power of the internet to make true connections. So happy for you both. And dude. You were on Eric’s podcast?!?!? I LOVE it.

Rick, I’m a 54 year old Canuck who had never listened to Joni Mitchell. Your video prompted me to buy, yes buy, some of her albums and wow! This video gave me chills. Keep up the spectacular work and keep challenging your viewers to expand their horizons. Take care.

If Joni Mitchell is looking at this video and reading some of the comments then I just want to thank her so much for all the decades of great music, art, lyrics and true emotions. Joni ,You have inspired, illuminated and sustained me through your creative output.

I don't think that Rick Beato needs validation from anyone. But, Joni Mitchell wanting to share a gift, support and her time with anyone has got to be the ultimate validation for any artist, let alone as a fellow human being. Awesome!

Rick, wow. Just wow. I'm so happy for you! Joni is one of the greatest!

Why is everyone that played with Joni a legend? Because Joni was an absolute monolith that attracted those people to her. The gravity of her music caused the stars to orbit around her. Thank you, Rick! Can't wait to see you with Joni live! Please, please, please break down Woodstock. The massive jumps in that melody still take my breath away.

No exaggeration, Joni Mitchell changed our lives growing up. For me and my closest friends, Blue was like discovering your emotions for the first time, and realising how deep music could go. What an amazing story, Rick you deserve all your luck.

What a story. Boy, this has been an incredible ride to watch. So happy for you Rick 😁🤘🏻

The big take away from this video for me is that Joni's well enough to do this, which is great news given her very serious health difficulties a few years back. I love that she's out there meeting “new people”.

Rick, I can see why you feel it was kind of unreal. But consider this: you deserve every bit of the accolades from the L.A. fans. You teach people how to enjoy music at a deeper level. You enjoy music of many genres. You share your own passions with all of us. My point is that you should get used to events such as these will continue and accelerate. You speak your truth and so many of us enjoy listening to your content. The shear joy you have when presenting a WMTSG is passed on to every viewer. We all walk away with a renewed respect and enjoyment for the songs you cover even when they are old favorites of mine (they usually are). Get used to it. You're on the A list now! I am living your joy vicariously. I have been a Joni Mitchell fan since I first heard her songs on AM radio. She is a true innovator, and musical poet royalty. She writes and performs songs that leave me with days of enjoyment. I'll listen to it nice and clear on studio equipment, then for days the music and lyrics are resonating in my mind and soul. I replay them, experience them, contemplate them. How many artists have that impact? You're an A-lister now Rick. Well deserved. Some of the most interesting and enjoyable videos on youtube.

Teared up watching this. My mother had several of Joni's LP's - "For The Roses" being MY favorite. My mom is no longer with us, but just hearing Joni's name brings a flood of happy memories that I will keep forever. Thank you for taking us along on this journey, Rick.

Next time Rick does a top 10 death metal songs list, he's going to think pretty hard about where to squeeze in a Joni Mitchell track

Joni is one of the most approachable icons out there. I used to run into her quite often and got to know her a bit. I've witnessed her at restaurants invite people who come up to her and say hi to sit down with her at her table! I was lucky enough to have a few conversations with her about her music. whenever i would ask her about this track or that, she was much more interested about what I thought the music was about. Super inquisitive, passionate and insanely talented. A true icon.

I usually listen to Joni while alone. This is because I am inevitably reduced to tears as her lyrics take me back to success and failure in life. No other artist does that for me like Joni.

Joni, a Canadian treasure along with the likes of Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot to name a few. All of them just keeping it real ✌

“Joni would love to have you out for a visit.” “Are you free for dinner?” One day in Rick’s life: Tosin, Vinnie, Joni

Joni and Rick are sitting in the restaurant having dinner. A young couple walks by and looks at them. The young lady tugs her boyfriend's arm exclaiming, "...oh my, look-look who it is!" The young gentleman looks and exclaims, "Oh wow, I don't believe this!" And then they both exclaim "It's Rick Beato!"

Joni Mitchell busting Rick’s chops. LOL. Mostly I’m just relieved to learn that Joni is doing ok. Doing well even it seems. I’m so grateful.

I was unconsciously smiling so big throughout your entire story that my jaw hurts! How surreal that must have been, so casually having dinner with such a legendary artist as Joni Mitchell. Wow. Cannot wait for you and Joni to make that video! What a treat to see her again.

I never clicked on a video faster.

Amazing story! I’d be blown away by meeting Vinnie, but Joni Mitchell and Vinnie in one day... couldn’t be any better.

Rick, I am generally a classical composer/musician. But I am so gratified to hear your simpatico for Joni is identical to mine! In your ep 91 about Amelia you can see clearly the shivers going up and down your spine at the precise moments mine do, you exhale hard with a hearty Oh! while shaking your head in disbelief of the stunning beauty we are hearing exactly in sync with mine! Yes, she has been my idol since the sixties, for her lyrics, her voice, and her compositions. I even was at the 1979 concert with Larry and Pat behind her, and as if I needed any further prodding, I fell completely in love. For all these years, my quiet time often consisted of listening to Joni in my earbuds at work or wherever, especially when I lost special people through death or break-ups. So she's more than a poet, painter, songwriter, or generational icon - she's been my counselor and therapist, too. I am quite sure you know what I mean, and feel the same way. I just retired from the film biz in Hollywood, but remember how last year my dolly grip came to me from another soundstage and bragged about how he met Joni over on stage 24. He knew I would light up with envy. He'd actually seen her the day before, and said she was just so cool, so warm. Well, I've missed my chance may times now, and being retired I see no way it could ever happen, so I took great and gleeful delight in hearing your fabulous story of your special night with our goddess. Thank you so much for sharing. Your benign and ebullient sincerity about meeting her is so beautiful and makes me like you all the more, Brother. Since it couldn't be me, I am glad it was you!

Joni taught me to sing. Because of her Blue album I developed 3 1/2 octave range. She made my teen years and I still remember all her lyrics.

Get her on the channel Rick. Fly out there...make it happen. Her time is short...she is a once in a generation talent. This would be a great tribute to her and would likely introduce her to half your viewers who are too young to know what we are talking about. It is your destiny...she doesn’t let just anybody in...and you could interview her in a way no one has in 30 years. Do it!

Rick puts out positivity and joy, enthusiasm and knowledge. Joni felt it. Like we feel it. Love finds love if we have love in our hearts. When we think of Joni we think of love. She captures love in her words and melody. Rick loves music. His love of his family shines through as well whenever he mentions them. What a great reward for Rick that the love he sends out into the world was recieved by Joni and reciprocated. How great for us to see the joy in Rick's face as he tells us the story.

Joni Mitchell's music was the soundtrack of my youth. Not only is her music amazing, but her artwork captures the passion and heartbreak of being human. When you interview her, please ask her to talk about her painting.

Hey Rick, if you think any of your viewers forgot about your promise to do something deeper with Joni Mitchell, you're wrong. The lady seems to like you and it seems to be more than a requirement to take her out of her shell.

I’m way younger, but Joni Mitchell is honestly my greatest Idol, my mom sang her songs to me when I was young, and it is the deepest connection to any artist I have ever had.

I'm speechless. Just lovely to know Joni is in better health and back enjoying life.

To say you’re a lucky man is an understatement

Joni Mitchell……certified legend. One of the most amazing talents EVER!!!!!

You got a christmas present from Joni Mitchell.........and you had dinner with Joni Mitchell ........ I have never really considered myself to be the jealous type....UNTIL NOW.........Green I tell ya Green with envy. I bet Dave and Rhett are feeling a bit green as well. Congratulations Rick you deserve the suuccess the channel is having and all those artists you thanked should be thanking you for choosing them to bring to us in a way that is both entertaining and educational.

Rick being star struck at waiting to meet Joni whilst having coffee with Vinnie whilst Rick's fans are star struck at meeting him while ignoring Vinnie. You couldn't make it up.

My daughter is in a high school music program and I don't know anything about music. Today I shared your video with her and we connected over music for the first time. Thank you Rick!

The consummate singer / songwriter / acoustic guitar player / live performer of her era. #1 in each category. I’m still waiting for her equal in ANY category. Hasn’t happened. Once in a lifetime gift. Thank you Canada…

Rick, you’ve officially become one of the most important custodians of music appreciation! We are talking about EVERY genre. You represent the passion of not only the musician but the listener. Thank you so much for your work!

After watching the entire video, including Ricks' gracious kudos to those artists who released their music at the end, I believe that besides being 'Da Professor' Rick should also be called 'A Gentleman and a Scholar'.

It’s nice to hear that Joni is back on her feet again. I’m ancient enough to remember seeing Joni on the CBC looking very Audrey Hepburn’sh in a black dress, fussing with her guitar tunings and quietly moving into the spotlight with Ian and Sylvia and Gordon Lightfoot. Now she’s one of the pillars of twentieth century music. Thanks for this story Rick.

Love Joni. Her music is so sophisticated, yet so soothing.

Was a bit terrified that someone would come up to your table and say, in front of Joni, wow, you're Rick Beato!

I, too, had the great good fortune to be seated at a table next to her at a restaurant one evening. She and her guest and my late partner and I (it was our first date!) shared wonderful conversations about all sorts of things...and like you, Rick, I simply could not believe the evening was happening. Having lived in L.A. for some time by then, I didn't make a fuss over her; we all just talked. But at the end of the evening, I thanked her. She looked at me quizzically and, in all seriousness, asked, "For what?" I smiled and said, "For the music." She smiled back, then Bert and I were gone. He and I were together for the next 10 years, until he passed on. One of the great evenings of my life...on a number of levels.

Joni Mitchell doesn’t always get the respect she deserves, such a talent

I was listening to Blue again today and it’s undeniably one of the best albums ever written. It also has my favourite Christmas song on it and sometimes I really do wish I could skate away. I can’t believe you got to meet her, what an honour.

The success of this channel is directly the reason that dinner with Joni happened... so, in a small way, we were all there with you

Rick and Joni had dinner for 3 hours and we only get a 12 minute video about it? There HAD better be more Joni videos in the pipeline! 😂🤣

Man, even here in Brazil where the majority of the population do not speak English, you would be instantly recognized in certain places. I’ve heard from some guys that they are learning English just to get the most from your videos. I believe this gives you the dimension of your work. Congrats.

Joni Mitchell is quite simply the greatest female singer songwriter of al time.

I was a little boy in the 70’s raised by my single Mom. Joni’s music was our soundtrack. Hejira is forever ingrained in my life. Her music took me to places no book or tv show ever could and still does to this day. Thank you Joni and thank you Rick for introducing her to new listeners

I laughed my ass off when Rick talked about the pizza guy also saying: “OMG, Rick Beato!” 😂😂

But did you cry?? If I ever met Joni tears would fall. She has touched darkest and most beautiful parts of my soul like no artist ever has. So pure.

Joni Mitchell, what a ferocious beloved artist in so many ways. She showed us we could be song writers, honest and true to our individual stories. She delivered the frequency. She sings. She feels. She thinks. She changes. She plays and she paints. She was and is one of my greatest inspirations.

Vinnie and Joni in one day!!??!! Luckiest man alive...

Joni’s lyrics ,chord structures, melodies are totally a cut above, but what always blows my mind is her phrasing so totally unique and totally beyond any thing comparable and absolutely engaging you can’t love her any more then I do.

If you'd told Rick several years ago "If you start a RU-vid channel you'll get to meet Joni Mitchell" he never would have believed you 😂 This story is such an inspiration! The possibilities are endless.

Lots to be grateful about Rick! Congratulations! You are becoming one of the most important Music RU-vidrs, period. Please always keep the content high and keep going. You inspire many of us.

Without teachers like Rick, entire lifetimes may be lived in ignorance of some of the great artists and music of our time.

Best part of this video is knowing Joni is enjoying life. Thanks Rick!

I've often noted that RU-vid channels won't succeed no matter how good the content, if the host isn't likable. I have NO MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE and I love Rick's channel. One reason - because Rick is just so very likable. Thanks Rick for educating and entertaining me.

When people ask me that age-old question: "If you could have an hour lunch with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?", I without fail say Joni Mitchell, because of her music's impact on my life, and how miraculously creative, talented, and wise she is. Hearing you speak about your dinner with her feels like experiencing it for myself! Thank you for sharing this once-in-a lifetime moment with us.

Great story! Must be something in the air about Joni. I was just listening to Court and Spark on repeat and came across your video.

If I was having dinner with Joni Mitchell and she started making up and singing funny songs about pets and food, I would fall out of my chair from elation.

She’s a genius. I heard her voice in 1970 for the first time. She’s unique.

"Free Man In Paris" makes my heart sing. All those beautiful vocal swoops, the lyrics, the time signature, the gorgeous guitar work by Jose' Feliciano and Larry Carlton. She's a treasure, and what a gift for you.

I’m glad Joni has recovered enough to be out and about, singing and conversing with you, and remembering recording sessions from 42 years ago. I remember that she was in the audience when Seal played the Hollywood Bowl a couple of summers ago.

Say hello to Joni. Tell her that about 50 years ago I built a special room in my heart for her and it's still there. Always will be for eternity.

I love Joni! What a great story!

I discovered Joni's music in 1969 when I bought Songs to A Seagull and have always been in awe of her talent. She is still my all time favorite artist.

I'm from the UK and still remember listening to Joni Mitchell on the radio when I was a kid. She remains part of the soundtrack to the lives of so many people. Thanks to Rick for sharing this with us, your channel is a welcome haven to listen and learn and better understand what artists have created, then revisit them with new ears.

What an amazing experience. I’d like to thank you Rick for introducing me to Joni’s music. I grew up in the 80’s and have always been aware of her, but for whatever reason never actually listened to her in depth until your video last year. The last few months I’ve been working my way through each record listening several times daily. She has literally changed how I view music. Almost every song has at least one moment that strikes a chord in my heart and cuts to my soul. She’s truly been a joy to get to know as an artist. I wish I would have paid attention sooner. I honestly can’t think of another artist with that level of skill as a guitarist, song writer and lyricist, and that amazing voice from heaven. The fact she’s also incredibly gorgeous makes her even more surreal. God gave us all a special gift through Joni.

Rick sitting here starry-eyed, talking about meeting all these legendary people, but completely unaware that he’s a legend himself..

I sang Morning Morgantown to all of my 5 kids when they were babies. It calmed every single one of them down. Love her music. It feels like coming home.

How could anyone with a beating heart dislike this (or any) of Rick's videos? His love of music and musicians is palpable this channel is a must.

You are documenting history Rick. 50 years from now music historians are going to thank you in their prayers - again again and again. We grew up with them all too. Thank you for making them real again. Namaste Rick.

Good to hear that Joni is doing well after her recent health challenges.

Rick, I'm very envious of you to be able to meet and spend time with Joni. I'm not famous, nor am I a musician, but I have been a devoted fan to Joni since 1973. I am also greatly releaved to know that Joni is doing good and it is obvious from what you just reported that see is happy and communicating very well with people. I glad she is recovering and is no longer an invalid.

I'm glad no one yelled Rick Beato while you were eating with Joni....

I believe Joni is the "Beethoven" of this musical era. In 200 years they will be studying her writings in music appreciation classes! A truly Classical Creator, One of a kind.

I went to high school with Joan Anderson, we used to hang out in a coffee shop called Johnnys Inn across the street from Aden Bowman high school in Saskatoon Sk. Canada. Joan painted a mural on the wall of that cafe, I was in awe of that, but forget what it was lol!! Joni was a quiet girl and smoked a lot and I used to bum them off her hoping that Alice the owner of the cafe wouldn't kick us out for not buying anything, All the time I spent in that cafe and of course never knowing what she would be, is a great memory to have. A girl friend of Joni's lives just three doors down from me and we often talk about our time in Saskatoon and stories about Joni Mitchell and how she lived with her in Calgary.

This was so wonderful of you to share!!! So great!!

OMG... my jaw was dropped through that entire discussion about Joni. DUDE, you had dinner with Joni!?!?!?!?!?! I'm 64 yo, so you can imagine... she is such a huge part of my very soul. I agree, she is a genius. Can't wait to see her doing RU-vid appearances.

It's hard to believe any artist would block or object to Rick's clear tributes to their work. His level of enthusiasm for all of this music is infectious.

Rick, did you check out her performance last night at the Grammy’s? She slayed it! At 80!!

‘ Before there was Prozac, there was Joni.’ Being a depressed teenager listening to Heijera, feeling better.

Getting a Christmas present from Joni Mitchell is PROOF that what you are doing is important! ....too bad the “Don Henley’s” of the world don’t get it.

Rick has looked at life from both sides now.

"Joni Mitchell sent you a Christmas present!? " Amazing

I can envision a whole TV series called "Bread, Wine & Beato" - every episode shows Rick dining out with one musical legend after another

Anyone else expected someone to walk over to Rick & Joni having dinner and going "OMG! It's RICK BEATO!!" ?

“If I didn’t have the pictures, I would have thought I imagined it.” What a great line for a song🎶🎶

I have great memories associated with many of Joni Mitchell's songs. Some happy memories and some sad but Joni's songs continue to surprise and entertain. She is a genius and words can't describe her super talent.

Rick, I know it must be hard for you to own this or really understand it but you did it too. You are one of the greats. You are, right now, the face, the voice and the gate keeper to make sure that people like Joni, Vinnie and Jaco still have a face and a voice and a presence in this more modern world. You're also a damned fine musician yourself and you're the best at explaining the love in music. You can do it though theory and you can do it through feel but we hear you either way. You're bridging the gap between those great artists and those of us who love them.

Rick, I don't know if you really understand how important you have become to both us, your fans, but also to those musicians, whose music you highlight. It is an honor for them to have you breakdown one of their songs. If you think about it, your reviews not only allow the viewer to hear the music in a way they probably never have before, but it emphasizes how and why the song is a cut above. Musicians, with very few exceptions, have their time in the sun and then they fade into memory. Your work puts the light back on the artists work and validates their efforts. We all like to be recognized but artists more than others because that is what they were used to. You make them feel good. Who doesn't like that? And you are not just some u-tuber. You have lived music throughout your life and you know what the hell you are talking about, and prove it every video you put out. I don't know jack about music, and don't know what you are talking about half the time. However, I know what I like, and I like your content. Former artists recognize you as an authority who is widely respected. As I said before, it is an honor for you to highlight an artists song and they are well aware of it. Hell, I bet there are very few artists who wouldn't like you to review one of their songs. Probably 3/4's of the Eagles would like you to do a review of one of theirs. I, for one, am grateful you will never run out of material because there are a lot of great songs out there waiting for your analysis. Stay humble and keep up the great work.

Rick Beato is demonstrating what becoming an icon in real time looks like-well deserved

Used to hang at her old empty house in Laurel Canyon - some of her instrument cases still there- big tree grows out of the house, used to belong to Weissmuller. Jimmy Page was a huge fan of Mitchell

I hope Joni knows how much she is loved and appreciated.