Joni Mitchell, popular for her unconventional music style and groundbreaking influence on the music industry, remains a controversial creative figure, most especially for her 1975 album Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter. The album’s cover featured an image that got fans talking. The musician dressed as a black dandy, a character she later claimed to be her black “alter-ego,” named Art Nouveau.
While the bold fashion statement at the time could be considered a way of trying to explore the themes of identity, creativity and her willingness to push her boundaries, the rationale does not sit well with the new generations who have now labeled the act as racially insensitive and a representation of a more general problem of cultural appropriation, which is prevalent in the arts.
Joni Mitchell becomes subject of discussion after Amanda Seyfried’s viral singing video
@fallontonight Amanda Seyfried brings out the dulcimer and sings a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “California”! #FallonTonight #TonightShow #AmandaSeyfried #JoniMitchell #JimmyFallon ♬ Amanda Seyfried Covers California by Joni Mitchell – FallonTonight
Mitchell sparked public interest after actress Amanda Seyfried, during her appearance on a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performed a rendition of her song, “California,” to pay tribute to the state following the devastating L.A. wildfires earlier this year. A video of the performance posted on FallonTonight‘s TikTok account has since gone viral, attracting 38.3 million views and 5.1 million likes, thus generating fresh interest in the 81-year-old’s songs, especially among Gen Z, who have now gone through her huge catalog.
However, as they dug into her background, they uncovered some controversial pictures of her sporting a black face, which has now drawn a lot of criticism and debates about the legendary musician.
Gen Z music fans knock Joni Mitchell’s image using a blackface
Gen Z music lovers have now taken to social media to voice their criticism of the highly celebrated singer, tagging her indiscriminate use of blackface as racist.
Many expressed their disappointment, particularly those who admired her work during that era, with some even stating that this revelation has now marred their perception of her music. Some others, viewing her actions through a modern and socially conscious perspective are calling for her to be cancelled.