In an archival interview from the eighties, Joni Mitchell nonchalantly discusses her fame, writer's block and her incapability to craft a "commercial record." The interview has since been turned into one of many PBS digital studios Blank on Blank series.
The folk singer chatted with music executive Joe Smith in November of 1986, discussing an array of topics including meeting those who are uncomfortable with Mitchell living a "normal" lifestyle and wanting to treat her like royalty, notes Rolling Stone.
"I like to do my own grocery shopping," she said. "People do recognize you. They are kind of shocked. Some people like it. It makes them feel at ease. It confirms their hopes that you are in fact similar to them. Some people can't stand it."
"One time I sat down, we had good tickets on the floor at some rock concert," she explained. "We moved in, we got there late. The fellow sitting next to me said, 'You can't sit here.' I said, 'Why not? I've got tickets.' 'But you're Joni Mitchell.' I said, 'So?' He said, 'You shouldn't be sitting there. You should be backstage, or you should be up in that box.' He was very annoyed. Some people are upset to see you doing ordinary things."
Mitchell further discussed purchasing wigs to disguise her features as well as not wanting a wall between her and her audience. "I never really wanted to be a star," she said. "I didn't like entering a room with all eyes on me. I still don't really like the attention of a birthday party. I prefer Christmas, which is everybody's holiday. It's just my nature."
PBS' Blank on Blank series has released countless animated interviews involving Michael Jackson, Jim Morrison, Tupac Shakur, Johnny Cash, John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Mitchell has been recuperating from a serious ailment, which left her hospitalized on March 31 after being found unconscious at home. The singer is expected to return home soon, notes UltimateClassicRock.
