Joni Mitchell was recognized on December 5th at 2021’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, where the decorated singer-songwriter’s work was interpreted by an array of artists. One such collaboration saw Brittany Howard and Herbie Hancock perform “Both Sides Now” together.
Taken from 1969’s Clouds, “Both Sides Now” fittingly finds Mitchell observing, “I really don’t know clouds at all.” Though Howard and Hancock are both celebrated in their own fields—Howard on vocals and Hancock on keys—they cede the stage to Mitchell’s timeless lyrics. The pair each turn in understated performances, keeping Mitchell’s songwriting the focus of attention. Hancock—who himself was honored at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center in 2013—contributed to a re-recording of “Both Sides Now” on Mitchell’s 2000 album of the same name.
In addition to Howard and Hancock, the evening also saw tributes from Ellie Goulding, Norah Jones, and Brandi Carlile. Goulding tackled one of Mitchell’s most iconic compositions, “Big Yellow Taxi“, Jones turned in a medley of songs including “Help Me”, and Carlile staged the Christmas song “River”. This came as the latest in a string of tributes to Mitchell from Carlile, who performed Blue in its entirety at New York’s Carnegie Hall on November 6th, as well as the title track on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Related: Brandi Carlile, Jon Batiste, More To Perform At MusiCares Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert
Other recipients at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony included Motown Records founder Berry Gorder, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, multi-hyphenate Bette Midler, and bass baritone Justino DÃaz. The entire ceremony is available to stream on CBS and Paramount+.
Watch Brittany Howard and Herbie Hancock honor Joni Mitchell with a performance of “Both Sides Now” at The Kennedy Center.
Brittany Howard, Herbie Hancock – “Both Sides Now” (Joni Mitchell) – 12/5/21