A silence fell over a hushed crowd at the MGM Grand’s Marquee Ballroom in Las Vegas as Billy Porter took on “Both Sides Now.” Originally released 53 years ago and first recorded by the singer Judy Collins, the monumental song with its ruminative lyrics and unforgettable melody, is perhaps one of Joni Mitchell’s most well known. Here at the MuisCares Person of the Year Gala honoring Mitchell on Friday (April 1), Porter had the unenviable task of covering the classic. But as he reached the song’s second chorus it was clear his interpretation, with sparse instrumentation coupled with a stunning and poetic vocal prowess, effectively put Mitchell’s words front-and-center both audibly and visually (her handwritten lyrics were shown scrolling, karaoke-style, behind him). The combination of one pa...
The first batch of artists set to perform at the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Joni Mitchell range from longtime friends and colleagues, such as Graham Nash, James Taylor and Herbie Hancock, to younger singer/songwriters, including Brandi Carlile, Leon Bridges, Maggie Rogers and Mickey Guyton. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The initial roster of performers, announced Thursday (Dec. 16), also includes Jon Batiste, who is this year’s top Grammy nominee with 11 nods, triple Grammy winners Pentatonix and four-time nominees Black Pumas. Carlile and Batiste will serve as artistic directors, a first for the Person of the Year concert. Mike Elizondo, who won a Grammy for co-producing Switchfoot’s 2009 album Hello Hurricane, will serv...