Charlie Rose Science Series
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The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals
by Jane Mayer
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by Jane Mayer
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11/15/2007
Joni Mitchell
A conversation with musician Joni Mitchell
Keywords:
A conversation with musician and visual artist Joni Mitchell about her album Shine.
DVD
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Audio
Audio available through Audible.com.
Audio available through Audible.com.
Transcripts
Transcripts available through Voxant.
Transcripts available through Voxant.
CHARLIE, CHARLIE, SHAME ON YOU! Were you comatose during the 60's and 70's? Did you not have any minutia of an idea of the musical and artistic icon and influential genius (by sheer explodable opportunity)that finally graced your table! For you to then smudge over 3 decades of brilliant musical interpretation, growth and artistic acheivement by not asking ONE relevant question about artistic process or even how other musicians and how cultural and political events of the day might have influenced the songs and albums of this evolutionary, non-conformist, groundbreaking, all inspiring artist? (Well, you did ask 1 question about influences), but you fell pityfully short of all the probing, important and relevant questions you could have asked this brilliant interpretative musician. What a LOST Opportunity! But it's not too late. You still can redemn yourself, Charlie, and BEG partial forgiveness. You better have Joni on again, and for an HOUR, and do your homework! and apoligize to her and all your (dumbfounded)faithful viewers. Right-On Tavis!
Why are people so surprised about a bad interview? Everyone that goes on TV always plug their shit a book, cd, art, or whatever their selling today. That is exactly what Joni Mitchell did. I got it. Buy Shine. This is all discussed between Charie and Joni before the interview goes on air. God's thunder will not be heard on sound bites nor from a business woman. If you expect Joni to enlighten you then buy more of her cd's or buy her art work. She is just a woman who has achieved great success and as made mistakes in life that makes her human. She broke my heart but I still love her. In my book Charlie is alright.
I agree with most who have posted here, with this notable exception: I would not like to see Ms. Mitchell back for another go-round with utterly tone-deaf Charlie. He doesn't deserve another shot, just as she doesn't deserve another insult. I used to enjoy Mr. Rose as an interviewer, but over the last couple of years, more often than not I've tuned out because of his worsening Larry King-like interruptions but more his choice of guests. I agree with Bartholomew's comment: Charlie seems to have sold out completely to the usual corporate suspects--and anyone who thinks PBS is pure isn't paying attention--and seems to have buddied up to more than a few of the neocon mouthpieces and perpetrators. Not to mention countless business criminals. Watching Mr. Rose interview artists of any sort has usually been painful for me. Even if he's done his homework and asks better questions, he's just so far off of that wavelength that it's annoying. So I agree with someone who said: Stick to politics, business, and sports people Mr. Rose. Please.
Is it my name?
Why don't you love me?
people griping because Joni got about 15 min. instead of an hr? maybe thats all the time she wanted because she had to have a smoke.....
Joni Mitchell is an icon, a seasoned artist, a musical legend. She is also an intelligent woman concerning social issues, as she always has been. People should put aside their stereotypical outlooks, and not be so quick to dismiss her commentary as the ramblings of just another hippie, and actually listen to her. She expresses a raw inclination to grasp what is going on and is not ashamed to voice it, regardless of how ugly the truth is (by this I am referring to her criticism of the government). Last time I checked, criticising a country wasn't only permitted to those who are citizens of the country. People are people and possess the same inalienable rights to voice themselves, and she does a great job of it. She's a poet, a painter, a treasure. I for one have never before had a gripe about Charlie and his show. He's usually dead on with his management of an interview, but not this time. He could have asked better questions and should have alloted more time to her.
It's true what these comments are saying - Charlie Rose has a subtle impatience for Joni's open, associative style of conversation. THe length of time allocated to this great subject is an insult in itself. He is nowhere near her level of intellect or intuition. Not surprisingly, Joni is WAY more interesting in her greenroom interview for this show - available on youTube, search 'Charlie Rose Joni Mitchell' - her comments at the end of the greenroom clip about war and the state of young American men and women in a culture of vice are right on and chilling. And far far too deep for a boring Park Avenue pseudo-intellect like Charlie.
Mr Rose; Ms. Mitchell is a tough nut to crack. If you think my asking her little cronies, that answer to her beck and call about how Joni might react to this or that; is just simply naive. To be a respondsible journalist you must ask the toughest of questions. Who did she use for inspiration and who would she trash before God for fame and money. Don't make me beg for you to do your job as a journalist. Joni has not revealed her true revelations. She denies God's inspiration in fear of culminating a lesser to her standards of perfection. The truth lies with the unforgiving and the innocent love.
Thanks so much for having Joni on Charlie. I look forward to a longer piece in the future. I'd love to hear more of Joni's thoughts on arts & culture today.
I love Joni Mitchell, and I respect Mr. Rose. Mr. Rose asked all the right questions but Joni was not forthcoming in her answers if she wants to hide behind her stoic ambiguity then its her choice. I gave Joni my love and this is my choice and I will shout this out on top of any mountain.I once told her that she owns the streets and she doubted. I gave her the Words of God and she shrugged her shoulders Oh well just another hard-time band with Negro affectations. One can ask all the right questions but one is not always going to like the answers. I saw the real Joni Mitchell just a woman not some know it all Goddess.
I'll never watch Charlie Rose again. Joni's got a lot of wisdom, and more than anything, morality. He gives an hour to powerful-in-the world sociopaths, and acts interested. Charlie, you have become corrupt, like most of the monsters you interview. You don't deserve an interview with Joni Mitchell. Maybe you already know this, and that's why you were so rude and indifferent, to hide you're insecurity. Blech. Who bought out PBS anyway?
If you will a point of view hard enough, you can find just about anything to support it. I recognize the lack of Eskimo issues on the Charlie Rose program and, therefore, the show must be anti-Eskimo. Absurd. If you're counting heads on gender or race instead of focusing on topic, then the program is not reaching you. Take that noise down to the Village and perform it under a red bulb for likeminded anarchists. Joni Mitchell deserved an hour. There are other great women who deserve the same. But to call the program sexist when it is clearly topic driven is rubbish. You demand equality at the expense of quality. I suppose because far more people watch the NBA than the WNBA, Charlie should have equal representation on the show just to appear sympathetic to cult viewers. No, it's a matter of responding to the public interest, which is never comprised of equal splits. All of you crying discrimination against the best interview program on television should go down to your local coffee shops, stand on your respective stools and demand an equal amount of bluberries in each muffin. It's just as pointless as ferreting through this show, looking for something to offend you.
15 minutes? An artist of the stature of Joni Mitchell and she is given 15 minutes? Maybe she did not want to be interviewed longer than that but I doubt it. I hope she appears on the show again and Charlie Rose learns to not interrupt the people he interviews constantly.
Ironically, I was visiting Canada when I saw the Joni Mitchell interview, preceded by a panel discussion by pundits on the current state of American television programs, terribly moderated by Rose, with everybody talking at once, and covering the same shows over and over again. Then Joni gets the tail end of the hour and seemingly rushed through her answers by Rose, like he knew he was pressed for time. Charlie Rose frequently has actors, directors, producers, and musicians on for the entire hour. How does he give the Beastie Boys an hour (which I enjoyed) and Joni Mitchell only 15 minutes? Where was he during the '60's and '70's? (Did he have "other priorities"?) This is my first time commenting on the Charlie Rose program. But I cannot let this one go. Charlie should apologize publicly to Joni.
All these "fans" and no comment on the cd? I bought it and I like it. Thanks, Joni!
Thanks, Carol J ;) I thought of that later, after I posted. Perhaps I didn't really want to find it... I'll have to dig it up some other time.
This is for Andrea. You have to spell Ms. Huffington's first name correct or go to the video archive screens and look by last name. Ms Huffington (something like Arrianna) has been on the Charles Rose Program several times.
I meant to respond to Kellygo's comment: "At the end of your interview with Huffington you said you heard us about having more women on the program and that you had no excuse for not doing better." I did a search on this website and found no segment on Huffington. I wish I had seen it, but have to say that it would strike me as absurd to hear her object to the sexism on the Charlie Rose show, when she is every bit as guilty re the Huffington Post! How perplexing! I used to regularly read HuffPo when it first started, but the official bloggers she choose were almost all men - outnumbering women bloggers 10 to 1. None of the women she chose were heads of feminist organizations, few active feminists, yet she made room for Kristy Hefner. Huffington, it seems to me, still wants to be "queen bee", despite her public pretenses of being a feminist. I have never seen her stand up for women's rights on her top featured blog space, though the "entertaining news" section of HuffPo is full of "news" trivializing women and objectifying female bodies. Then when her book came out (about women's poor body image) she has the nerve to publicly express bewilderment that so few of her blog readers are women. So she started a "relationship and lifestyle" section of her blog to do something about that. I, who normally have plenty to say about social outrages, was rendered speechless. So what exactly qualifies her to criticize Charlie Rose? The sexism on the Charlie Rose show is extreme - as anyone other than an extreme sexist can see by doing even a brief gender count of the guests on the show. This is alarming and unacceptable. I'm glad there are some women who are hoping for the best, thinking that the staff of the Charlie Rose show are simply unaware of all the interesting women to interview. The problem isn't, though, just an oversight, and won't end without outside pressure. Unfortunately there are a lot of male viewers who are very uncomfortable with equality, and will name-call, and try to silence women and feminist men who point out the obvious. Isn't the obvious on the home page? Now 100% of featured guests are men. Sorry, a single one hour interview of Annie Lennox doesn't satisfy. How about you boys getting one hour with Jerry Seinfeld, and ... that's pretty much it, just an occasional male guest here and there. The rest of the guests, all women. And slam anyone who dares to identify the imbalance as "knee-jerk" in an effort to preserve the status quo.
After reading the comments, I listened to the interview. Except for brevity, I find no fault with it. I, too, would enjoy more of her. Charlie Rose is still my favorite program.
What's so terrible about Charlie's interviewing style? As far as I can tell, the only person talking here (for the most part) is Joni. Charlie asks a question, and she goes off as she pleases. Where are those 'long-winded questions'? Also consider that there is a time limit, so it helps to get as much out of such a person as possible, which accounts for the many questions. Honestly, be thankful that such a show exists. We are in desperate need of it amid the muck of television.
Charlie Rose's interviewing technique is somewhat like the 70's talk show host Dick Cavett without the erudition, wit, charm, style or sophistication of Cavett. By interview technique I mean, both men are egocentric and inevitably try to direct the conversation, ask long winded questions to showcase themselves and their knowledge (or lack thereof as is often the case with Rose). Also Rose doesn't seem to have Cavett's love and challenge of talking with strong, intelligent and talented women (at 66 he seems an old jock). I watch the show for the guests and tolerate the host but am often frustrated by his constant interruptions and self reverential style no matter the guest. Note: the Cavett/Rose interview in 2001 was interesting and Cavett prevailed - Charlie was no match at holding the floor... funny.
I make no comment on group think, madam, because to comment on such an inappropriate line of thinking would validate it far beyond worth. What on God's green earth are you talking about? This is supposed to be a forum about Joni Mitchell guesting on Charlie Rose. Not your forum for personal debate. If that's what you want start a blog somewhere. It's a free country, sure, and no matter how much in the minority your views fall in this case you do have a right to present them. But just because the rest of these people don't agree with you, myself included, you resort to an attempt at invalidating everyone else's ideas by categorizing them as group speak? Rubbish. You've commented on the interview, a few times, now let it rest and give other people a chance to say what they have the right to say. As for your definition of a critic, brilliant. And very original. But you might want to look in the mirror...
I note you make no comment on group think - do you know what it means? And how many names do you go by, Madge? I'd love to see all the interesting comments you make but this seems to be the first comment I have seen. B ut perhaps you are the type who simply attacks people without having anything worthwhile of your own to say - you know, a critic. :-)
which country to bomb??? oh, brother. another priceless crumb, huh Kookie - uh, Cookie.
This is an example of group think - you are all egging each other on to further and further heights of accusation. I wonder what country you will decide you just have to bomb.
It wasn't overtly insulting, only mildly so. The context was tragic: suffing a legend like Joni Mitchell into 13 minutes of air time. And the editing was attrocious. I get the sense that Charlie either didn't have time to prepare or just didn't care enough to. His interruptions were bothersome: cutting her off, putting words into her mouth, rushing her along like an annoying old lady. His questions were naive and ill-informed. If it was such an honour to have her there, why not give her due time. Female musicians like Annie Lennox have been granted the full hour. Why not Joni Mitchell? I suppose it's possible that Joni had limited time to speak, or that staving off the urge to light up a cigarette during an hour-long interview would have proven too much for her, but really, this was pulp stuff.
I highly disagree with the knee jerk responses concerning sexism and apathy with respect to female guests on this program. It's a mentality that rises from student unions which pine for something to rebel against. That being said, the Joni Mitchell interview was a tremendous disappointment both for its insufficient length and its noticable lack of insight. This woman is one of the premiere singer/songwriters of the late 20th century and her 30+ year career is reduced to nothing more than an Entertainment Tonight soundbite. Aside from my first objection, i agree with all of the other criticisms posted here. I wonder how long the interview actually ran, because there was an abrupt edit toward the end. Either way, give Joni a full hour and let her perform two songs acoustically upon concluding the interview.
I agree that the Tavis Smiley interview was much better and more interesting, but it was not an adequate substitute for what should-have-been on Charlie Rose. Charlie Rose has an hour long format, and there is a focused depth and breadth that takes in these interviews that just doesn't happen in Smiley's half hour conversations. What was so insulting was not overt rudeness (to respond to an earlier comment here), but the shocking difference in the attentiveness, interest, and time that Rose usually gives interviewees, even those of minor accomplishment and talent. Can you imagine him treating Paul McCartney, the other great musician working with Starbucks, alloting him 15 minutes after a 45 minute rundown over upcoming TV shows? Talking to him in an irritated, disinterested way? Just imagine! Never would that happen - though Paul McCartney is Mitchell's musical inferior. And I say this as someone who does likes a lot of McCartney's music. Just saying it as it is - I don't think many serious critics would disagree with that assessment. I think there are critical questions to ask Mitchell -- the quality of her music is uneven, methinks. If I were doing the interview, I'd ask her follow-up questions to the concerns she expresses about the environment (Rose didn't even get that far) -- like what are YOU personally doing about it, especially because she sings a lot about "them", and what "they" are doing. These are among the questions that, I think, would make the interview interesting. It would show engagement, not disrespect. The Tavis show was great to watch, but an interviewer doesn't need to be a die hard fan to conduct a respectful and fascinating interview. How can you NOT have a fascinating interview with such a figure? Charlie Rose managed to do this, though he has the ability to make just about anyone seem fascinating with patient, probing, unique questions. I can't believe it had anything to do with Rose's lack of understanding of culture. I think it had everything, absolutely everything, to do with sexism. Just look at the current homepage and the line-up of guests. Almost all men, and one young woman. Men, even minor figures, get the hour long segments. Women, in the rare instance they appear alone as guests, get half hour segments (or 15 minutes in the case of Joni Mitchell!) I've also noticed a double standard in the way he treats powerhouse women guests. He gets irritated, even belligerent, in place of asking the interesting, probing questions, and giving time for thoughtful answers, which is usually what makes him an excellent interviewer. This is PBS, supported by your and my tax dollars. It just ain't right. Something's gotta be done about it. Oh, and back to the Joni Mitchell interview: Did anyone notice the way the show highlighted the "Both Sides Now" song in the introduction? But Joni has said in interviews, which the Rose staff surely saw in preparing for their interview, that she considers that song a "failure," and far from her greatest songs. I think the word "failure" is an exaggeration, but it is not among her great works, it is the work of a young musician learning her art. Was the focus on this song an intentional dig by the staff, part of an effort to "put her in her place" in response to her unfeminine show of self-appreciation in other interviews?
I can't call myself a Joni Mitchell fan but I watched the interview and must agree she certainly deserves an hour. Charlie, I love you but I am sick, tired and weary of you giving the few women you interview the short end of the stick. I sent an email to the show several years ago with ideas on women to have on the program. Your assistant at the time responded (I was pleasantly surprised) She thought I had good ideas and printed my email for you. She also said one of the women I suggested would not appear again unless she was given emough time (she has not appeared since). I also sent another email recently on the same subject but nothing has changed. No Improvement whatsoever! At the end of your interview with Huffington you said you heard us about having more women on the program and that you had no excuse for not doing better. I agree. You need to do much better. You have no excuse! Here are few suggestions: Please invite Ms. Mitchell back immediately for an hour. Aplogize to her and us on the air, be well rested and prepared. Then Follow up a minimum of one woman per week for the hour. If you need a list of names I would be delighted to help out. I'm sure other viewers would be equally delighted. Thank you
Thank you so much for the comments here that lead me to the Tavis Smiley interview with Joni Mitchell. Now that's an interview by someone who listens and encourages their guest to reveal. It was also refreshing to hear how Tavis was clearly aware of Joni's mastery of so many disciplines and gave his full enthusiasm and respect for this wonderful renaissance women, artist, genius. There people are rare and so special you know - let's encourage sharing them and their work with the younger generation for real inspiration.
I agree with most of the previous comments. All of you should listen to Tavis Smiley's recent interview with Joni and You'll see what you did not in Charlie Rose's. Tavis conducted a conversation that brought out the best in Joni. They were really connecting. She appeared relaxed and jocular... Really opening up. Obviously, he understnds artists and Charlie does not. That should be evident if you've seen any of Rose's other interviews with people in the arts. He should stick to politics, business and sports.
I was very disappointed to have missed the Joni Mitchell interview, being a life long admirer of her work. After reading these comments I'm not so sure there was much to hear. I wonder what Mr. Rose has to say in response. Clearly most of the writers are fans of his work as well as devotees of Ms. Mitchell. I would like to hear his response/explanation /defence of this lackluster interview.
Cade, you said he seemed unfamiliar with the extent of her contribution. He didnt. Listen tot he intro. You know, right AT THE BEGINNING. You also brought us his parents as somehow relevant to her smoking. When you drag his folks into your discontent you cross the line. Twaddle was nice way of putting it. Gotta go.
I enjoy Charlie's show - not a long time mega fan like all you wonderful people - but I have seen a few shows. I read many of the comments about the Joni Mitchell interview BEFORE watching it myself, and so I was looking for all of the abuse Charlie would cast on this poor sweet woman. It wasn't there - NOT THERE. I believe all these comments were sent in by biased Joni fans who just loved the 60s. Does anyone wonder if Joni told Charlie up front that she would rather not sit for a 60 minute interview - and that now Charlie would rather suffer all of your attacks alone and not drag Joni into this foolishness ?
I have to disagree on those comments posted so far saying that Charlie Rose was rude and unprepared for the interview. After watching this segment on the website, I find that Charlie was not rude, he was not bored, and he was not uninterested as some of the viewers lamented. Charlie was gentle and courteous to Joni Mitchell. Just the interview was too brief!
I just want to add my voice to the others here. Does Charlie Rose actually know who Joni Mitchell is? Anyone new to the planet who just read a brief outline bio before going on air could have been a better host. I was outraged by his dismissive and abrupt treatment of Joni dripping with insincerity - Charlie seemed like he had a plane to catch and just wanted to wrap it all up quickly. I had happily awaited this interview (thinking of course it would be the full hour) but what we got instead was an interminable bull session on the current television season that by-the-way was also thin in substantive comment and also dismissive of the medium by those charged with covering it - though Charlie seemed to really perk-up to this topic â?¦ how depressing. When the show was over I was angry.
Twaddle? LOL. Interesting "take" on my comment, Cookie... Obviously Charlie knows who Joni is. The point you seem to have missed is that, IMO, as an interviewer he could have made much more of the opportunity. Of course, thankfully, we're both entitled to our opinions -- and excellence is subjective. I guess it just comes down to you and me having different ideas about what constitutes a good interview.
my post refered to Cade's
Your post is ridiculous - of course he knows who she is. And the rest is just partronizing twaddle.
As I've read down this list of comments on Charlie Rose's interview with the great Joni Mitchell, I see much disappoint in what the TV audience expected. I like everyone else expected more! But what I expected more on was the current going's on in Joni's career. I have been a major Mitchell fan since I was 14. I know so much about her career right from the beginning until she unfortunitly retired. Now at 48,what I would have liked Charlie to have focused on is much more of the current. Because there is so much! Also for a longer interview time with one of the most important icons in music/artistry in the last 40 years!It was informative, but not nearly enough.I would have loved to hear deeper detales of the making of "Fiddle and the drum".The making of "Shine", which I personally think is one of her finest works! More of the relationship with Starbucks Hear Music, the relationship with the musicians on the Cd.The indepth details of each song on the CD, and whats to come in the future of the re-emergence of this truly gifted and iconic artist. As Charlie said, he finally got her on his show. Well, hopfully he will invite her back and give her the respect she truly deserved in the first place!
It appears my comment will echo most every response posted here. If it's true though that every written reaction represents thousands of unwritten ones, then I think it's important for Mr. Rose and his staff to receive as much feedback here as possible -- and realize with that just how many, and to what extent, viewers were disappointed in the Joni Mitchell interview. I'm afraid that poster Michael McGarrah's comment is true. It was a moment lost, Mr. Rose, and I'm afraid Joni is not likely to return soon. Charlie and Joni are obviously contemporaries, yet I'm baffled by his (apparent) unfamiliarity with the extent of Ms. Mitchell's contribution, relevance and impact -- not only to those of their generation but mine and the next. Of course we wanted to hear about her recent "Shine." If, however, it was a matter of music not being common ground, I assure you, Charlie, that Joni would have been willing and able to discuss ANYTHING with you -- and the insight would have been greatly appreciated by those of us not fortunate enough to be gifted with the opportunity to sit across from genius and ask any question we could. What about how giving up, and eventually finding, her biological daughter influenced her songwriting for years? Or her acquaintanceship with Miles Davis? Or Charlie Mingus? Her perspective on those two relationships alone could have easily taken up fifteen minutesâ?¦ I read somewhere that Charlie Rose's parents were North Carolina tobacco farmers. In his recent Joni interview Tavis Smiley touched on her being a smoker since early childhood, and even that led to an interesting anecdote about Joni's relationship with tobacco; one that ended in laughter. It would have been great to see Joni laugh here.
Oh puleeeaze, his energy has been just fine. In fact, he has been pretty damned impressive.
I too was greatly disappointed with this all too brief "interview".. Yes, Charlie did appear exhausted & burnt out, altho I disagree with those who feel he was rude. I felt he was simply out of his element, completely unable to ask insightful questions, and reduced to hemming and hawing, saying a word or two, then praying Joni would fill in the blanks, finish the sentence, pick the ball up and run with it. My God, I would have expected that at minimum, his producers could have handed him a few coherent & appropriate questions,.... in complete sentences! Personally, I have been disappointed with a great many of his interviews in the past year or so, and maybe it has to do with overwork, burnout, exhaustion, and trying to juggle too many things, especially after his health crisis... Maybe a little, well-deserved vacation Charlie, recharge those batteries, take some time to chill, & come back strong & more fully awake. And try to have Joni back again, for at least a whole hour! She's a very special artist, one of the very few who solely follow their own muse, and her words & views, agree or not, surely deserve a more comprehensive airing...
Charlie, For an artist of Joni Mitchell's caliber to be rushed through 15 minutes was a big mistake. You kept jumping in and speaking for her. WE WANTED TO HEAR WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY. And to think that you made is sound like Starbucks did her a favor. I don't think you yourself recognize her status in the scheme of those who have influenced American culture. Made you look like you didn't have a clue of just what real genious was sitting across from you. You missed it. She was probably one of the most important people you could have had on and she was treated poorly.
It was so obvious that Charlie Rose does not have a clue who Joni Mitchell is. I was shocked at his perfunctory questions and seemingly bored expression, trying to hurry her along. She deserved much better. What stung even more was the "old boys club" with the network executives segment that preceeded Joni. Artiface and insolence indeed, Joni!
I am not one to write in to televsion shows' web sites. And I heartened to see that my idea is not original. Clearly I am not alone in my view of Charlie Rose's dismissive, perfunctory treatment of Joni Mitchell--a unique and special artist. To note that Mitchell was not given a full hour of show time is just scratching the surface of Rose's baffling misjudgment. Let me say that Rose is usually a TV bright spot: His show is typically a gem. That's why it's peculiar and baffling that Rose, usually tuned in to appreciating the artistic, political and cultural gems of the day, not only gave Mitchell about 15 minutes of show time, but treated her her with a thinly-disguised irritation: he cut her off, didn't pick up on her unique observations, fascinating insights and totally squandered an opportunity to plumb the mind and heart of one of the few artisitic genuises. Bizaare. I think Rose's out-of-character interview with Mitchell deserves some kind of explanation. Better yet, it merits a second, one-hour interview. On one level I'm intensely curious as to why Rose was short and curt with Mitchell. Would he consider posting an explanation on this web site? Let me reiterate that the Charlie Rose show is usually a delight. He is a much-needed voice, and provides a rare forum for substantive talk on TV. Thanks for listening.
This interview was way too short. Please, somebody interview Joni IN DEPTH. That't it, Thanks.
What a tease and a shame. This was too short an interview and the questions were shallow! She tried, but the format wasnt good for an artist such as herself. I admire you both, but there was a conversational disconnect here. Please invite her back. She has a lot to express.
Charlie- You need to explain yourself. As was said in every post on the short short short discussion with Joni this deserved a much longer talk. I suspect it was but for some reason it was edited down to the short 13 minutes. Why Charlie Why?
If you want an insight into why there has been such a visceral response to your botched interview with Joni Mitchell, just re-visit The Last Waltz and watch and listen to her sing Coyote. You had a fairy sitting in the palm of your hand, Charlie. Sadly , I don't think she'll be returning anytime soon.
Joni should have refused to give Charlie Rose a 13 interview. Would any male great have agreed to it? I felt degraded just watching the segment. I loved the hour long interview with Jerry Seinfeld, but why the disparity? I guess he must be a giant compared to Joni Mitchell, in the view of Rose and his staff. Along with other guests much less talented than Seinfeld. The ridiculous time allotment and the disrespectful interview might seem confusing except in context of the overall gender ratio of guest appearances on the Charlie Rose show. Also, Charlie Rose generally seems uncomfortable and threatened by (non-actress) women guests who are strong figures, middle aged and older. The very few who are invited onto the show, that is.
I didn't read all of the posts, since there are so many, but I was so annoyed with the disjointed interview of Joni Mitchell that I felt compelled to seek out the comment button. This is not the first time I've heard Charlie fumble through an interview with a musician. What a waste of 13 minutes. If he had so little time and interest, he should have just settled on a single topic or thread and explored it as much as possible. There are some interviews Charlie does well, and others in which he totally misses the mark. I'm sure it can be tough to be at the top of one's game all the time. But why even bother to air this mess? It honestly was a waste of time for the listeners, Joni, and Charlie himself.
I was very disappointed in Charlie Rose's inability to conduct a meaningful and focused conversation with Ms. Mitchell. He was completely non-responsive, showing very little followup to any of her comments, and read his questions off in the most rote and disinterested manner. There was nothing spirited or soulful about this interview.
True story - I was in a starbucks tonight and I turned my head and saw the Joni Mitchell display. I asked the woman at the counter - whom I know - if she had heared it yet when across the bar a man and his wife called out "yes, it's great! Wonderful!" and I said -great, I saw her on tv a couple of nights ago and the woman behind me said - yes, I saw it too. We both said how great it was to see her and kinda shrugged at the brevity. So thanks for the show - even if it was short - at least I was told about the new cd and met 3 new lovely people at a starbucks (whom I probably would not have without it).
I agree with most of the posts. Joni merits an entire hour. She is not one to be "moved along" <G> as in Charlie's abrupt seque to the ballet. Even Joni was taken aback at the lack of skillful transition. But everyone is entitled to a less than successful interview. I, like another poster, would appreciate any tape that was not used for the segment. And do have her back...Joni's lack of false modesty is so refreshing and she is simply a brillant artist: recording artist and painting. Thank you:) Eileen
If you havent heard of Joni Mitchill you really should keep it to yourself - makes you sound like you have lived in an Igloo for close to 30 years. Not an Eskimo, mind you - I know a couple and they own a radio. :-)
Agree with comments posted so far. This is Joni Mitchell and we should have a full hour long interview with her, and perhaps we could also help you by providing some questions that you could ask.
Charlie, where were you in the sixties? - and the following three decades for that matter. I was dismayed by the lack of preparation and deference you showed toward one of the most influential musicians of our time. Ask just about any young, successful female or male musician who is the artist whom they admire most and has influenced their career and, invariably, Joni Mitchell's name comes up. She, like Dylan, defined for us the spirit of the times and, true to her art and the ideals of her generation, never compromised and/or became complacent, but always challenged herself and her fans with her musical innovation and incisive poetry of protest against ugliness, greed and injustice. PBS American Masters dedicated an hour to Joni Mitchell, you could redeem yourself and honor your stated mission by having an hour long, "Informed, spirited, soulful" conversation with Ms. Mitchell.
I am not a fan of Joni Mitchell and am not familiar with her music. Charlie welcomed her with his usual good manners. Charlie did not appear bored, but tired to exhaustion. If it has taken 10 years for this interview Ms. Mitchell had some say in it. Sorry about this next line Charlie, if you look at Charlie's face and his clothes you will see many of his multiple interviews are recorded on different days. I would be interested in hearing more from Ms Mitchell. I agree with most of the comments that the tv prime time was a waste. I watch news on one commercial station and ocassionally other programs, but I am privileged to watch 3 PBS Stations. These stations carry some of the same programs, but have enough different programs, that I watch mostly PBS. Take care Charlie.
Love you Joni!
In charlie's too brief interview with joni mitchell he appears less interested in listening & reacting to what she says than intent upon getting thru a rote list of questions. Too bad for us all. I'd like to learn more about what joni thinks/is doing.
I agree. Forty-Five minutes for the Fall television shows and 13 for Joni Mitchell? God help us all. Joni Mitchell is an artist- as important as Bob Dylan. I am a big fan Charlie. I love your website. But if your criteria is converation which is "informed, spirited, soulful" you missed it on this on. Please bring Ms. Michell back and give it another try.
You blew it Charlie, you missed a great opportunity here. I am a big fan, but was really disappointed in giving a living legend only 15 minutes of your 1hr show. Who cares about prime time series. I was more interested in listening to what Joni Mitchell had to say about the business and the creative process, but you didn't give her the chance to speak much. I hope someone else can interview her with the respect and time she deserves.
My heart leaped into my throat when I saw Charlie would be interviewing Joni Mitchell. What a sad, sad disappointment -- how could an artist so brilliant with such a broad expanse be treated with such utter disrespect by Charlie and the editors of the segment. I have never been so let down by a Charlie Rose interview -- and I am a huge fan. I would urge producers to piece together what was left on the floor and rebroadcast a repectable interview. What a shame.
agree agree agree... with previous comments: lame interview Charlie. Joni Mitchell needs an hour: she is, like she said, a long distance artist and you need more time to have a good conversation; informed, spirited, and soulful...with her. (does that sound familiar)? Is this really the place for that, or not? Love you most of the time; but you bombed on this interview... please try for an hour with this important long distance artist... thanks.
I am fan of both Joni Mitchell and Charlie Rose and was also taken aback by the shortness of the presentation and how Charlie did not allow the interview to breathe, to allow Joni to talk, as he often does with creative people, about the transformation of her music and art and increasing focus on polities. Joni Mitchell, like Bob Dylan, has particular relevance now -- especially as other artists are paying homage and doing tributes. A lost opportunity, but hopefully not the last chance. Especially after the winning forum with T-Bone Burnett, Robert Plant, and Alison Krause the night before!
I adore Charlie Rose and what he does, there are so few like him, but I bow before the genius of Joni Mitchell. She is a prophetess, one of the greatest living artists of any medium and I sincerely hope that Mr Rose will have her back and give her the entire hour! Please Charlie, don't cut her off when she is starting to tell a story...there are millions of us who want to hear what she has to say. Perhaps you were bored by the inane drivel of the previous guests. Mr Rose, if we are watching PBS we are certainly not interested in the garbage that fills the space between commercials on network television. Because that is exactly what it has all become, filler for a society hooked on advertising. Crap!!
Surprising, first of all, was that this was the first time you have ever interviewed Joni Mitchell. I hope this was because of Joni and not because of you and your advisors. (When I think of all the persons of lesser significance you have interviewed...) Your lackluster presence in the presence of this vastly inspiring artist leads me to think you were just tired. Hopefully not because you are out-of-touch. It was an opportunity for a truly SOULFUL conversation missed.
When you listen to the opening songs there is such an excitement and energy around her beautiful songs and voice. I was somewhat suprised that since this was her first time on there wasnt more homage paid to this lengend. Charlie is usually pretty good at that. I would at least have expected some followu p on why she thought she had things in common with Mr Man and Superman. I mean, that was pretty provocative. A full hr on some violent film and 13 minutes with Joni says something very sad about what is thought to be important in our culture - I got the sense that this was an afterthought.
I agree with most of the comments on here. You have one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th and 21st century on your show and you look bored and uninterested and ask the standard questions. At one point, even Joni looked taken aback. What a shame. I thought Charlie Rose interviewing her would be a slam dunk. Foul!
Charlie Charlie Charlie, From the disproportionate amount of time given to Joni Mitchell, a true ICON of our life and times, vs. big kids talking about commercial television ( something you obviously don't care too much about either from your lack of first-hand knowledge)...I couldn't help but wonder if Joni or Charlie had such a difficult time that the interview just didn't go anywhere..was something seriously wrong or what? I know you better than Joni, but I think you have some explaining to do.
This was not what I had expected. Your show is one of the few where one can find deep, interesting content and this one was like a fastfood snack! Too quick and tasteless! Please, don't do that again, we love your show when you're inspired and inspiring.
I agree with most of these comments
It wasn't bad but it wasn't good
I've certainly seen better interviews - have her back on and do it again Charlie
Charlie, this was a very disappointing interview. I think the 15 minutes format was a great mistake, Joni Mitchell would have shared such fascinating ideas and anecdotes about her career in a longer format.
Charlie, This was a lesson in how to phone it in and skip off to dinner with your elite friends. Time to roll up and sleeves again and remember how lucky you are to have this job - a disgrace.
I am a faithful viewer, but the Joni Mitchell interview was one of the worst I've seen Charlie do. He looked disinterested and distracted and the interview was edited beyond poorly -- a reaction shot of Charlie with his mouth closed but yet his audio was asking a question! The whole thing was disjointed and a shame since it took 10 years for Joni Mitchell to get to the table. She deserved an hour or at least a respectful 30 minutes. Maybe you should air the unedited version.
should have given mitchell the hour and skipped the TV commentary. i mean do we really need "serious discussion" of the super lame monologues of late night with letterman, leno, and conan? 6 writers to write 6 lame jokes? and joni gets a rushed couple minutes at the end? c'mon now.
For a show that over the years has interviewed some far less articulate,or even interesting guests, the ridiculous "interview" with the hugely talented Joni Mitchell was a disgrace, I mean really, Charlie, why even bother? Had you heard any of her music since 1968 or gone to her art show in town last month? And THEN to spend time on the so called fall lineup (in the midst of a writers strike that with any luck will cancel the next 2 years of TV crap. Very Middle Middle brow,,,,,Shame
I unfortunately missed the Joni Mitchell interview, but according to most of these comments, maybe it was for the best.
I completely echo what Brian Miller expressed about the interview with Joni Mitchell. Why was one of the greatest female songwriters of all time only given 15 minutes of air time compared to 45 minutes of inane commentary about fall television shows? It was complete absurdity. I love your show but was very disappointed in this broadcast. Clearly someone on staff does not respect or appreciate the accomplishments of such a legendary artist. What a shame.
The Joni Mitchell interview was one for which I am grateful. If there is more from the taping session that wasn't shown it would be terrific to be able to stream it online. Thanks for what you guys do.
MS Mitchell is a very intelligent and thoughtfull woman. I found her description of the creation of her songs as being "born" to be enlightening. As well as her comment about the full maturation of an artist coming about in their 50s and 60s. One learns something everyday if one listens.
i agree with the previous comment,, the tagging on at the end of the insipid rambles over the fall line up,,, was an underline in red to the comment joni made about being so above the rest of most of this countrys entertainment, compared to fast and new and shiny cars,,, shes the genius,, and Charlie's face as well as voice,, seemed to either be bored to death, or just not interested at all in what she was saying,,,, i also thought Tavis Smiley show was a much more interesting interview,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I have been a fan of most of your shows for over thirteen years now. This evening's interview with Artist Joni Mitchell however seemed almost a slap in the face, both to her and to your viewers. It didn't seem to me as though the interview was at all well prepared or that you were sincerely interested or informed as to her accomplishments and contributions to the art form. So very little, preceeded by such endless blatherng on about the Fall television line up. (I mean really -- who cares?) What a truly bizarre and somehow ironic program. Just the sort of thing Ms. Mitchell might have been inclined to write or sing about at one time in her career. (Tavis Smiley gave us much more of Ms. Mitchell on Nov. 9, for those who are interested.)