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In 1967, Joni Mitchell heard “one of the greatest songs”
In 1967, Joni Mitchell heard Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” and called it “one of the greatest songs” she had ever heard. Her praise showed her respect for the song’s craft and for Cohen as a distinctive artist, despite her later criticism of his use of lines from other writers.
The article contrasts their shared attention to literary lyrics with their different approaches to songwriting. Mitchell valued artistic change and emotional honesty, qualities she brought to her album *Blue*, while she saw Cohen’s “Suzanne” as a song whose beauty made a lasting impression.
In short
- Mitchell praised Cohen’s “Suzanne” as one of the greatest songs she had heard.
- She admired its craft despite accusing Cohen of borrowing lines from literature.
- The pair shared a focus on literary songwriting.
Explained simply
Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen were Canadian songwriters who became known in the 1960s for songs with personal lyrics and literary influences. Mitchell’s album Blue, released in 1971, is often associated with direct, emotionally revealing songwriting.
“Suzanne” began as a poem Cohen wrote before turning it into a song. Its references to people, places and religious imagery reflect his interest in poetry and storytelling. The song helped establish Cohen as a distinctive songwriter, while Mitchell’s response showed the respect the two artists had for each other’s work.