Joni Mitchell becomes a US citizen
Joni Mitchell becomes US citizen: ‘A journey that began 62 years ago’
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Warm-up
- What musicians from your country are famous abroad?
- Have you ever watched a ceremony on TV or online?
- Which social media apps do you use most, and why?
Vocabulary
- citizen
- A person who legally belongs to a country and has its rights.
- ceremony
- A formal event with special actions and words.
- caption
- Short text with a photo or video that explains it.
- vote
- To choose a leader or make a decision in an election.
- folk
- A traditional style of music with simple songs and guitars.
- album
- A set of songs released together.
- recovery
- The time needed to get better after an illness or injury.
- festival
- A large event with music or other performances.
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishJoni Mitchell, the Canada-born singer-songwriter, has become a US citizen at age 82. She shared video of the ceremony on Instagram, next to an American flag, with the caption: "A journey that began 62 years ago." The new status means she can vote in US elections.
Mitchell moved to the US in 1965 after marrying US folk singer Chuck Mitchell. She released her debut album in 1968 and later recorded Ladies of the Canyon in Los Angeles. She has lived in California for many years and now lives in Santa Barbara.
In 2015, Mitchell had a brain aneurysm and needed a long recovery, but she returned to live performance in 2022 at the Newport folk festival. Since then, she has played special "Joni Jam" shows. A film about her life is being prepared by director Cameron Crowe, and reports say actress Meryl Streep will play her.
Comprehension
- What change happened in Joni Mitchell’s life?
- Where did she share video of the ceremony?
- What can she do now that she is a US citizen?
- When did she release her debut album?
- When and where did she return to live performance?
Grammar focus
Uncountable nouns
Some nouns (music, information, advice, water) are uncountable: no a/an and no plural -s. Use a singular verb, and use words like some, much, a little, or "a piece of" (a piece of advice) to count them. (Examples constructed.)
- Joni makes music that fans love.
- She shared information online.
Grammar exercise
Choose the correct option in each sentence.
- Fans heard (much music / many musics) at her shows.
- Fans found (information / informations) online.
- The crew had (many equipment / much equipment) ready.
- In quiet weeks, there is (fewer news / less news) on the film.
- An election official gave (advice / an advice) to voters.
Discussion
- Why might someone become a citizen of another country?
- Does social media help artists connect with fans? How?
- Which Joni Mitchell fact was most interesting to you? Why?
- Would you like to see a music festival? Why or why not?
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