What an inspired choice of Joni lore, Smurph. And what a fitting tribute to Timothy White, whom I never knew of, but will never forget - now that I associate him with the telling of Joni's enchanting story behind "The Tea Leaf Prophecy." I had never read that, either. Wow. Great is the interviewer who evokes Joni's candid discussion of her songwriting magic. Thanks for ferreting this out, Bob.
I can't help being tearful at what I regard as a "laughing and crying you know it's the same release" type sentiment that Joni expresses in the interview: "Don't worry about the gypsy, Mom. Two out of three ain't bad." This comment has the same comedic bitter-sweetness, and the same ring of truth, as a lyric from "Facelift" that I hold dear: "Oh, let's be nice, Mama, open up your gifts/You know, happiness is the best facelift." (What's the emoticon for a sad smile, anyway?) Rest in Peace, Timothy White. I knew ye not at all, but I'm off to read the rest of your interviews with Joni, and I will remember you. -Julius Bob Murphy writes: > Billboard Editor-in-Chief and music journalist Timothy White died today at > the age of 50. > > He is the author of 5 Joni-related articles in the JMDL database, including > one that features one of the best Joni interviews. You can find the entire > article at: > > << http://www.jmdl.com/articles/docs/880317rl.cfm >> > > It's a great read. The article is from March of 1988. I have included a bit > of the interview below. In it, Joni tells the story behind "The Tea Leaf > Prophecy," which I had never read, although I knew the song was the story of > her parents and how they met during WWII.
