Free Man in Paris - Joni Mitchell (1974) 11/3/21

Singer/Songwriter Joni Mitchell's album "Court and Spark" was one of the most successful albums of 1974. It reached #2 on Billboard's album chart...and sold more than 2 million copies!

Music critics loved it...and so did the public. The album was full of "Great Songs," two of which were huge radio hits.

The first was "Help Me," which we highlighted back on: 5/27/20:

https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk/posts/181274040012718

The second is today's "Great Song of 1974:" "Free Man in Paris."

The song was inspired by music mogul and film studio executive David Geffen, whom she was dating at the time. (He owned Asylum records, Joni's label.)

David and Joni took an extended trip to Paris, where David was able to relax and get away from all the business hoopla he was involved with back in the States.

Joni was amazed on how "alive" David became, and without ever mentioning his name, she was able to capture the way he felt in song.

While recording "Free Man in Paris," she enlisted some pretty talented friends to help out...including David Crosby and Graham Nash on background vocals, and Jose' Feliciano on guitar.

The song reached #2 on Billboard's Easy Listening Chart, and over the years has been covered by the likes of Neil Diamond and Alanis Morrisette.

"Free Man in Paris" by Joni Mitchell: A "Great Song of 1974!