Joni Mitchell Scores Her First Billboard Hits On Charts She’s Never Seen Before

Joni Mitchell is known as one of the most influential folk musicians in history. She helped popularize the genre during its resurgence in the 1960s and early 1970s, crafting deeply personal tunes that eventually redefined what confessional songwriting could look and sound like.

But Mitchell’s discography has never fit neatly into one category. After reaching superstar status, she began exploring new sounds, including pop, rock, and eventually jazz. Decades after she first ventured into that more experimental territory, Mitchell has scored a long-overdue chart win in the jazz space.

Joni Mitchell’s 1976 U.S. Tour Album Arrives on the Charts

Mitchell took part in Record Store Day this spring with a special release aimed directly at her most devoted followers. The newly-unveiled 1976 U.S. Tour was made available as a triple LP, and it features live recordings captured throughout her trek across America that year. The material, most of which had never been shared before, was selected from hours of tape and carefully assembled into a cohesive collection.

As is typically the case with anything connected to Mitchell’s name, the set sold well upon arrival. The project, which is officially credited to both Mitchell and the L.A. Express, the backing band that joined her on tour, immediately earned a spot on a pair of Billboard rankings.

Joni Mitchell Reaches No. 2

1976 U.S. Tour launches at No. 2 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. That’s a huge win for Mitchell, considering that none of her past releases have ever been sent to this specific tally. It comes frustratingly close to the summit, though Mitchell is blocked from the top spot by Sade’s The Best of Sade, a compilation that has long been a juggernaut on the ranking. That title debuted 38 weeks ago and has never left No. 1.

Joni Mitchell Also Debuts on the Jazz Albums Chart

While 1976 U.S. Tour misses out on a No. 1 opening, it does manage a second notable debut. The live set also opens at No. 10 on the Jazz Albums chart. That’s a slightly more competitive space, as it includes all forms of jazz, not just contemporary material.

Her latest offering may be the highest debut on the Contemporary Jazz Albums ranking, but on the all-genre jazz tally, it ranks as the fifth-best start of the week. Half the spots inside the top 10 belong to brand new entries, as Record Store Day was busy for the style.

Joni Mitchell’s First Wins on Any Jazz Billboard Charts

1976 U.S. Tour gives Mitchell her first placements on both the Jazz Albums and Contemporary Jazz Albums charts. While she’s landed on many Billboard rankings throughout the decades — including several genre-specific tallies — none of her previous work was formally categorized as jazz by the company.