1 Comment

Very insightful essay, Marshall--thanks! I had never really followed Joni's career beyond enjoying her hits and reading album reviews at the time to keep up in that somewhat shallow way! By late '75, I had gone from college radio to my first pro gig (KLOL-FM/Houston), and I know I played a cut or two from "Hissing," but marked tracks for airplay was a decision out of my hands!

Thanks again! Your clever and thoughtful musical descriptions were very accurate, and it's interesting to track her musical progression to the jazz she later embraced. I was aware of her use of LA Express, but remember wondering what on earth was she doing with Pastorius on her records!

Expand full comment