Green Originals

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Green Originals: Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell

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Reflections on the modern pioneers of the environmental movement. Today - Joni Mitchell.

Folk singer Sam Lee on the legacy of Joni Mitchell's environmental anthem Big Yellow Taxi.

Joni Mitchell isn't often associated with environmental activism, but her famous 1970 hit Big Yellow Taxi is one of the biggest green anthems to date. 

Growing up in the golden prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, Joni spent her childhood surrounded by nature. She began touring the United States in the mid 1960s - a tumultuous decade of social, political, and environmental change. Big Yellow Taxi was written in response to the natural losses she saw on her journey. 

The song laments ecological loss and warns of irreversible damage to the earth's natural beauty. But Joni's dedication to raising awareness of environmental devastation spans her entire career.

Folk singer Sam Lee takes a look at Joni's relationship with the earth she inhabited, and how she inspired so many to care about the world through her personal yet highly political lyrics. 

Producer: Emma Barnaby
Series Editor: David Prest
A Whistledown production in association with The Open University for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Reflections on the pioneers of the environmental movement over the last sixty years.

Reflections on the pioneering scientists, campaigners and communicators of the last 60 years who've swum against the tide to influence our opinion and behaviour on the environment.

The series which assesses the work and impact of the pioneering scientists, campaigners and communicators of the last 60 years who've swum against the tide to influence our opinion and behaviour on the environment.

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