I use the word "genius" very sparingly, but it certainly applies to Joni Mitchell.  In my book, Joni is one of the greatest musical artists of the past century, male or female, in any genre.  In fact, she defies genre because her music is a remarkably creative and unique fusion of many elements.  Past eras had their Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky.  We have our Joni Mitchell, and we shouldn't take that fortunate fact for granted.