Fans of Joni Mitchell have been asked to light a candle for the singer-songwriter, who was in intensive care last night.

She was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at her home in Los Angeles.

A statement on her website said she "regained consciousness on the ambulance ride."

A post of her Twitter feed later said: "Joni is currently in intensive care in an LA area hospital but is awake and in good spirits."

It added: "Light a candle and sing a song, let's all send good wishes her way."

Canadian-born Joni, 71, is best known for folk hits such as Big Yellow Taxi, and has won eight Grammys in a career that began in the 1960s.

The cause of her illness was not clear yesterday.

She told a magazine in December that she had a rare skin condition. Morgellons disease, which meant she could no longer perform.

Sufferers say they feel stinging sensations in the skin but many doctors believe it is a psychiatric disorder.

A smoker since she was nine, Joni has suffered other health issues over the years including polio, scarlet fever and insomnia.

Celebrities wished her well, including Billy Idol, who wrote: "Sorry to hear today's news about Joni Mitchell.

"I sang on her Dancing Clown single many moons ago. All the best for her recovery."

Actress Francis Barber tweeted: "God speed Joni Mitchell. I grew up on you, I lived you, I loved you, I still cry to you & rejoice in you."

Joni's most famous songs include Chelsea Morning and Both Sides, Now.

She has released 19 albums, including Clouds in 1969 and Blue from 1971.

Her many musician fans include Corinne Bailey Rae, Rufus Wainwright, Katie Melua and Gabrielle Aplin.