The rediscovery of a long-lost daughter and her recent election to the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have directed our attention to the remarkable saga of Joni Mitchell, formerly known as Roberta Joan Anderson of Maidstone, North Battleford and Saskatoon.

Mitchell is considered one of the world's leading and most innovative folk-rock singers and songwriters. She is right up there with the likes of Bob Dylan except that she has arguably been more progressive than Dylan and she can also sing.

It is truly amazing that a young girl just out of Saskatoon could produce songs like Circle Game and Both Sides Now the latter made famous by Judi Collins in 1967 and since covered by such leading songsters as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Tony Bennett.

U.S. President Bill Clinton named his daughter Chelsea after hearing Collins sing Chelsea Morning, also written by Mitchell.

Mitchell is also an outstanding artist, which is illustrated on many of her now-hard-to-find album jackets.

She does not need our adulation, since she is now one of the most famous women in the world. However it would be a class act if she were better recognized by her native city, province and our university.

This could be done by naming a street or park after her, by erecting a statue as was done for Gordie Howe or by granting an honorary doctorate.

It would also not hurt The SP to do a lengthy article on Mitchell. This might help make up for the caricature done in poor taste by Johnsrude when Mitchell's long-lost daughter surfaced a few months ago.

We should give this remarkable Saskatchewan-reared person some of the recognition she deserves. I'm sure she would appreciate it.