Joni Mitchell almost unrecognisable in stunning photos from younger years as she turns 80 | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Joni Mitchell turns 80 today, after the River singer made an incredible comeback to the stage in 2022 following a 20-year absence.

Prior to her surprise set at the Newport Folk Festival, Joni had been out of the public eye while being plagued by health issues.

The 10-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter was forced to take a break from performing after suffering a debilitating brain aneurysm in 2015.

During the height of her health struggles, Joni lost the ability to speak and walk, or even get out of a chair – making her return to the stage all the more impressive.

In celebration of Joni’s achievements and milestone birthday, Express.co.uk has reflected on rare unearthed pictures of the star as a budding young singer, working towards the release of her debut album, Song to a Seagull.