You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio | Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame
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"Take a tender situation and translate it into commonly appealing songs for the DJs. It'd have to be a bit corny.."
You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio
  • Year Inducted: 2007
  • Written In: 1972
Songwriters
Joni Mitchell Songwriter
Artists
Wynonna Judd
Iris Koch
Little Miss Higgins
Jane Hall
The Cantrells
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Steve Goldberger
Gail Davies
You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio was Joni Mitchell’s first hit single from her 1972 album For the Roses, reaching the Billboard top 20 in January 1973. The country-inspired song about the struggle to maintain one’s innocence and vision in the recording industry was a lighter step away from Mitchell’s usually introspective lyrics.

Featuring seductive lyrics peppered with sexual innuendos and humorous touches, You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio was written as a joke for David Geffen who was prodding her to write a hit single

Graham Nash took part in sessions for the song, and his harmonica part was used on the final release. The song also features a beautifully orchestrated chorus.

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