The April issue of Vanity Fair features three iconic women in the soft rock pantheon: Carol King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon. Carly Simon???? I adore Joni Mitchell. She’s written some amazing songs — like the entire Blue album — and covered others as well — how about the great Lambert, Hendricks & Ross song, “Twisted”?

Carol King, oh good lord. Who can argue with “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” both fantastic tunes.

But then, they throw in Carly Simon. I have nothing against Carly Simon. “You’re So Vain” was so fun; we all know at least one person to dedicate that song to, especially here in Hollywood. But what else did she sing? There was the ketchup song… but that’s kind of stuck on the supermarket shelf. Anything else? Were you ever at a party or in the car and someone said, “Oh hey, let’s listen to the new Carly Simon CD”? (And by the way, you can count them on your fingers.) Didn’t think so.

What about Judy Collins? She sang some great tunes, has a discography of about 30 albums and is still going strong. In fact, were it not for Judy Collins’ cover of “Both Sides Now,” Joni Mitchell, great as she is, might still be a musical footnote. And yet, Vanity Fair mentions her only in conjunction with Joni. Judy is also a beautiful lyricist and musician… “Since You Ask,” My Father” and so on. OK so her father was a blind musician and not the head of a big publishing house, but let’s give credit where it’s due.