Joan Baez American folk singer Date of Birth: 09.01.1941 Country: USA

1. Biography of Joan Baez
2. Early Career and Activism
3. Later Career and Activism

Biography of Joan Baez

Joan Chandos Baez was born on January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York. She is an American folk singer, songwriter, and activist. Baez is often referred to as the "Queen of Folk" (with Bob Dylan being called the "King"). Her distinctive soprano voice is one of the most iconic in pop music.

Early Career and Activism

Baez first performed at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959 and then continued to perform in clubs in Boston and New England, focusing on traditional songs. Her first four albums consisted of old English and American ballads, but she became associated with the protest movement during the civil rights struggle. Her rendition of the old African-American song "We Shall Overcome," released on the concert album "Joan Baez In Concert, Part 2," became an unofficial anthem of the movement. This album also included a song by Bob Dylan, "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," marking the start of their long and well-documented romantic relationship.

In the 1960s, Baez founded the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence and collaborated with folk artists such as Phil Ochs, her stepbrother Richard Farina, Tim Hardin, and Donovan. She also actively participated in the anti-war movement and was arrested twice for her involvement in anti-violence demonstrations. In 1968, Baez married David Harris, an anti-war activist who was later imprisoned for his anti-government actions. They separated in 1972.

Later Career and Activism

Although Baez had some commercial success with the song "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" by The Band, she remained more focused on her political activism than on being a full-fledged show business participant. Her political leanings were once again evident in her 1973 album "Where Are You Now, My Son," which included recordings made by Baez in North Vietnam. Her 1975 album "Diamonds and Rust" brought her some commercial success, and the title track is still considered one of her best songs.

After a decade apart, Baez and Dylan reunited for the legendary Rolling Thunder Revue, which inspired Baez to create the introspective album "Gulf Winds." This album showcased her songwriting talent in new and unexpected directions.

In 1979, she founded Humanitas International, a rapid-response human rights advocacy group. In 1989, Baez released the album "Speaking of Dreams" to commemorate her 30-year career in music. It featured duets with old friends Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, as well as a surprising collaboration with the Gypsy Kings on a flamenco version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

In recent decades, Baez has focused more on her social activism rather than concerts and album releases. Her work in both areas has been recognized with numerous awards, and several universities have awarded her honorary doctorates. In more recent years, Baez has found a new audience among socially conscious European youth, whom she refers to as the "Children of the Eighties" in one of her new songs. Her album "Play Me Backwards," released in late 1992, showcased a softer, rock-oriented sound reminiscent of Mary-Chapin Carpenter's country-rock works.