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Mimi FarinaSinger, songwriter and social activist
Date of Birth: 30.04.1945
Country:  USA |
Biography of Mimi Fariña
Early Life and Musical Career
Margarita Mimi Baez, better known as Mimi Baez Fariña (April 30, 1945 – July 18, 2001), was a singer, songwriter, and social activist. She was the youngest of three daughters of Mexican physicist Albert Baez and the sister of folk singer Joan Baez.
From a young age, Mimi took dance and music lessons, with a particular interest in playing the guitar. She played a significant role in the revival of American folk music in the 1960s.
In 1963, at the age of 17, Mimi met writer, musician, and composer Richard Fariña. They got married a year later and together released several influential folk albums, including "Celebrations for a Grey Day" in 1965 and "Reflections in a Crystal Wind" in 1966. Both albums were released under the Vanguard Records label.
Activism and Later Career
Tragedy struck in 1966 when Richard Fariña died in a motorcycle accident. After some time, Mimi married Milan Melvin and continued to perform, often alongside her sister Joan or folk singer Tom Jans. In 1971, Mimi and Jans released a joint album titled "Take Heart."
In 1967, Mimi joined the comedy troupe "The Committee." That same year, she and Joan were arrested during a peaceful demonstration and sent to Santa Rita Jail. In 1973, Mimi, Joan, and B.B. King performed for the inmates of Sing Sing prison. These experiences led Fariña to view the prison system and its inhabitants in a new light.
In 1974, Mimi joined the nonprofit organization "Bread and Roses." They entertained people in prisons, hospitals, shelters, and nursing homes, initially in the San Francisco Bay area and later across the country. The company continues its work to this day, organizing around 500 shows each year.
While her music career declined, Mimi continued to sing and released a new album in 1985. However, she mainly focused on her work with "Bread and Roses." In the late 1980s, she and Pete Sears organized a series of charity concerts and protest shows, highlighting human rights issues in Central America and the lack of US response to civil wars in Guatemala and El Salvador. They even held a concert on an abandoned railroad track near the Concord Naval Base in California.
Mimi leveraged her extensive connections in the folk music community to support "Bread and Roses." She successfully involved artists such as Pete Seeger, Paul Winter, Odetta, Judy Collins, Lily Tomlin, Carlos Santana, and Bonnie Raitt in the organization's activities.
Later Years and Legacy
Mimi Fariña passed away from neuroendocrine cancer on July 18, 2001, at the age of 56. Her life was partially documented in David Hajdu's book "Positively 4th Street," and she had a small role in Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City."
Throughout her career, Mimi Fariña used her musical talent and dedication to social causes to make a lasting impact on both the folk music scene and the lives of those she advocated for. She remains a revered figure in the world of folk music and activism.
