With her distinctive soprano voice and commitment to social justice movements, folk singer and activist Joan Baez helped to define an era during the turbulent 1960s, and half a century later continues to work toward equality and nonviolence.
She had already established herself as a prominent folk artist when she became involved in the civil rights movement, performing “We Shall Overcome” at the 1963 March on Washington, and participating in the march from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery in 1965.
Baez has been deeply involved in nonviolence efforts, speaking out against the draft and touring Hanoi during the Vietnam War. She also visited war-torn Northern Ireland in the 1970s and Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993 to promote peace. She dedicated a 1974 Spanish-language album to those persecuted by Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Along the way, Baez’s music became an anthem for nonviolence, equality and justice through songs including “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Birmingham Sunday.” The singer was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and a decade later she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“My voice is my greatest gift,” Baez said during her induction speech. “What has given my life deep meaning and unending pleasure has been to use my voice in the battle against injustice.”
During that speech, Baez underlined the need for greater unity in the face of an increasingly divided society.
“When all of these things are accompanied by music of every genre, the fight for a better world, one brave step at a time, becomes not just bearable, but possible, and beautiful,” Baez said.
— Maggie Miller
photo: Getty Images