I first heard Joan in the early sixties but I was too young to really appreciate it. An older girl down our street (Daphne Pesco) was a bit of a Beatnik. She used to dress in black polo-necks and play Joan Baez.
Those early albums were mainly traditional Folk songs. They were OK and I guess her success propelled the Greenwich Village scene into something a lot bigger.
But for me, it was when she discovered Dylan that she flourished. She recognised his talent and promoted him at her gigs. In many ways, she was the reason he became so successful so quickly.
I love some of those covers she did of Dylan’s songs.
Then there was all that political activism. I like people who are prepared to stand for things.
So today I’ll be playing my Joan Baez:
I LOVE Joan Baez so much! She is so talented. I actually had no idea The House Of The Rising Sun was a cover of her song.
Well, it was a traditional song first Pooj. Joan really did make a difference. I’ve seen her perform a number of times down the years – always good.
Wow I would love to see her perform live. What a treat.
Yes, it was a treat Pooj. She is a great performer and person.
I think nearly all her best stuff was her early days. Her later stuff pales in comparison. But a wonderful voice and person.
It’s funny how most artists/musicians go through a purple patch but can never maintain it (there are exceptions – Dylan, Harper and Cohen come to mind).
Paul Simon, the other Paul, Ella Fitzgerald…
Bessie Smith.
Plenty of greats. But not all of them were productive (producing their best work) their whole lives.
I wonder what it is that causes those golden phases?
Residual brilliance and integrity.
She certainly had plenty of integrity.