Joan Baez is an American singer and songwriter best known for composing songs that aim to focus on social injustice advocacy through various music genres involving folk rock, pop, country, etc.
Early Life
The “We shall overcome” singer was born in January 9,1941 to Alberto Baez and Joan Chando Baez. She was the middle child among three sisters. Both her older and younger sisters grew up to be politicians and musicians alike. While her grandfather left to the catholic church to be a Methodist minister, Joan Baez’s family converted to Quakerism during Joan’s early childhood. Baez, being a repeated target of racial slurs, indulged herself in the fight for social justice at an early age.
Career
Baez’s career as a musician was foretold when she wrapped her little fingers around a ukulele her father gifted her when she was a child. From there she learnt basic chords and strumming.
In 1985 Baez began performing near home in Boston and nearby Cambridge.
She performed her first concert in 1985 at Club 47.
Baez produced her first album for Vanguard named Joan Baez(1960).It was a collection of traditional folk ballads blue and laments.
She released many more albums such as Joan Baez Vol.2 , Joan Baez in Concert, etc.
She has collaborated with the Allman Brothers Band , Leonard Cohen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley,etc.
She also has made persistent efforts to stir empathy within her fans towards topics of social injustice.
Profession
Baez is a widely renowned songwriter and musician. Apart from that, however, she has also participated in various peaceful protests and activism . Around this time she also announced that she would be opening a school to teach non-violent protest.
Baez also took up a role as an activist protesting against the Vietnam War. Most of her works highlighted her anti-war and anti-violence stance.
She had also composed many gospel songs throughout her career.
On the 25th of June 2009, Baez incorporated a few Persian lyrics in her song “We shall overcome” . She did this in support of the peaceful protest of the Iranian people.
The songs she sings play a major role in vocalizing her fight for world peace and abolishment of discord.
Awards and Achievements
- On March 18, 2011, during the 50th Anniversary Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International Baez was honored with a tribute of having an award named after her. The Award was named “ Amnesty International Joan Baez Award for the Outstanding Inspirational Service” in the Global Fight for Human Rights.
- She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 Grammys.
- She was awarded with the Spirit of Americana/Free Speech Award at the 2008 Americana Music Honors and Awards for her many years of dedicated activism.
Net Worth
Her last recorded net worth at the end of 2023 was $5 million.
Fun Facts
- Joan’s mother who was also known as Joan Baez was the daughter of an English Anglican Priest who claimed to be a descendant of the Duke of Chandos.
- Joan Baez’s mother lived for exactly 100 years.
- Joan’s father was credited as the co-inventor of the X-Ray microscope.
Conclusion
Joan Baez succeeded in establishing a successful career for herself as well as using her voice to vocalize the plights of the society. Most of her life has been spent using her talents to fight for notable causes.