She made many other artists’ songs famous, but penned her most haunting tune herself and titled her biggest-selling album,” “Diamonds and Rust” after it. The clear and strong voice of a generation, JoanBaez helped define the 1960’s, becoming a symbol of folk music itself. She sang with – and about — Bob Dylan and was influential in bringing political issues and social causes to the masses.
Not content to just sing about injustice and the need for change, Baez put her money where her mouth was. She founded the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, toured on behalf of Amnesty International, met with U.S. government officials to discuss civil rights and put her commitment to activism before her career.
Last year, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, but with a new album coming out soon, an upcoming 50th anniversary concert tour and an endorsement for presidential candidate Barack Obama, we anticipate many more achievements in her lifetime.
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