#8 Joan Baez Saturday, August 16, 1969... 12:55 A.M.

Joan Baez Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

Note: It started to Sprinkle during her Performance and it started to pour just as she ended... in her Intro, she wished everyone a "Good Morning." At the time, Baez was 6 months pregnant and her Husband, David Harris, was imprisoned for draft resistance against the Vietnam War, which she referenced during her performance.

Her Setlist included Songs such as "Sweet Sir Galahad," "I Shall Be Released," and "Joe Hill," which she performed with Members of the Struggle Mountain Resistance Band (Jeffrey Shurtleff and Richard Festinger), a group associated with her husband. Her performance was noted for its simplicity and power, as she sang a cappella at times, captivating the audience despite the challenging conditions, including rain and mud.

Her rendition of "We Shall Overcome" was particularly poignant, dedicated to Harris and resonating deeply with the Crowd.

Her presence at Woodstock is often described as the "eye of the hurricane," providing a moment of calm and reflection amidst the chaos of the Festival and the turbulent Social Climate of the time.

Her Take:

"Woodstock? Hell, I was already pushing my Luck. I'd been on the Music Scene for 10 years and still didn't take Dope or use a backup band.

But Woodstock was also me, Joan Baez, the square, 6 months pregnant, the Wife of a draft resister, endlessly proselytizing about the war. I had my place there. I was of the 60s, and I was already a Survivor."

Joan Baez Musical Bio

Joan Baez is an influential American folk singer, songwriter, and activist, born on January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York. She is renowned for her distinctive voice and her commitment to social justice and civil rights, which have been central themes throughout her career.

She was born to Albert Vinicio Baez, a physicist of Mexican descent, and Joan Bridge Baez. Her family moved frequently due to her father's academic career, living in places like Baghdad, Iraq, and various locations in the United States. Baez was exposed to issues of discrimination and social justice from a young age, which influenced her later activism.

She began her musical journey in the folk tradition, learning to play the guitar and performing in coffeehouses and clubs. Her big break came after performing at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival, which led to her first album, Joan Baez, released in 1960. This album was a commercial success and established her as a leading figure in the 1960s folk music revival.

Throughout her career, Baez has been deeply involved in social and political causes. She performed at civil rights rallies, including the 1963 March on Washington, and was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. Her activism extended to supporting the Free Speech Movement, migrant farm workers, and opposing capital punishment.

Baez played a significant role in popularizing Bob Dylan, with whom she had both a personal and professional relationship. Her repertoire includes songs by various influential songwriters, and she has also written her own songs, including the hit "Diamonds & Rust."

Joan Baez has released over 30 albums and continues to be a significant figure in music and activism. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and has received numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Grammys in 2019.

Her influence extends beyond music, as she remains a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice. Baez's legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to using her voice for change and her ability to inspire new generations of musicians and activists.

End of Day 1