Joan Baez, the legendary folk singer and activist, made waves on Instagram this past Sunday with a heartwarming video that has stirred both patriotism and political enthusiasm. In a charmingly casual setting, Baez sat comfortably in her kitchen, her acoustic guitar in hand, ready to perform a unique take on “America the Beautiful.” This wasn’t just any rendition; she infused it with her own brand of social commentary, aiming to rally support for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
In the video, Baez's laughter fills the room, adding a personal touch to her performance. As she strummed her guitar, her voice wove through the familiar lyrics of the song. However, she made a notable change in the lyrics, swapping “Crown thy good with brotherhood” for “Crown thy good with sisterhood.” This tweak wasn't just a creative choice but a nod of support for Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee. The choice of words, emphasizing sisterhood, echoes a broader call for unity and female empowerment.
“Times are a-changin' - Let's crown thy good with sisterhood,” Baez captioned the clip. It’s clear she’s encouraging her followers to make their voices heard in the upcoming election. She didn’t stop there; she also provided practical advice on how to get involved, urging everyone to register to vote via vote.org or headcount.org. Her rallying cry? “VOTE BLUE!”
But Baez’s musical endeavors didn’t stop with a social media post. Just days earlier, she made a surprise appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, an event she’s graced many times before. On Friday, during Hozier’s set, she joined an impressive lineup of artists including Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff, Madison Cunningham, and Allison Russell. Together, they delivered a powerful rendition of The Band’s classic, “The Weight.”
The surprise didn’t end there. Baez led the crowd through an acoustic version of “We Shall Overcome,” a song deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. This was no ordinary performance; Baez traded verses with fellow musicians Kaia Kater and William Prince, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience. Even though she was officially there for a poetry reading, her impromptu performance added a special touch to the festival.
Speaking of poetry, Baez recently released her debut poetry book, When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance, which hit the shelves in April. This book is a poignant addition to her body of work, following the release of the documentary Joan Baez: I Am a Noise. The documentary, which premiered last fall, explored Baez’s life and career, including her final tour that concluded in 2019.
Now, Baez is on the road again, but this time it’s for her book tour. Her next engagement will see her in conversation with Ari Shapiro at Sixth & I in Washington, D.C. on July 31. It’s another chance for fans to connect with the iconic artist in a different, more intimate setting.
Through her performances and public engagements, Joan Baez continues to inspire and engage with both new and longtime fans. Her blend of music and activism reflects a lifetime of dedication to social justice and artistic expression. As she champions the cause of voting and female empowerment, she reminds us of the enduring power of art in advocating for change.
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