Joan Baez

Bio:
Joan Baez (born Joan Chandos Baez on January 9, 1941 in Staten Island, New York City) is an American folk singer, songwriter and activist. Joan moved often due to her father’s work. She lived across the U.S. as well as in Europe, Canada and the Middle East. Joan’s father took a job at MIT in 1958, allowing her to dive into the Boston and Cambridge folk-music scene. She gave her first concert in 1958 at Club 47. That first performance launched a legendary folk career, including her breakthrough in the 1960’s. Her second album, Joan Baez, Vol. 2, was certified gold. She introduced her audiences to the then-unknown Bob Dylan during that time, and inspired similar artists like Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt. Joan experimented classical orchestration in the later ‘60s, including a Christmas album. Joan made an appearance at Woodstock in 1969, and started lending her voice to political causes. Joan continued to perform and record over the next four decades. She also worked alongside other political activists, combatting poverty, fighting for LBGT rights, and raising awareness for environmental causes.

Best Known For:
Joan Baez is best known as an American folk artist and activist.

Personal Life:
Joan dated Bob Dylan from 1961 to 1967. While protesting the Vietnam war, Joan met David Harris. The two quickly formed a close bomb and were married in 1968. David was arrested and imprisoned for draft dodging in 1969, while Joan was visibly pregnant with their son, Gabriel. After David was released, their relationship dissolved and they were divorced in 1973. In the 1980s, Joan dated Apple cofounder Steve Jobs in the 1980s.