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Conversation: Joan Baez
Joan Baez smiles during a concert for Pete Seeger in New York on May 3, 2009 marking his 90th birthday. (Photo: CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
Posted by Jeffrey Brown , October 15, 2009

Last night on PBS's American Masters, viewers got an intimate portrait of one of America's most famous singers. Joan Baez began performing with her guitar in coffee shops at just 17, but went on to help define the sound and social momentum of the 1960s with her politically-charged folk songs. She's still performing, right now on tour in England, and she talked to us by phone about her life and her music earlier today.

 

Watch the full episode of American Masters' "How Sweet the Sound":

The DVD and soundtrack is also available at PBS.org.

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Comments

  • Posted:
    10/15/09 at
    05:11 PM
    Will Carroll : I first heard Joan Baez in Monterey/Carmel in 1967, I believe. An outside concert, I didn't know who she was. She came onstage alone and outsang the angels, and was so gracious and welcoming with the crowd. A beautiful evening with a beautiful young woman!
  • Posted:
    10/15/09 at
    07:17 PM
    jz : Am I the only one who still thinks she looks beautiful?
  • Posted:
    10/15/09 at
    07:53 PM
    Tom Mueller : I had the pleasure of meeting with Joan in Tampa a couple years ago. Fame and time have done nothing to diminish her gracious aura. This year I got to see her twice; at Newport, and in San Jose. Her wonderful penchant for "walking the walk" is helping to attract yet another generation of fans.
  • Posted:
    10/15/09 at
    11:22 PM
    Tom Edmisten : Hi Joan; I've been listening to you since I was 14,1964 and trying to go out with you since I was 21, that was 1971. You are and always were the best of us. Thank you. If you need any company in your tree write.
  • Posted:
    10/16/09 at
    11:12 AM
    Glen : Johns Hopkins, 1962-63, concert. Just a small lady with a large guitar and a soaring voice. I took her songs with me to Vietnam in 1968.
  • Posted:
    10/16/09 at
    04:56 PM
    LL : I've been listening to Joan since 1980 when I was born. My parents are huge fans, and now I am too. Thanks for covering this.
  • Posted:
    10/16/09 at
    07:13 PM
    diane berman : My lp's from the '60's remind me of a time long ago. Joan's magnificent voice is one that I can share with my son-in-law. He can have good thoughts of his dad who was a folk singer. I don't remember hearing Joan at Gerdie's Folk City, but I did see her perform at the, "new" Nassau Coliseum.
  • Posted:
    10/16/09 at
    07:40 PM
    meri : The show was very good and helped me recommit to living my beliefs. At 57, it's the right time. I thank Joan for the music and for never wavering from living the values that are central to her being.
  • Posted:
    10/16/09 at
    09:55 PM
    Betsy Stewart : I have been following Joan Baez when My Sister brought her records home and I was 6 while others my age were listening to other music. I met Joan in Detroit at a Draft resistance at St. Joseph's Episcopal church in 1969 I was then 14 She is a Beautiful lady!
  • Posted:
    10/17/09 at
    12:24 AM
    Alice Timmins : Well, she is pure and simple and gracious and true. The documentary somehow captured much of this. I'm glad she's funny and richly gifted. These last decades have been particularly amazing following Ms. Baez.
  • Posted:
    10/17/09 at
    07:04 AM
    massimo : Joan is for me the Music and the best that an human being can be.ciao
  • Posted:
    10/17/09 at
    02:17 PM
    wh : An amazing voice, an incredible path an a very fine documentary.
  • Posted:
    10/18/09 at
    08:56 AM
    jassmine seymour : ,,I have been listening to Joan for over 40 years she is unique the voice of an angel.
  • Posted:
    10/18/09 at
    02:17 PM
    Pacific B : Everyone else has said it all, but I will say it again. Joan Baez is the epitome of grace, courage, and values. She also is beautiful, with the voice of an angel/bird. She pointed my way during my teen years and I really haven't strayed too far from that path ever since. Thank you, Joan.
  • Posted:
    10/19/09 at
    09:59 AM
    tiagi : when I think of "real music" coming from the heart, I think of Joan...she touches the core of the word truthful,, she walks the walk, and talks the talk and because of her this world has been nicer place ...
  • Posted:
    10/19/09 at
    11:49 AM
    James Smith : Joan Baez est une des plus belles femmes du monde, et sa voix et la voix d'or, la voix du ciel.
  • Posted:
    11/10/09 at
    05:08 PM
    raymeo : Joan Baez is beautiful. She is beautiful. She has always been beautiful, and the voice matches that beauty.
  • Posted:
    11/13/09 at
    03:21 AM
    Dan : Whatever happened to your Jag XKE, the one that broke down in Berkeley?
  • Posted:
    11/14/09 at
    05:14 PM
    Donna P. : Joan Baez is the best of us as someone else has said. I have seen her in concert every time she has appeared since 1977 in Portland, Oregon. She is indeed beautiful and it is always a rose filled day when she comes to Portland.
  • Posted:
    11/16/09 at
    04:57 PM
    ruth : To a lonely ugly duckling teenager growing up in the sixties, Joan Baez symbolized hope,peace and the beauty of her soul and voice transported me to a better place.
  • Posted:
    11/17/09 at
    10:06 AM
    Jumpseat Jimmy : Joanie & I were good friends in high school. We took many trips up & down the coast on my motorcycle. I just love the latest interview on PBS - American Masters. So glad it was recorded. Go, Joanie girl! Jimmy-in San Simeon :-)
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