JOAN Baez returns to Wales to play St David's Hall this weekend. Her silvery voice and unfussy rendition of classic folk ballads sound as fresh today as they did in 1960.
She kept the public listening throughout the 60s and became an icon of protest with her rendition of Pete Seeger's We Shall Overcome. In 1965 she founded the Institute for the Study of Non Violence and was arrested at an anti-Vietnam demo.
By 1967 she'd made eight albums and introduced Bob Dylan to the general public through her own concerts at which he played.
In the 70s she became more commercial, openly admitting she needed the cash, even turning electric and having a chart hit with Diamonds and Rust.
Blacklisted in the Reagan nightmare years, she carried on regardless, affecting new generations with her sweet effortless rebellion.
Four decades on now from her quiet beginnings, she is touring following the release of her first album in six years, Dark Chords on a Big Guitar. Joan Baez plays St David's Hall on Sunday, February 8 at 7.30pm. Dial 029 2087 8500 for more info.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article