Joan Baez: Life and Career After Becoming a Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown, the recently released biopic, delves into the extraordinary ascent of Bob Dylan during the 1960s, culminating in the backlash he faced at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. The film features a talented cast, with Timothée Chalamet portraying Dylan, and it authentically reflects the influential figures and events that shaped the folk music landscape of that era. While the narrative predominantly focuses on Dylan’s early journey as a folk icon, it also intricately explores his personal relationships, particularly with Joan Baez, a key partner and collaborator.

A significant theme within A Complete Unknown is Dylan’s evolving relationship with Suze Rotolo, depicted under the name Sylvie Russo in the film, and how it deteriorated as he became involved with Joan Baez. The film illustrates the profound impact these women had on Dylan’s beliefs and musical direction. However, it is critical to acknowledge that Joan Baez stands out not only due to her connection with Dylan but as a remarkable and influential musician and activist who has made lasting contributions to music and society.

Joan Baez’s Music Career After 1965

Baez Continued Making Music In The Decades Following A Complete Unknown’s Events

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez sing into a microphone in A Complete Unknown — Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Following the timeline depicted in A Complete Unknown, which concludes after the Newport Folk Festival, Joan Baez embarked on a prolific music career. Contrary to the film’s implication of a permanent split between her and Dylan, they maintained a collaborative relationship and performed together for several years afterward. Despite the complexities of their past romance, the duo toured and performed sporadically together until the late 1980s.

Reflecting her significant contributions to music, Baez was honored by Rolling Stone in 2023 as one of the Greatest Singers of All Time. Beyond her collaborative work with Dylan, she released a plethora of albums post-1965, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim. Her latest studio album was launched in 2018, marking her 26th, followed by a live album in 2019 which concluded her farewell tour. While A Complete Unknown highlights her early contributions, it should be noted that Joan Baez’s influence and legacy have only deepened in the years following.

Baez Has Lent Her Voice To Many Causes

Joan Baez plays the guitar and sings in A Complete Unknown — Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Outside of her musical endeavors, Joan Baez is celebrated for her unwavering dedication to social and political advocacy. Her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and opposition to the Vietnam War during the 1960s set a foundation for her lifelong activism. In the 1970s, Baez continued to be outspoken, supporting LGBTQ+ rights while performing in concerts aimed at raising awareness for these critical causes.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, her activism expanded to include prison reform, where she condemned the death penalty and advocated for the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. Baez also became noticeably involved in environmental issues, focusing particularly on her home state of California. During this time, she also protested against the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, maintaining the anti-war stance she had long upheld.

Even in recent years, Baez has continued her activism, advocating for prison reform and environmental sustainability. Notably, she supported the 2011 Occupy Wall Street movement, reinforcing her commitment to social equity and environmental preservation. Throughout her life, Baez has championed numerous crucial social and political issues, underscoring that her activism remains a vital component of her legacy.

Joan Baez’s Relationships After Bob Dylan

After her separation from Dylan, Joan Baez married activist David Harris in March 1968. The couple met while both were incarcerated for protesting the draft at an Armed Forces Induction Center. Following their marriage, Harris was arrested in 1969 for draft refusal, with Baez giving birth to their only child the same year (via PBS). The marriage ended in divorce in 1973.

In addition to her marriage to Harris, Baez’s notable relationship with Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, garnered attention during the 1980s. Their relationship, characterized by a significant age difference—Baez was in her 40s while Jobs was in his 20s—ended amicably, with Baez performing at his memorial service in 2011. She recalled him as a generous spirit, despite his occasionally “erratic”genius (via Contact Music).

What Joan Baez Is Doing In 2024

Baez Continues To Be Politically Active And Has Received Numerous Awards

Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) on stage with Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet), admiring him as he sings into a microphone.

While A Complete Unknown emphasizes Baez’s early career and burgeoning fame, she remains a revered figure in music and activism today. Her political engagement persists, notably illustrated by her involvement in the Catalan independence movement initiated in 2019. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the arts, Baez was awarded the 2020 Kennedy Center Honor in 2021. She has also embraced painting as a form of expression, often depicting influential individuals from her life.

Throughout recent years, Baez’s remarkable journey in music and activism has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award. Most recently, in April 2024, she published a poetry book titled When You See My Mother, Ask Her To Dance: Poems (via joanbaez.com). Given her extensive legacy, it is evident that there is far more to Joan Baez than what A Complete Unknown reveals, though the film itself is a commendable portrayal of her enduring influence.

Source: PBS, Contact Music, & joanbaez.com

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