

While growing up, Baez was subjected to racial slurs and discrimination because of her Mexican heritage. The Baez family converted to Quakerism during Joan's early childhood, and she has continued to identify with the tradition, particularly in her commitment to pacifism and social issues. They both were political activists and musicians. īaez had two sisters, Pauline Thalia Baez Bryan (1938–2016), also known as Pauline Marden, and Margarita Mimi Baez Fariña (1945–2001), who was better known as Mimi Fariña. Born in April 1913, she died on April 20, 2013. Her mother, Joan Chandos Baez ( née Bridge), referred to as Joan Senior or "Big Joan", was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the second daughter of an English Anglican priest who claimed to be descended from the Dukes of Chandos.

Albert was later credited as a co-inventor of the x-ray microscope. Albert first considered becoming a minister but instead turned to the study of mathematics and physics and received his PhD degree at Stanford University in 1950. Her father, Albert Baez (1912–2007), was born in Puebla, Mexico, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his father preached to-and advocated for-a Spanish-speaking congregation. Her grandfather, the Reverend Alberto Baez, left the Catholic Church to become a Methodist minister and moved to the U.S.

Her first three albums, Joan Baez, Joan Baez, Vol. She began her recording career in 1960 and achieved immediate success. Fluent in Spanish and English, she has also recorded songs in at least six other languages.īaez is generally regarded as a folk singer, but her music has diversified since the counterculture era of the 1960s and encompasses genres such as folk rock, pop, country, and gospel music. Baez has performed publicly for over 60 years, releasing over 30 albums. Her contemporary folk music often includes songs of protest and social justice. Joan Chandos Baez ( / b aɪ z/ born January 9, 1941) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist.
