Joan Baez Induction Acceptance Speech - 2017 Rock Hall Inductions

Joan Baez accepts her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction award during the 2017 Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center in New York City. The folk artist is widely known for her powerful voice and lyrics that oftentimes take a turn for the political and socially conscious.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from Joan Baez? Visit her official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/in...
Dive into the full 2017 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2017 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@J.B24]

I'm jealous of anyone who was around her back in the 60s. She has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.

[@Risingdawn]

A bridge, not a wall. Absolutely adore this woman. Thank you Joan for ALL you have given. It has made a great difference in my life.

[@ginocandia339]

😊😊I'm very pleased to know I'm not the only one that loves the song but when last did you play it?

[@Risingdawn]

@@ginocandia339 I played one of Joan's CDs on Friday. How about you?

[@ginocandia339]

@@Risingdawn Oh, I see, I guess you must be a big fan😊 she's such an amazing singer love listening to this song one of the best ever

[@ginocandia339]

@@Risingdawn So tell me pretty where in this beautiful world 🌍 are you from?

[@Christian-xd3vg]

Joan should have been deservedly awarded 20 or 30 years ago already!!!!! A great woman, a great artist, an inspiration. A great speech!!!

[@greenpowerhans24]

so true!!! when we see kids and gangsters winning all kinds of awards and even a star on the walk of fame; it's really injustice for her!

[@mr.deedsgoestotown6155]

Great performer and also a great songwriter. Worldly wise.

[@KatieKamala]

She's a great example of talent, class, intelligence and living with purpose. God bless her.

[@AA-sn9lz]

You forgot sexy. She's the definition of beauty.

[@azdesertgray5937]

She's the best - the great Joan Baez!!!!

[@danhanna8610]

Joan Baez is an inspiration to believe in a better world and the courage and fire to overcome the many obstacles on the path to a brighter future. She had a message for the time in the past that is still the message for today. Thank you.

[@richardrosebealprestonjohn3144]

Never stop speaking and singing out against injustice! Go Joan Go!

[@David53D]

Her and her comrads have become the injustice.

[@rodgrifftube]

I interviewed Joan for a student magazine after a concert, back in the '60s. Still feels like the nicest person I ever met.

[@dozensides]

She leaves me wondering what I can do, on the one hand; and she tells me, without words, just to be myself on the other. Congratulations, Joan Baez. Love, Philip

[@thecountess]

I have so much respect for Joan.

[@markusjaegerliteratur]

Whenever I listen to her, I am on the verge of crying tears of relief. Always.

[@patriciacrocker1216]

I have been in love with Joan Baez since i was 9yrs old. January 1, 2020 i will turn 70. Always, my dear Joan!

[@rahulbose4323]

Oh how you, your voice and your artistic rendition has inspired me, through the time and I'm 67. Thank you

[@marlenejones7098]

I have the utmost respect for Joan Baez. She has stayed true to her pacifist beliefs and non violent actions all her life. A true inspiration. The likes of which we will never see again. I have listened to and appreciated Joan's music since the 60's. This music helped me through some very difficult times and is still my favourite music today. I am honoured to say that I have actually spoken to Joan after concerts and had my photo taken with her. She is a legend and very much loved around the world. May you have a wonderful retirement Joan (although I know you haven't really retired, just changed the way you reach out through your paintings). Much love. x

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

She was always and still is so poetic and articulate in her speech. Never get tired of her music, she had some of the best....

[@rbernard6685]

I will remember forever entering a small church in the East Village during an anti Nam protest. Standing in the center of that sanctuary were Joan Baez and Country Joe singing protest songs. More than 50 years ago and like yesterday Joan ha lit the way!

[@DavidLee-fe7yf]

she still looks so great, wonderful voice too,

[@anagonzalez2211]

What a wonderful lady she is!!!! An inspiration to so many people. She should have been given this award ages ago! Never mind, the award does not make her any greater than she is. Thanks 4 your music, Joan! I've been following you since the 60s. God bless you!🙋‍♀️❤❤

[@markhayman-martinez1007]

We need more Baez's and fewer Kardashians, like no one's business!

[@chrisnnh]

11 words that perfectly reflects the year 2020

[@chrisandrus689]

.....i gotta give your remark Just Exactly what it deserves, a resounding "Amen, brahdah !"...

[@blackbob3358]

stating the bleeding obvious there, mr martinez.

[@sonalichatterjee1021]

True

[@taffycat93]

Why on earth would you compare one to the other? One is a singer and the other are reality celebs. They both have their place.

[@CK-kj9gl]

Joan Baez is the only female artist and civil right leader that I love on earth period. The first time I heard Joan's name and heard her voice was when I was a teenage in Hong Kong. That was in the early 70's. Her look and voice is so beautiful even today November 15, 2017.

[@utahnancy]

So happy for you. I have loved you for 52 years and counting.

[@LyricalDJ]

I think what shines clearly through in her speech is one thing many may need to hear: a fighting spirit, hopeful despite setbacks, that allows us, no, implores us to not sit back, to not give up, to not yield but to fight for our principles, beliefs and against injustice. To come together and find common ground in our struggles. The hope and fire of many in my parents' generation is something we should endeavour to find within ourselves. Yes, I know this is not a mystical cure-all and that we can flag, we can fail. But as long as the conviction, the will, the voice in our hearts is there we may get back up and take a stand. Or at least that's what I tell myself. Yet another voice in the darkness to help me find my way. Um. And she made some wonderful music.

[@jefolson6989]

Her life has been a joyous battle of duty.

[@WhispersOfTheChurchASMR]

I love that she is a person who practices what she preaches! Such a beautiful soul and so inspiring. She is why I started to learn to play guitar and use my voice against injustice. I am proof that even a 19 year old like me can hear And feel the power and presence of joan baez.

[@david57strat]

What an incredible speech. Empowering, disarming, and though-provoking at the same time. It was eloquent and heart-felt. I've been listening to Joan Baez's music since 1979, when I purchased my first album of hers (but most assuredly, not her first album. She had already been recording for a number of years, by that time). That year, I picked up a copy of Honest Lullaby, for a friend of mine, who was a fan. I went ahead and bought myself a copy as well, and was simply amazed at her talent for conveying such a powerful message, with her pristine, mellifluous, and unmistakable voice. She did this in such an honest and amazing way - even with simply a voice and a guitar. One track, on that particular album, entitled "For Sasha", brought tears to my eyes. I was sixteen, at the time. Two years later, I decided to pick up the guitar, and, sure enough, I had to learn that song. Even today, it remains a poignant piece. It forever changed the way I listen to music. Two years later, I decided to learn to play the guitar, and am still playing, to this day, because of people like her, the likes of Simon and Garfukel, and others. Anyway, I had to learn the piece. Her fluid playing style was something that I always greatly admired, and still do, to this day, and it remains a huge influence on my fingerstyle work, at the guitar, forty years later. Thank you, Joan, beyond words, for everything with which you have blessed us, - not only with your music, but with your willingness to stand up, repeatedly, and unwavering, regardless of the personal cost to you, for what is right, and without so much as a second thought, for those who are not able to stand up for themselves. My utmost respect to you, for this. Thank you.

[@RamMohammadJosephKaur]

thank you for sharing!

[@cjcurtis8944]

Born in 69 and my mom was a big fan, when Honest Lullaby came out there was a piece about it on the today show and my mom kept me home until the record store opened. We got the record, played and then I went to school! One of my favorite records to this day.

[@BonnieRaittFans]

Well said Joan...congratulations with this AWARD !

[@robynkulp6946]

Congratulations, Joanie!!! This award is well-deserved!!! Stay safe and healthy and be forever young!!! Thanks.

[@syxsyx9780]

"I don't give a damn where I stand on the charts" very rock n roll !

[@MH-iy8op]

This Lady is such a class act.

[@ameliaespindola5145]

one of the best speeches i ever heard😁👍

[@michaeldonovan4793]

Such a classic example of dignity, beauty, talent and a life long purpose in service...Thank you for all you go on giving..

[@reggierico]

I think a common trait that you see with icons like Joan and Patti Smith is that these are smart, dedicated and passionate women who have lived by their ideals with unwavering consistency. It would be hard to say the same of any female performers from different times. Perhaps the 1960's and 1970's gave them the power of focus and tenacity to carry and nurture their talent and stick with it, for life.

[@Massman9er]

I will never forget seeing Joan sing in Cambridge so many years ago. I fell in love with her then and still am, to this day. May I hear your singing for eternity for it truly is about love and compassion. Such a beautiful woman both inside and out.

[@dominiquedv]

Congratulations, Joan Baez! Thank you for all you did for us mankind in your life.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

Joan is 76 here and I don't know about y'all but I think she looks great, still beautiful.

[@bengunns]

People go backwards and forwards in the decades to revisit songs that remind them of the past, i came back to listen to you Joan, thanks for your great songs and congratulations.

[@brandimiller5276]

Happy Birthday 81 today, I couldn't admire anyone as much as I admire this amazing woman. Thank you Joan Baez. I love you.

[@fuatkaradeniz]

Thank you Joan Baez for your fight for a better world at all stages of your life. You inspire and teach us how to be a true human being with all the hard work you did for humanity. I respect, I appreciate and I applaud you for being who you are. Thank you again with tears in my eyes after your great speech.

[@mrodiwork]

She is an inspiration. Thank you.

[@2stridehigh]

An amazing woman the likes of which we will never see again. Her talent was her welcome mat to spread the thought of justice, equality, and greater humanity.

[@sharonvyse3686]

This was such an honour for Ms Baez. It was even more wonderful to see her receive the 2020 Kennedy Center Honor 🎖. She has been a bright star to many of us, not one of fame, but inspiration to do as much good whilst one is on this 🌎. Quite the 80 year young humane being!!

[@barrychambers4047]

We're with you Joan! Many, many people feel just as the way you do. Beautiful!

[@talentlesshag]

Hearing Joan's music helped me find my voice. What a truly special person ❤

[@mickietaylor8186]

Bob Dylan and Joan Baez shaped my life and helped me to become who I am today

[@SilkeFauve]

She is still a brilliant light, sending pulses of warmth and love into every corner of our world.

[@wolfeyes9357]

A beautiful speech driven by not just love of human beings, but by truth!

[@dannypriestley1978]

My brother put me on to. Singing Percy's song in a room whilst Dylan's on a typewriter. Just simply stunning, her voice. Now I've fell in love with her. 500 miles is also total top drawer, in a class and a league all of her own.💖

[@amauri3565]

best speech ever

[@AlanCole-c8w]

One of the best humankind has ever had! Joan Baez

[@MrStuVW]

We LOVE this Woman GOD and me. Thank you for sharing this goodness.

[@aldoramos1970]

Bravo lovely Joanie!

[@jstephencourts]

I have loved Jackson's music and politically, social and humanitarian works for 45 years, How is it possible that Joan had to wait for over 30 years after the 25-year waiting period to be inducted into the R&R HALL OF FAME. I am very happy to finally see her inducted. Jackson's introduction was so special.

[@chipwickham4176]

So well deserved for such a gifted beautiful quality lady that is light to us all.

[@andigomez1993]

My hero, she's all around amazing human being.

[@richardlynch1094]

It was a real highlight of Occupy Wall Street when Joan sang Joe Hill for us on Veterans Day. I sing that song every night and think of that chilly day in Foley Square, when we dreamed of a more equitable world.. THANK YOU Joan!

[@lorimangold2890]

I liked the song she sang about Sacco and Vincetti, here in the Midwest I would not have known that sad history, if it weren't for her singing

[@dominiquedv]

All what I wish for you is the Nobel Prize of Peace!!

[@juliesherry2735]

So do l it’s long over due Joan is a rare treasure l have loved her way back in the early 60’s l went to the coffee shops In NY to listen to a lot of people doing folk Joan Bob Joani Mitchel Judy Collins Mama’s and the Papa’s ect they were the good old days

[@azdesertgray5937]

Joan Baez deserves the Nobel Peace Prize more than anyone. She has devoted her whole life and musical talent to advocating freedom for all. Why she hasn't received this award is beyond comprehension!!

[@jotge.3444]

Joan Baez is a great an wonderful person, who brought joy to my life . Thank you for this.

[@notademoncrat554]

Such a beautiful person

[@stephanodigiorgio1090]

BOUT DAMN TIME!!!!

[@countryboywilliams6755]

BEAUTIFUL

[@elisabethhaller6944]

❤ Bravo Joan ! ❤ ❤ Du bist so eine wunderbarr, tolle Frau. ❤ Danke für Deine so aussagekräftigen Songs, die Du uns geschenkt hast. Danke für Dein Lebenswerk, Deinen unermüdlichen Einsatz für jegliche Gerechtigkeit und Menschlichkeit. Danke Joan, ich liebe Dich ❤

[@AlanCole-c8w]

She has truely been a legend in her own time!

[@andyriley2989]

Humility

[@bryanjones1857]

A lovely beautiful lady whole beauty grows in apperence as well as her compassion for life .

[@CK-kj9gl]

The first song I heard from Joan was Joe Hills, and I love the song very much, I even love the song more after I learned the story of Joe Hills. I am very happy that I could see Joan's live concert few year ago at the Griffin Theater in Los Angeles. I love it.

[@tragicallyhoney]

Joan Baez is one strong woman unbelievable

[@tigerboy245]

Folk and acoustic music have always been a significant part of rock and pop music. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Crosby Stills Nash and Young--all have made great contributions to rock and pop through acoustic music. Therefore, Joan Baez, the queen of them all, should have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years ago.

[@antoniovazquez6478]

i adore JOAN

[@rudyduarte6160]

Love her singing ,oh that vice of angel ,I dream about the green,green grass of home,Joan,please sing it again.

[@josemiguelcarrizo7373]

My fav folk singer and guitar player

[@leebraden1025]

Beautiful lady, beautiful person

[@mirianansotegi649]

Truly inspiring and moving. Thank you lovely lady🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🐾💫🐾💫😽😽

[@paulmichaelrichardson6582]

gorgeous women.always was and always will be.

[@donaldgillespie9383]

Joan Baez is the BEST!!!

[@oyatewakiyan3748]

woodstock and usmc nam vet here went to 1969 woodstock brings back many memories

[@yellolab09]

How We Love Ye, Joan

[@zivanajadresic8604]

What a wonderful grandmother!!!

[@MarcusDowne]

Where is Joany Baez's Nobel Peace Prize ?? I have adored this gifted songstress for over 50 years. Not just for the silken vocals, but for the peaceful existence it begs of us?? ✌What an absolutely priceless acceptance speech. Saint Joan of Peace✌As Joan said. It is hard to live in the shadows of rejection. I reflect on some lines from a tome. "Is it you or could it be Me"? "He stares at the poor beggar and wonders whether he ate, Why are'nt our lives filled with love, instead of this Hate?"

[@jamesdeansghost5531]

Modern female musical artistry begins with her...

[@RockyRajkumar-yg1ee]

What an amazing speech by an amazing woman. ❤❤❤

[@rreid3990]

JOAN, you are a phenomenon, you are a blessing, you are the sine qua non of our lives. 💗

[@kimkochel6754]

Joan Baez is most definitely a musical icon. I have been a fan of hers forever. Her book,"A Voice To Sing With" is a great read. She has done alot for all the protests,woman's rights etc. She's a very intelligent woman with beautiful business acumen. Congratulations on the Kennedy Centre Honor. Well deserved and long overdue. A Canadian fan forever. 🇨🇦🌟.

[@rubberduck7228]

oh so true, joan "BACK TO VINYL"....

[@willdwyer6782]

My mom was a local folk singer in Detroit around the same time Joni Mitchell lived there. She told me she cried the first time she heard Joan Baez sing because she wished she could sing like her.

[@dufus7396]

Her rendition of Brothers in Arms surpasses all athems..she was at the height of her powers

[@CK-kj9gl]

The only thing that I miss from Joan's live concert few years ago was they didn't sell Joan Tee shirt. I only kept her concert ticket. Hopefully next time if I have another chance to see Joan's concert, I hope the producer could sell Joan's Tee Shirt with her own photo.

[@oliviademilio8994]

my mom Joan Baez

[@rbernard6685]

This 76 year old man stood 5 feet from your mother in a small church in the east village. She was singing anti war songs with Country Joe McDonald. It was unforgettable and was a high lite of my life. Bless your Mom!

[@apocalypseplough8089]

Joan Baez doesn't have a daughter.

[@oliviabaez1146]

@@apocalypseplough8089 yes she does and a son

[@apocalypseplough8089]

@@oliviabaez1146 - She has a GRAND daughter and a son, not a daughter. marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2010/06/joan-baez-sings-with-her-granddaughter.html

[@joegarza3445]

RIGHT ON R BERNARD !!!

[@elhamfeizollahy8126]

She is pure class man💗😍😍

[@patriciajanegerrie]

Great speech! 2018 farewell tour ... coming up!

[@TangleF50]

Thank You and Love You Joan ! ! !

[@couscouswoman]

The reason God didn't destroy the world was because the likes of Joan Baez are still living among us.

[@2LI.mac55]

Thank you Joan x

[@tarnopol]

Christ, it took her this long to get in? Sigh. At least it happened. She is a fine human being, a great singer, and a hell of a guitarist, too. Best part: in a few shots, you can see the digital countdown. She goes way over. She is not going to cut short this opportunity to talk to a new generation. Fuckin' love her.

[@蔣恩沛]

She is so Beautiful

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Born in the year of the dragon and lived brave as a dragon...

[@nothiasjacques5167]

Merveilleuse femme et un monument.

[@jamesvignali6074]

I saw Joan Baez in Milwaukee back in 1965 or so.

[@robertmaich9909]

Joan for President.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Do you think she'd like to mess around like that when she was 80? I don't believe that for a second. Such an idiot job, I do not wish my worst enemy ...

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

Joan always fought for what was right.

[@DETROIT1948]

Thank You.