And a Voice to Sing With: A Memoir [Mass Market Paperback]

Joan Baez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1990

• The perfect time for a reissue: In October 2009, PBS will air a ninety-minute primetime special on Joan Baez as part of the Emmy Award-winning American Masters series. Told often from Baez’s perspective, but supported by a rich performance and historical archive, the documentary centers on her career as a musician, power as an artist, those who influenced her, and those she championed. She will also be on a 27-city U.S. tour starting July 2009..

• A musical force and a catalyst for social change: At the age of eighteen Baez was an international star with a Time magazine cover story; fifty years later she has thirty-three albums to her credit. She also marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., was jailed for supporting the draft resistance, and sang in the first Amnesty International tour. An extraordinary woman who has led an eventful life, Baez’s memoir is as honest, unpretentious, and courageous as she is. .

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA Young rock-and-rollers at the Live Aid concert, where folksinger Joan Baez opened the festivities, told her that they were raised on her music, that their parents owned all of her albums, and that meeting her was an honor. Many will also consider reading her autobiography such an honor. Her memories of singing for Martin Luther King, for Lech Walesa and his family, at the first Newport Festival, at Woodstock, and for innumerable human rights causes are gathered together here in colorful array. Readers will gain first hand glimpses of the musical and political scenes of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. This deftly written self-portrayal will also satisfy those seeking revelations about the lives and loves of the singer. Given the lack of quality biographical material about contemporary women musicians, And a Voice to Sing With deserves a chance to be sampled by teens. Keddy Outlaw, Harris County Public Library, Houston
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Ostracized in junior high school because of her Mexican name and dark skin, Baez developed compassion for the outcast. Likewise, her Quaker upbringing was the source of her deep pacifist beliefs. So when she attained sudden fame at age 18 during the 1960s folk music revival, she didn't hesitate to mix politics and music. Her memoir describes both concert tours and political and social events that took her from Greenwich Village and Woodstock to Vietnam and Cambodia. It concludes with a backstage glimpse at the Live Aid concert. But this is also a very personal memoir with stories of parents, siblings, and friends as well as rock musicians and movie stars; it is well written and, at times, moving. Recommended. Tim LaBorie, Drexel Univ. Lib., Philadelphia, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 463 pages
• Publisher: Signet (October 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451167449
• ISBN-13: 978-0451167446
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,519,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, intelligent, and haunting display of self, April 21, 2002

By 

Susan Payne "Susan Payne" (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: And a Voice to Sing With: A Memoir (Mass Market Paperback)

An excruciatingly lovely, honest portrayal of Joan Baez' life, from self-conscious childhood through more self-confident adulthood (she speaks of self demons that haunt her yet). Includes photographs of self, family, performances, and other public appearances. A professed non-reader, non afficionado of public (regimented) learning, Joan intelligently writes about non violence, her public issues, and relationships, and in doing so, encourages readers to make more of their own personal and public lives. Powers to be: Please give this woman a Grammy for all of her talent!!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable!, January 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: And a Voice to Sing With: A Memoir (Mass Market Paperback)

Honest, humorous, well written. Ms. Baez dosen't pull any punches as she shares the story of her career and escapades with her readers. If you are a Baez fan you will enjoy this book. I had no idea that Joan was such an accomplished writer. I wish she'd write more.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and delicate in the personal sense., July 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: And a Voice to Sing With: A Memoir (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the only "novel" I have read twice and would like to pick up again. I found the truth more fascinating and heart-warming than any good fiction! Ms. Baez's openness in sharing personal information gives the reader insight into understanding her motives/lyrics and direction. It is also interesting to "see" inside the workings of one who is trying to make a difference in the world versus personal and public views of a performer. Ms. Baez literary style displays her intelligence, forsight, and concerns. I would like to read future works by Ms. Baez reflecting, as a woman, how she acquired her aspirations and confidence...familial and/or inborn!