Joan Baez, the emblematic voice of the 1960s anti-violence movement, has captured the hearts of Gen Z, who are rediscovering her music and legacy through platforms like TikTok. The folk singer, who first met Bob Dylan at Gerde's Folk City in 1961, had a profound influence on his early career. As a star, Baez became Dylan's creative partner and romantic interest. Their relationship, which ended in 1965 when Dylan's fame skyrocketed, is now being revisited by young people who draw parallels to their own experiences.
Baez and Dylan's professional and personal collaboration inspired some of his most celebrated works, including "Visions of Johanna" and "Like a Rolling Stone." Despite their breakup, Baez has forgiven Dylan, famously stating, "We were stupid, and you can't blame somebody for ever." Her ability to move beyond their past has made her an admired figure among those who see her as a symbol of resilience.
Baez played a significant role in the 1960s anti-violence movement, earning the nickname "Madonna" for her unwavering stance. Her performance with Dylan at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival remains iconic. Today, this performance is celebrated on TikTok, where users have taken to sharing videos and expressing their admiration for Baez’s contributions to music and social justice.
The documentary "A Complete Unknown" explores Baez's life and career, presenting her as an unlikely hero. This portrayal has resonated with Gen Z, who have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the artist. Scholars like Stephen Petrus have observed this trend, suggesting that young people are connecting with Baez’s story on a deeper level.
Baez's granddaughter, Jasmine Harris, is following in her footsteps as a singer and bears a striking resemblance to her grandmother. This familial connection adds another layer to Baez's enduring legacy. Her father, Albert Baez, was a Mexican American physicist, underscoring the diverse influences that have shaped her life.
On TikTok, fans have created numerous edits and videos celebrating Baez’s music and persona. A popular clip features her singing Dylan’s "It Ain’t Me Babe," showcasing her enduring talent and influence. Baez’s confessional song "Diamonds and Rust," which reflects on her relationship with Dylan, continues to resonate with audiences.
One TikTok user commented, "I love Joan Baez because I too have had a loser male musician who bares a striking resemblance to Timothée Chalamet use our situationship as character development and steal parts of my unique and lovely personality as content for his music career." Another echoed the sentiment with admiration for Baez’s strength, saying, "I love Joan Baez cause she said eff that man."
Marianne Natoli weighed in on the discussion by stating, "She is a better woman than I could ever be," and humorously added, "No way could I date a pre-fame Bob Dylan, launch his career and then be done dirty, tossed aside. I would never shut up about it." These comments reflect a growing appreciation for Baez’s personal journey and fortitude.
Rodriguez, another observer of this cultural phenomenon, noted, "We’re talking about this relationship in a serious way now because they didn’t have the language we do now to describe these behaviors." This insight highlights how modern perspectives on relationships and gender dynamics bring new understanding to past events.
As Rodriguez further explained, "We have so much more knowledge of how the patriarchal system impacts women, particularly women of color, and especially in the music industry." This awareness has fueled Gen Z's empathy towards Baez and their celebration of her achievements.