This could be the most interesting case in our discussion. On the surface a Folk singer just seems out of place in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However when one looks at some of the intangibles of Joan Baez, it does not seem out of place at all.

Joan Baez was not your ordinary Folk singer. Possessing an operatic voice, Baez was the genre’s face throughout the 60’s of which she was the social conscious for a generation. She crossed over to Folk Rock and Country all while maintaining a politically charged message. Her performance at Woodstock, her association with Bob Dylan and her pioneering efforts for other women in music should have garnered at least a nomination but that has not been the case as of yet. If Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger are in, Baez should have a decent shot at some point.

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The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

1985

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Staten Island, NY)

Why She Will Get In:

They don’t come any more respected than Baez.

Why She Won’t Get In:

The Hall may feel it has enough Folk representation.

Nominated In:

Never

Essential Albums:

Joan Baez (1960)

Joan Baez in Concert (1962)

Joan Baez in Concert Part 2 (1963)

Diamonds and Rust (1975)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You (From Joan Baez in Concert, 1962)

We Shall Overcome (From Joan Baez in Concert Part 2, 1963)

Help Me Make it Through the Night (From Blessed Are..., 1971)

Love Song to a Stranger (From Come from the Shadows, 1972)

Diamonds & Rust (From Diamonds & Rust, 1975)

www.joanbaez.com