Music Joan Baez on Barack Obama It feels like King

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Michael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM] APRIL 5, 2009 www.TheGodMovie.com Feedback - Ads by Google HOME POLITICS MEDIA BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT LIVING STYLE GREEN WORLD CHICAGO COMEDY 23/6 VIDEO BLOGGER INDEX ARCHIVE Make HuffPost Your HomePage Get Email Alerts Twitter: Follow Us BIG NEWS : Angelina Jolie | Madonna | Chris Brown & Rihanna | Paul McCartney | More... LOG IN | SIGN UP Michael Giltz Posted October 27, 2008 | 03:49 PM (EST) BIO Become a Fan Get EmailAlerts Bloggers'Index Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" Read More: Barack Obama , Folk Musuc , Joan Baez , John McCain , Mahatma Gandhi , Martin Luther King, Music , Politics , Sarah Palin , Steve Earle, Entertainment News Joan Baez has a marvelous new album out, a quiet, wisdom-filled work called Day After Tomorrow produced by Steve Earle and filled with songs by him, Elvis Costello, TomWaits/Kathleen Brennan, Thea Gilmore andothers. Tunes like the brilliant opener "God IsGod" ( you can listen to it here ), the ancient- sounding "Rose Of Sharon" (a new tune thatsounds like some long-lost ballad from 300 yearsago) and Patty Griffin's "Mary" reveal a voice thatis older, obvously, and wiser, certainly. Whereonce that angelic soprano would ring out over a crowd at a civil rights march led by Martin Luther King Jr., now Baez can speak quietly andconfidently, knowing we'll listen. "Gravity has a big part to say," says Baez, in an exclusive interview with Huffington Post. "The voice lowers and lowers. Every brilliant arrangement I worked out over the years, I can't useanymore because it's just too high to sing." Be the First to Submit This Story to Digg Get Breaking News Alerts Share Print Comments never spam Popular Stories on HuffPost Fashion Face-Off! Michelle Obama And Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Finally Meet In France (VIDEO, PHOTOS, POLL) *Video, poll and slideshow Levi Johnston TalksSafe Sex With Tyra Banks (VIDEO) ***UPDATE*** 8:30pm: People.com is reporting that Sarah Palin has issued... Oscar de la Renta Slams Michelle Obama's Buckingham Outfit As Major Designers FeelIgnored While Michelle Obamahas made lesser... Verena von Pfetten 7 Lessons To BeLearned From Carla Bruni So here's the thing.There's no shortage of articles dedicated to thatcertain je ne... Huff TV Arianna Discusses MichelleObama's "Fantastic" Style On CBS' Michael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM] Her voice may not be quite as flexible, but her way with a lyric is better than ever. Perhaps a youthful joy in pure melody has been replaced by a greater emphasis on the words, such as the titletrack "Day After Tomorrow" where Baez sings the lines "It is so hard and it's so cold here" in sucha plain, unadorned voice she's practically speaking them. The effect is gripping. But how could you talk to Baez -- a fighter for social justice virtually her entire life (her first act of civil disobedience was to refuse to scurry to cover during an air raid drill at school) -- and not talkabout the election? Her last CD, a live album, was recorded in New York City's Bowery Ballroomjust days after Bush won reelection in 2004. "Days!" says Baez, who is celebrating 50 years of performing. "I was amazed we could even work. New York City was in a state of total depression." The city was like a dead man walking, wasn't it? "That's what I call McCain," she laughs. "Dead Man Walking and Shotgun Sally - what a terrific ticket." You won't be surprised to hear Baez has endorsed Barack Obama. But you should be. Throughout decades of campaigning for the weak and the powerless, the poor and the lost, Baez has alwaysbeen steadfast in staying away from politicians. She's never endorsed so much as a dogcatcher,much less someone running for Congress or the Senate or the White House. But Barack Obama isdifferent. "I am positive and hopeful," says Baez, who turns 68 on January 9, just 11 days before the next President is inaugurated. "I've always shunned party politics, for good reason. Obama just overwhelmed me really -- knowing that once he's in office he'll probably do things I hate." She laughs. "But the things that appeal to me and young people and poor people and black people -- it's undeniable. It feels like King. I'm sad in a way that he didn't stay outside of the system because I feel like he could have spearheaded a real movement. I don't know how much he can do in that office." What about Sarah Palin? When she was announced and most people didn't know her or her record, did Baez think, even for a moment, "Hmm, a woman. That's interesting." "No," says Baez. "I took one look at her and I thought, 'Jesus Christ. What has happened?' She looks like a retired pom-pom girl." Is it a safe bet Baez didn't get along with the cheerleaders in high school? "You know what, I tried out to be a cheerleader," she confesses. "Me and my friend Bunny, we had a wonderful [cheer] worked out, but we were Mexicans. They were absolutely not interested in how clever we were. [As for Palin,] I thought it was panic. Are they stupid enough to keep it up? And to the credit of the American people, her rising star is starting to dip below the horizon at least a little bit." But what is it about Obama that convinced Baez to endorse a politician for the first time in her life? "The level of intelligence," she explains. "The reintroduction of the word compassion. The concept of sacrifice. The interest in literally reaching out to countries - like Spain," she laughs, then adding seriously, "Any guy running for President who has a picture of Mahatma Gandhi up in his office isgoing to intrigue me." "The only way I can really make sense of it is King because my politics have always been at the "Washington Unplugged" Arianna was on CBS' "Washington... Alex Leo The "Real Housewives Of New York City" Flowchart Of Hate I'm a little embarrassed tolove this show as much as... "BRUNO" TRAILER! Calamity, African Babies, ChaseScenes And More (NSFW VIDEO) IT'S HERE! 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Scientists Find Rocket Fuel Chemical In InfantMichael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM] Michelle Obama's Clothing Has Sean Hannity All Out OfSorts RICHARD POPLAWSKI,Pittsburgh Gunman, Kills 3Police Officers Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld: DoesIran Harbor Osama binLaden? John Demjanjuk, Ohio ManAccused Of Being NaziGuard, Avoids Deportation Michelle Obama Sunday In Prague: Oh Bow!... Michelle Obama In Prague: Back In Black... Obama In Prague: Launches Effort To Rid... Obama's Statement On North Korean Rocket Launchbase of the pyramid. This is the first time I've been willing to extend or stretch my stuffy beliefs to the top of the pyramid. With King, it was so active. We were shoving that pyramid around from its base. That's what I'm comfortable with. The higher up that pyramid you go, the more dastardly things you're going to be requested to do." On Tuesday, October 28, Baez begins a US tour at Town Hall in New York City (the first of two nights). She's sure to sing a healthy chunk of her new album and draw upon the wealth of classic tunes she's sung and made famous over the years. She's performed in New York many times. Butshe's never sung at an inauguration. If Obama is elected and she could perform at it, what songwould she sing? "'Swing Low' or 'Amazing Grace,'" says Baez. "Whatever will just add to the joy and excitement that everyone -- in my camp anyway -- is experiencing. A song like 'Amazing Grace' brings out theabsolute, utmost good in just about anybody. It's a song that people sing on. It's a song that peopleare moved by and they have been for my entire 50 year career. It can be an homage, easily." And hopefully one of the songs on her new album would fit right in by proving prophetic. On Thea Gilmore's "The Lower Road," Baez sings "Because for every midnight hour, there's always a rising sun." "Isn't that lovely?" says Baez. More in Entertainment... HuffPost Stories Surging Right Now Sponsored Links The Most $100K+ Jobs Search 72,384 Jobs that pay over $100,000 at TheLadders.com. Women's Rights Michelle Obama Europe Newspapers Cars War Wire Video Financial Crisis Barack Obama MORE BIG NEWS PAGES » Books by this author A cabin of one's own: New England's MacDowellColony celebrates 100years of artistic utopia.And the gay and lesbianartists who prosperedthere celebrate ... (Thenational gay & lesbiannewsmagazine) by Michael Giltz Affairs to remember:Farley Granger beddedAva Gardner, ShelleyWinters, and LeonardBernstein. In hisautobiography, IncludeMe Out, Hitchcock's muse... (The national gay &lesbian newsmagazine) by Michael GiltzFormula ATLANTA — Traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel were found in samples of... Least Wasteful Cities In America(SLIDESHOW) It's great to love the city you live in, and better to love it for a reason likebeing green! FastCompany... HUFFPOST'S BIG NEWS PAGES This Blogger's Books from Michael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM]Comments 11 Pending Comments 0 See Michael Giltz's Profile Buy a link here www.TheLadders.com "My Teeth Are so White" Read the trick, discovered by a mom, to turn yellow teeth white. CathysTeeth.com Arthritis Information Sign Up to Receive a Free Info Kit About Rheumatoid Arthritis. www.RAStraightTalk.com Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to View Comments: Newest First Expand All PaulLev See Profile I'm a Fan of PaulLev permalink My wife and I were at the Town Hall concert tonight - superb. Here's my complete review - http://paullevinson.blogspot.com/2008/10/joan-baez-sings-dylan-lennon-earle-and.html Michael Giltz - Huffpost Blogger I'm a Fan of Michael Giltz permalink Thanks for sharing. PlantGod72 See Profile I'm a Fan of PlantGod72 permalink I've been an Obama supporter since the day he announced his bid for the Democratic nomination 18months ago. But for me, one of the greatest days of this long, arduous campaign season----after theeuphoria of the Iowa caucuses and just a few days before the tense results of 'Super Tuesday'----wasthe day Joan offered her endorsement of Senator Obama. As a fan and follower of all things Baez over the past 38 years, I was aware that with all the work she's done on behalf of the poor, vulnerable and oppressed, both here and around the world, she'd never before supported a political candidate for office. It was like a bolt out of the blue, and a reassurance that what I had seen and sensed in Barack Obama was something truly special. Thank you, Joan, for everything you've done throughout your life, and forthe inspiration, joy and entertainment you still provide with your words, your wisdom and your music! NanCNA See Profile I'm a Fan of NanCNA permalink I'd like to see an Obama/Baez ticket - wouldn't that be cool! arethabaez See Profile I'm a Fan of arethabaez permalink Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:57 AM on 10/29/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 06:38 PM on 10/31/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:41 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:08 PM on 10/28/2008Michael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM] HOME POLITICS MEDIA BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT LIVING GREEN STYLE WORLD CHICAGO COMEDY FUNDRACE ARCHIVE Advertise | Login | Make HuffPost your Home Page | RSS | Jobs | FAQ: Comments & Moderation | FAQ: Huffpost Accounts | Contact Us See Michael Giltz's Profile Comments are closed for this entry I too was shocked when Queen Joan endorsed him, but quite pleased. Baez should have a regular column on HP. In Europe she's treated like a godess in the US like a traitor/wierdorelic. KickerBoard See Profile I'm a Fan of KickerBoard permalink Joan Baez is the most consistently decent person in America - a national cultural treasure. PlantGod72 See Profile I'm a Fan of PlantGod72 permalink Agreed and AMEN! She's certainly one of the most courageous proponents of non-violenceand equality I've ever known. Michael Giltz - Huffpost Blogger I'm a Fan of Michael Giltz permalink Thanks for reading. Your feelings describe the way I feltwhen Bruce Springsteen endorsed John Kerry in 2004. SKMojo See Profile I'm a Fan of SKMojo permalink Forty years ago, I worked for a little kilowatt radio station in the Arkansas Ozarks and would playJoan's records on the air for hours on end; no one ever complained! I loved her then, and I still do. PlantGod72 See Profile I'm a Fan of PlantGod72 permalink 'My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains', 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken', 'Hickory Wind',I'll bet you played some of these more than a few times.....She's the best! MPeter See Profile I'm a Fan of MPeter permalink Beautiful music. I love Joan Baez. She has been a relentless advocate for peace and justice. May youcontinue to be blessed and to speak up for the oppressed and silenced! Thank you Joan. You must be logged in to reply to this comment. Log in or Ads by Google The President's Daugthers Check Out The Lastest Pics Of Malia & Sasha Obama At The Frisky! www.TheFrisky.com Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:37 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:38 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:56 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 10:04 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:36 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:06 PM on 10/27/2008 Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:11 PM on 10/27/2008Michael Giltz: Joan Baez on Barack Obama: "It feels like King" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/joan-baez-on-obama-it-fee_b_138272.html[4/5/2009 1:13:03 PM]Copyright © 2009 HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. | Archive | User Agreement | Privacy | Comment Policy | About Us | Powered by Movable Type

Music Joan Baez on Barack Obama It feels like King

📄 Music Joan Baez on Barack Obama It feels like King

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