Joan Baez remains a vital folk music icon

A new biopic titled "A Complete Unknown" has sparked discussions about Bob Dylan and his impact on music. Timothée Chalamet stars as Dylan, receiving mixed reviews for his portrayal. He earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor but lost to Adrien Brody. However, it was Monica Barbaro’s performance as Joan Baez, Dylan's complex muse, that gained her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Joan Baez is known for her significant role in the folk music revival and her deep connection to storytelling and emotion in songwriting. While Dylan's music captured audiences with protest themes and unique melodies, Baez's work often intertwined her personal experiences, including her relationship with Dylan, into her songs. The tradition of Western songwriting relies heavily on narrative and human emotion. This started with 19th-century cowboy songs and evolved with influences from African-American Blues. Over time, songwriting became a way for artists to express their lives and relationships, often putting their muses in the spotlight. Even though Baez is often seen as just one of Dylan's many muses, she has always resisted being sidelined. Her song "Diamonds and Rust" reflects on her relationship with Dylan and asserts her importance as a songwriter. Baez has been a tireless advocate for social causes, using her voice and platform to support those in need. In a recent comment about the film, she recognized how Dylan's presence often overshadowed her own. However, she has consistently maintained her artistic identity and confidence. Baez's powerful legacy in music and activism shows that she is much more than a peripheral figure in Dylan's story.