I grew up on the sound of Joan Baez (and Judy Collins). By the time "Diamonds and Rust" came out, I was more focused on jazz and fusion, but I bought the album anyway. I still have it. Ironically, the title song didn't make much of an impression on me, but I was glad to learn more of the backstory from your piece, so thank you!. Did you know that the most famous cover of the song is by the Ur-Metal band Judas Priest? It became a staple of their performances and Joan said she was impressed.
Me too! I was a metal fan in high school and heard it on Unleashed In The East. At college in 1983 or 1984 I saw the Joan Baez album on my girlfriend’s shelf and was amazed. I still think the Priest cover is one of the best cover versions of all time.
I love this song. The lines where she belies the ‘lousiness’ of her lyrics by producing some really great ones, but ones which, winkingly, might still be questioned for their rhymes and the way they scan.
They were also specific and yet universal, enabling Judas Priest and others to do covers that give it a completely different spin. The sign of a great song.
Ellen, you might be aware of this story already, but it bears repeating: Joan Baez was an anti-war activist during the Vietnam era, her iconic Martin guitar travelled with her and features in everything she's ever done. Since requiring frequent maintenance, that was done by a host of different professional luthiers. One such luthier, long after the war, brought to her attention an inscription neatly written on the underside of the instrument's top (in reverse, since work performed inside a guitar must be done with a mirror). When this luthier trained his mirror on the inscription, Joan read "Joan Baez is a Fascist Bitch". She reportedly laughed, and declined having the inscription removed. It is there still.
Joan Baez's music was not quite on my radar at the age of 12 but I appreciate all she's done!
I heard her in concert and she has such a beautiful voice. I didn't get into her until later myself, once she did more pop rather than folk.
I grew up on the sound of Joan Baez (and Judy Collins). By the time "Diamonds and Rust" came out, I was more focused on jazz and fusion, but I bought the album anyway. I still have it. Ironically, the title song didn't make much of an impression on me, but I was glad to learn more of the backstory from your piece, so thank you!. Did you know that the most famous cover of the song is by the Ur-Metal band Judas Priest? It became a staple of their performances and Joan said she was impressed.
The Judas Priest cover was what introduced me to the song.
Me too! I was a metal fan in high school and heard it on Unleashed In The East. At college in 1983 or 1984 I saw the Joan Baez album on my girlfriend’s shelf and was amazed. I still think the Priest cover is one of the best cover versions of all time.
Yes, I'd read that Judas Priest covered it but hadn't listened until now. Here's a link for readers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm25FhH9vqs
Also covers by Justin Vivian Bond, Blackmore's Night, S.O.D., Great White, Taylor Mitchell, Sarah Chen and Thunderstone (per wikipedia).
We grew up with great music, Charles, no doubt about it.
I love this song. The lines where she belies the ‘lousiness’ of her lyrics by producing some really great ones, but ones which, winkingly, might still be questioned for their rhymes and the way they scan.
I know, isn't that ironic and clever?
They were also specific and yet universal, enabling Judas Priest and others to do covers that give it a completely different spin. The sign of a great song.
Ellen, you might be aware of this story already, but it bears repeating: Joan Baez was an anti-war activist during the Vietnam era, her iconic Martin guitar travelled with her and features in everything she's ever done. Since requiring frequent maintenance, that was done by a host of different professional luthiers. One such luthier, long after the war, brought to her attention an inscription neatly written on the underside of the instrument's top (in reverse, since work performed inside a guitar must be done with a mirror). When this luthier trained his mirror on the inscription, Joan read "Joan Baez is a Fascist Bitch". She reportedly laughed, and declined having the inscription removed. It is there still.
That's a great story. Good for her having a sense of humor. And thanks for sharing that, David.