Joan Baez Urges Voter Registration Ahead of US Election
- Folk legend Joan Baez has shared a new rendition of 'America the Beautiful' in support of Kamala Harris.
- The pared-back recording serves as a call to action for her followers to 'VOTE BLUE.'
- This collaboration merges music and political advocacy, highlighting Baez's continuous engagement in social issues.
Legendary singer-songwriter Joan Baez has called on her fans to register to vote in the upcoming US election, expressing her support for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. In a heartfelt video shared on July 28, Baez performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” altering the lyrics to emphasize “sisterhood” in solidarity with Harris. She encouraged her followers to register through platforms like vote.org and headcount.org, urging them to “VOTE BLUE!” Baez's appeal follows her surprise performance at the Newport Folk Festival on July 26, where she collaborated with artists such as Hozier and Mavis Staples. The festival concluded with Baez singing “We Shall Overcome,” highlighting her commitment to social justice and activism. In a recent interview, Baez expressed her concerns about the climate crisis, stating, “Mother Earth is in a rage,” and reflecting on the uncertain future for her granddaughter. Harris has garnered support from various prominent figures in the music industry, including Katy Perry and Ariana Grande, as well as British pop star Charli XCX, who endorsed her campaign. Harris's campaign recently announced that Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” would serve as her official campaign anthem, further solidifying her connection to civil rights themes. In related news, Baez is set to be portrayed by actress Monica Barbaro in the upcoming biopic "A Complete Unknown," which focuses on Bob Dylan's rise to fame and his controversial switch to electric instruments. Timothée Chalamet will portray Dylan and also serve as the film's producer.