Folk Icons Joan Baez and Paul Simon Deliver a Heartfelt Duet of ‘The Boxer’

Joan Baez, the esteemed folk musician and songwriter, marked her 75th birthday with a magnificent concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. This event featured a lineup of illustrious guests and was part of PBS’ acclaimed *Great Performances* series. The memorable celebration from 2016 has been preserved on YouTube, where Joan’s captivating duet with fellow folk legend Paul Simon has garnered over 10 million views, showcasing the enduring appeal of her music.

During the concert, Paul Simon, who was 73 at the time, joined Joan Baez on stage to perform a live version of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic 1969 folk song, “The Boxer.” This track originally appeared on their highly successful album, *Bridge Over Troubled Water*. Paul contributed his guitar skills and shared vocal duties with Joan, while the performance was further enriched by the presence of Richard Thompson, a renowned London-born guitarist aged 66, adding depth and complexity to the rendition.

The collaboration between Paul and Joan brought a rich, textured sound to “The Boxer,” with their seasoned voices infusing the song with layers of emotion and significance. Lines like, “I am older than I once was / And younger than I’ll be; that’s not unusual,” resonated deeply, offering a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time. Additionally, the lyric, “After changes we are more or less the same,” captured the essence of the 1960s counterculture, reminding audiences of the lasting impact of that transformative era.

Joan’s birthday performance featured a diverse setlist of twenty-two songs, each presented in collaboration with veteran artists from her generation. Highlights included a duet with David Crosby on The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” as well as performances with Damien Rice and Mary Chapin Carpenter. The evening also showcased Joan’s ability to deliver powerful solo performances, alongside two heartfelt covers of Bob Dylan’s songs: “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and “Forever Young,” the latter of which served as a fitting and uplifting finale to the concert.

This special performance at the Beacon Theatre was the kickoff to Joan Baez’s 18-date North American tour in 2016. The tour was organized in partnership with Amnesty International, aiming to shed light on the pressing and urgent issue of racial and ethnic disparities in the United States’ incarceration system. Through this collaboration, Joan continued to use her platform to advocate for social justice and highlight critical societal challenges.

Joan’s 2016 live duet with Paul Simon was not their inaugural performance of “The Boxer” together. Back in 1981, she delivered a solo rendition of the song at the Oakland Auditorium, a performance that remains accessible through a YouTube clip. The following year, in 1982, Joan and Paul shared the stage once more at The Bread and Roses charity concert, offering another memorable duet. Although only an audio recording of their 1982 performance exists online, it captures the harmonious blend of their voices and the joyful spirit of their collaboration.

Throughout her illustrious career, Joan Baez has been a prominent figure in the folk music scene, emerging as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and passionate activist during the 1960s and 1970s. Her dynamic biography includes the release of her debut self-titled album in 1960, followed by an impressive collection of 24 albums to date. Joan’s personal life is intertwined with significant cultural milestones; she dated Bob Dylan and Steve Jobs before either became widely recognized, maintained a friendship with Martin Luther King Jr., performed at the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969, and actively protested against the Vietnam War and, more recently, the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Joan’s dedication to activism is seamlessly woven into her musical endeavors. In 1977, she released “Altar Boy and the Thief,” a song dedicated to her gay fanbase, underscoring her long-standing support for LGBTQ+ rights. This commitment to social causes has been a consistent theme throughout her career, reflecting her belief in using music as a vehicle for change and advocacy. Joan’s efforts have not only influenced her music but have also inspired countless fans and fellow activists to engage in the fight for equality and justice.

The 2016 Beacon Theatre concert was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a reflection of Joan Baez’s enduring legacy in both music and activism. Her ability to connect with audiences through powerful performances and meaningful collaborations, such as the one with Paul Simon, demonstrates the timeless nature of her artistry. Joan’s influence extends beyond her musical achievements, as she continues to champion important social issues and inspire new generations to pursue both artistic and activist endeavors.

Joan Baez’s contributions to the folk genre have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her powerful voice and poignant songwriting have earned her a revered place among folk legends. Over the years, Joan has collaborated with a wide array of artists, each partnership highlighting different facets of her musical talent and reinforcing her status as a respected and influential figure in the world of music. Her ability to adapt and remain relevant speaks to her exceptional skill and unwavering passion for her craft.

In addition to her musical prowess, Joan’s role as an activist has been a driving force in her life and career. Her involvement in various social movements has not only amplified her voice but also ensured that her music carries messages of hope, resistance, and change. By addressing issues such as racial inequality, war, and LGBTQ+ rights, Joan has used her platform to advocate for a more just and equitable society, demonstrating the powerful intersection of art and activism.

Joan Baez’s 75th birthday concert stands as a testament to her remarkable career and her unwavering dedication to both music and social justice. The event encapsulated the essence of her contributions to the folk music scene and her relentless pursuit of a better world. Through memorable performances, meaningful collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to activism, Joan continues to inspire and leave a lasting legacy that transcends generations.