Joan Baez and Tupac Shakur

I was very glad to hear that Joan Baez and Tupac Shakur were selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2017. Those two musical artists are linked together more than a casual observer might realize.

Joan Baez, 1965. © Barrie Wentzell.

Joan Baez’s career has been extraordinary. She has one of the great voices of American song. She was also an outstanding advocate for social justice and human rights. She supported the careers and was a friend to numerous musical artists, including Bob Dylan and Donovan.

Tupac Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, like Joan Baez was a committed activist and a member of the Black Panther Party. Tupac’s song Dear Mama is one of the most soulful love songs to a mother I have ever heard. His poetic lyricism and his unique vocal style have made him the first solo rapper to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

I love these photographs of Joan Baez by Barrie Wentzell and Tupac Shakur by Danny Clinch. Their photographs are available through Govinda Gallery.