Joan Baez Urges Pop Stars to Use Their Voices to Speak About Politics: ‘Just Take That Little Step’

Joan Baez, the renowned singer and activist, has voiced her concerns regarding the lack of political engagement among contemporary pop stars. During a recent episode of the ‘Wiser Than Me’ podcast hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the 85-year-old artist lamented that only a small number of her peers are willing to take a stand on pressing political issues.

In the episode aired on May 27, Baez was prompted by Louis-Dreyfus about her views on artists who have remained silent during what the actress described as a “current assault on democracy” under the Trump administration. Louis-Dreyfus expressed her frustration over the apparent reticence of a generation of talented musicians to speak out on vital issues.

Baez, however, acknowledged the complex motivations behind this silence, stating, “I can understand where they’re coming from.” She also reflected on the profound impact of her own generation of musicians, highlighting the significance of Bob Dylan’s iconic protest song, “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” She remarked, “It’s revealing that the one song that’s used in all of these demonstrations is that song. The level of that writing from back then hasn’t been approached. No one has approached it. You can’t summon that up, I don’t think.”

Despite her concerns, Baez praised some young artists for their courage to speak out. She specifically pointed to Brandi Carlile and Maggie Rogers, the latter of whom she described as a friend who had been vocal at a rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Baez expressed her bewilderment at the number of successful young female songwriters at stadiums who have yet to exercise their influence on important issues. “Why can’t they just take that little step?” she asked, noting that many are financially secure and could afford to take risks.

The conversation then shifted to Baez’s own experiences with activism and music. She reminisced about advice she received early in her career that has stayed with her. Recalling a performance for the Shriners, she described how an older gentleman reassured her, saying, “Don’t sign cheap. You’re okay, honey; you’re going to do good.” This affirmation, she noted, was pivotal in her trajectory as both a singer and an activist.

In March 2026, Baez participated in a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she joined Rogers and Tom Morello to perform “The Times They Are a-Changin’.” This event was part of her continued effort to engage in activism during a time of significant political turmoil. Earlier that month, she also took part in the “Artists United for Our Freedoms” event, demonstrating against changes made to the Kennedy Center by the Trump administration—a clear indication of her commitment to using her platform for social change.

Reflecting on her path to activism, Baez shared insights from her youth. “I first got involved in nonviolent action through my parents when I was 15,” she explained. Her upbringing exposed her to discussions about violence and nonviolence, shaping her belief that nonviolence was the only sensible approach to effecting change.

Baez attributes her journey in activism to her dual gifts: her voice and the manner in which she chooses to use it. “I have two gifts; one is my voice, and the second, bigger one is how I chose to use it,” she remarked, expressing that her decision to engage in social issues has led to extraordinary personal growth, giving her a sense of freedom and purpose.

As the discussion on the podcast unfolded, it became clear that Baez, despite her years in the industry, remains fervently passionate about the intersection of music and political activism. Her words serve as a reminder for contemporary artists to consider their influence and the responsibilities that come with their platforms, particularly in a society increasingly torn by division.