Joan Baez

photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Joan Chandos Báez

Place of Birth: Staten Island, New York City, U.S.

Date of Birth: January 9, 1941

Ethnicity:
*Mexican (father)
*English (mother)

Joan Baez is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. She is known for her performances of folk music. She has played publicly for over 55 years, releasing over 30 albums. Fluent in Spanish as well as in English, she has also recorded songs in at least six other languages.

Joan’s father, Albert Vinicio Báez Valderrama, was born, in 1912, in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico. He was a prominent scientist, who co-invented the X-ray reflection microscope. Joan’s mother, Joan (Bridge), was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to English parents. Joan’s cousin, John C. Baez, is a mathematical physicist.

The Báez family converted to Quakerism during Joan’s early childhood.

Joan has a son with her former husband, journalist, activist, and author David Harris.

Joan’s paternal grandfather was The Rev. Alberto Baldomero Báez Fonseca (the son of Librado Báez and Adelaida Fonseca). The Rev. Alberto was born in San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He left Catholicism to become a Methodist minister.

Joan’s paternal grandmother was Thalia Flores Valderrama y Munguía (the daughter of Pedro Flores Valderrama and Emilia/Emelia Munguía). Thalia was born in Mineral del Monte, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Joan’s maternal grandfather was The Rev. William Henry Bridge (the son of Henry James Bridge and Ellen Gibbon). The Rev. William was born in London, Greater London, England. He was an Anglican priest, descended from the Dukes of Chandos.

Joan’s maternal grandmother was Florence Annie King (the daughter of Charles Henry King and Alice Jane Peterkin). Florence was born in Billingshurst, West Sussex, England.

Sources: Genealogy of Joan Baez – http://www.geni.com

Obituary of Joan’s father – https://mobile.nytimes.com

Joan’s mother’s family history – http://grinnellstories.blogspot.ca