Beautiful Joan Baez Sings To Inmates At Sing Sing Prison & They Shed Tears
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- I have been fortunate in my career to have filmed Joan Baez on two separate occasions in two separate documentaries. This recording is very special. At the time, Joan's husband was in prison as a draft protester to the Vietnam War. My partner at the time, producer Harry Wiland, contacted her to ask her if she would participate in a Thanksgiving day event that we were planning at Sing Sing prison in Ossining, New York. We both taught a class in filmmaking inside the prison at that time as we lived nearby it. Ossining is the home of Sing Sing prison. The famous electric chair that electrocuted many.
Joan Baez not only agreed to come at her own expense but brought her sister Mimi. They have rarely been filmed singing together. A good portion of the audience was Spanish-speaking. Many inmates came from the famous New York Puerto Rican gang, the Young Lords. She sang songs in English and in Spanish. Some of the inmates didn't respond to her and others did. Her performance in my view, is one of the best she ever gave and the film one of the classic concert music films. It is titled "BB King At Sing Sing Prison". You can see other clips from the film on my CZcams channel by searching the words Sing Sing.
The film is not only a concert film but looks at the life of inmates inside the joint at that time. The warden gave us free reign to walk around the prison and film what we saw. I brought 6 fellow cameramen/directors with me on that day and each went to a different place to film.
Today, everything is more controlled and I doubt we would get the opportunity to film what you see here. Thank you Joan Baez and Mimi Farina and the New York State prison system for allowing this film to be made
Other scenes involve BB King, Jimmy Walker, The Voices of East Harlem and other performers.
I love when at 2:49 Joan Baez says " I mean some prisons don't let us in..." and the prisoners yell back " and they don't let us out ! " I love Joan and Mimi. God Bless them, they were so close. R.I.P. Mimi
I am reminded why I believe in goodness of all humankind when I hear Joan and Mimi sing.
Oh wow, Joan and her sister were magical!
No matter how old the video, they still have the power to touch people wherever they are in the world. Cheers from England.
Dont know why this popped up in my feed after 13 years but im glad it did, Mimi's backing vocals on the second song brings me to tears. It opened a whole new world of music for me through her. Thanks Dave, this channel is a blessing.
Mimi backing up Joan is the absolute best we can get ❤
i like the way joan is speaking to the prisoners. so warm, so friendly and her face is shining that she can give a good day to the prisoners of sing sing. a rare video. she brings her light in the dark rooms.
After she became a mother, she mellowed out quite a bit and her stage presence became a lot less nervous and stiff. If you watch footage of her early performances, you can see the stage fright in her posture and facial expression. Her son would have been around 3 years old when she performed at Sing Sing.
@@willdwyer6782 If you watched any documentaries she has admitted suffering extreme anxiety and stage fright. A little side note , a friend of mine used to work at the grocery store Joan shopped at. He said that she was always polite but incredibly nervous, even when she tried being friendly to the employees. My friend couldn't understand how a celebrity of her stature could be so unsure of herself when she was out of her performing surroundings. Thankfully, Joan has apparently overcome her early "problems"
Some of those guys looked close to tears when Baez sang "I Shall Be Released"
They are both so beautiful. 👑👑The resemblance is so real. I know Mimi died of cancer 😢 Joanie said the pain she felt was unreal but Mimi helped her before she died. Thank you for posting absolutely wonderful. Arnold Bourbon Amaral Gracias a la vida 🌎🌏🌍🎵🎼💛🌹
Truly rare and enlightening!
More than an excellent singer, Joan Baez is a woman of the world.
Who consistently was always on the side of the weakest and fought with his music and political positioning for the Human values. Today more than ever manipulated and trampled by world political hypocrisy. Thank you Joan, for your rich musical and Human contribution.
Thank you Antonio. Joan gave her time to this concert. I staged a concert and asked performers to come to Sing Sing prison (not an easy process to get into) and spend the day on Thanksgiving performing. She signed up and said yes and brought her sister. Good folk.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Thanks for making this event happen.
When siblings sing, all of heaven rings.
Joanie and her sister are so beautiful. Wow..Mimi has Blue eyes. Prisons need LOVE too. R.I.P. Mimi
Yes, those brilliant blue eyes! Only the good die young. Love ya very much Mimi.
Joan is also wonderful (and is very much alive).
That sucks that my auntie Mimi Farina died
Too bad my Auntie Mimi Farina is no longer with Joan Chandos Baez
And Joan's son was the spitting image of Mimi when he was young....
This performance by Joan Baez and her sister Mimi Farina demonstrates an element of compassion and courage. At the beginning I noticed the audience was all men and had a security guard at the back. Credits mention this being at Sing Sing. Kudos to Joan and Mimi.
Her voice is so therapeutic!!!!
Mimi's first husband, Richard Farina, was tragically killed in 1966 in an accident on her 21st birthday just 10 days after their third wedding anniversary while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. He was 29 years old. She married record producer and radio announcer Milan Melvin in 1968. Joan Baez was inspired to write Sweet Sir Galahad by her sister's relationship with Melvin. Despite the fact that Janis Joplin made it clear that she was not happy about Mimi marrying her ex-boyfriend, she wrote a beautiful requiem for Joplin called In the Quiet Morning, which was released on her first album since Richard's death, nearly a year after Joplin's death. Mimi died at the age of 56 in 2001 of neuroendocrine cancer which was diagnosed in 1999 while she was undergoing treatment for hepatitis c.
In the quiet morning is a beautiful song, i love it ! Didnt know the story behind it, thank you for sharing 🙏
Thanks i did not know all parts of the story
An absolute treasure. Their voices are beautiful together. What a piece of history. Thank you for uploading.
Yes, too bad they didn't sing together more often. You can't beat the harmonies of siblings singing together, and when it's two angelic voices like these--just stab me!
With her beautiful sister too.
They are both such great guitarists, too. I think Mimi's voice is awesome. She just didn't have the confidence Joan did. She's so young here! I agree, the moment seemed truly special and the crowd seemed to really appreciate them.
Can't believe that they together sang the song of my country that is likely unknown to the world. Great songs and Viva Bolivia. Thanks!!
Thank you.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
dalaizz: So is that the Cuban National Anthem, or what?
dalaizz has
unknown? Bolivia is not unknown. Even inthe far away Germany we followed the end of the dictatorship and the fact that you have a president who kicked the american ambassador out and than you were in peace. Viva Bolivia!
God, even prisoners were more mellow and intellectual back then. Not to mention today's prisoners would have absolutely no patience or interest in this kind of music.
Joan & Mimi are wonderful duet; too bad they didn't collaborate more, making this vid especially precious.
Thank you for filming this amazing performance, in which Joan and Mimi brought light and life to the prison. As I watch the faces of the men, who clearly appreciate this spectacular duo, I can't help but wonder why they were sent to prison and what their dreams hold. I wish Mimi had been with us longer--would have loved to have seen her in concert. I grew up listening to the beautiful songs of her sister, Joan.
David, I tried to order the entire documentary at the Create Space link, but it wouldn't allow me to download anything. Is there another way to see or purchase the documentary? Thanks, Marcy
Wow. This is such amazing footage and for Joan and Mimi to have such courage. True music makers indeed.
Joan has "that voice"- but I'd forgotten how drop-dead beautiful Mimi was.
Mimi was pretty.
Joan was a KNOCKOUT (and still is).
Terry Egrafed so rude
Mimi also sang like an angel in my opinion. And yeah, super beautiful.
They both are!
Breath taking, both of them.
Man, here ya go again and pull out another jewel. I've always loved Joan and to see and hear her and her sister Mimi play at a prison is awe inducing and frankly, very moving. This right here, so reminds me of her rendition of Phil Och's, "There But For Fortune". Music that is so full of conviction and so very sobering. Thanks David, so much, once again, for all you have done and continue to do.
Thank you for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that CZcams is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
Unfortunately I cannot. I am sorry.
I needed to see this today. My world is a little brighter hearing Joan again. Her voice brings hope.
Joan Baez,the gifted singer is eternally loved by listeners for her
incredible performance.Long live
Joan Baez!
Que lindo que cantan VIVA MI PATRIA BOLIVIA ! Me encanto ! 👏🏻
Que voces mas hermosas. Viva mi patria Bolivia.
I saw Mimi at Freeborn Hall in Davis, California in 1972 at a pillow concert. She had a remarkable voice.
Joan is my favorite female singer/song writer she does a great duet with her sister mimi I bet the crowd in the prison loved this especially the hispanics
crimsonraven1 they are all hispanic, mate.
Where's this prison located? Thanks
CHlEFFIN they are not all Hispanics - all men of color
Alberto Bautista , , , I guess New York state , ,
This was on Thanksgiving Day 1973. The film wasn't released until 1974. The concert opened with Voices of East Harlem performing two songs followed by some stand-up comedy from Jimmy "JJ" Walker. Then Joan Baez performed the two songs in this video, followed by 10 minutes of poetry recited by inmates, after which Joan came back on stage to perform Prison Trilogy. Nearly 50 minutes after the show started, BB King was introduced by Jimmy Walker. He played 3 songs and was followed by encores from Voices of East Harlem and Joan Baez. The song that Joan Baez sings over the end credits of the film was never released on a record.
Thank you for your commentary, Will, but you are incorrect about the Voices of East Harlem actually opening the show. Were you there? To make my documentary, I did some rearrangement of the performances. Also, the film was actually not recorded on Thanksgiving day but everyone acted as I asked them to, that it was.
David Hoffman filmmaker
I always loved the music of Richard and Mimi Farina too.
This woman is a melody in herself!!
Joan through her music has done more for the underclasses than anyone by making (some) of us care.
Apparently you don't know the difference between entertainment and activism. SMH
Intensity through Powerful Artistry.
These Two;Are Beautiful and Truthful in Their Message to Humanity.😍😘😍
Joan and Mimi......beautiful Beings of Light ....!!!
Both sisters were icons for my generation. I had THE biggest crush on Joan . she just took my breath away. ------RIP, Mimi .------------------WolfSky9, 71 y/o
such a perfect harmony and crystal clear voices of joan and mimi...i've learned the lyrics even i cannot speak spanish! miss you mimi! love you joan!
Two of the most beautiful and talented women of our time.
Good God, Mimi is such a natural beauty!!
Did not even know she had a sister that sings. My favorite singer when I was young. Awesome!
Go to Amazon and look for Mimi Farina (that's Joan's sister's name). You'll find her albums.
My flame as a child. Incredible social conscience. Unforgettable impression.
Kellie Brazer - yes. yes. yes. Mine, as well.
Mine as well.
Thanks Nora. That was a misspelling. It was supposed to be my fav as a child. But it seems to make sense
Flame, is good, as in flame of light in the darkness, bringing the wisdom and knowledge of human rights, the flame burning in the hearts to fight the evil of racism and elitism, to fight poverty and ignorance and injustice in the world
Kathleen Anne Winston AND as in "my crush", "my girlfriend", "the young woman I wanted to lawfully marry", et cet❣👵👵👵⚢⚢⚢⚘
Joan y Mimi son tan hermosas cantan tan dulces juntas
One of the best voices ever.Love her doing, In Mi Patria Bolivia
David, thank you for these videos. Shining a spotlight on a true star. One of the greatest female musicians ever
I was one of her millions of fans, as a teenager in the sixties!! I also sing some of her songs as a folk singer!! ❤❤
Her voice is so damn beautiful....
Thank you, David, for your life's work and for your light! So amazing! Tears burst from my eyes.
Thanks for this David H. Having just finished reading Positively Fourth Street about Joan, Mimi, Richard and Bob, I am fascinated to discover such performances available. At 65 now i lived through their era, but you know it was chock full of great music and you could not get around to everything. So again, thank you.
Damn, singing I Shall Be Released to prisoners at Sing Sing... so intense.
mimi was a wicked guitar player
I'm so glad I found this channel. Great musicians. Sadly, Joan's sisters have passed away so this footage is a gem.
amazing footage - so glad this was captured and can be shared
David Duboff in 1969 in Ann Arbor at the Resistance office when she and her her husband David Harris were doing a tour of Michigan. At her concert, she came down the aisle, stopped, and gave me a kiss on the cheek in front of a thousand people.
A piece of precious history. Joan and Mimi.
Two outstanding women, beautiful inside and out!
She is starting to make a massive impression on me, these videos are absolutely amazing.
Ilkp
Great!!
Check out her speech when she was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame
STARTING!!!!! She's been here for 60 years. God Bless her
Thank you. The love and light. Beautiful
I'm so jealous of you right now David 😅 so happy you captured this for us
It's an amazing documentary! Thank you, Mr Hoffman!
The Most Beautiful Harmonizing !
Magnificent ... the 2 sisters !
Lovely i love everything about this woman . Thanks for the real music.
Oh man...I love Joan... there's never been a better musical collaboration than Dylan's words and melody and Joan's voice... gorgeous 🔥
Love it !! Thanks ......
Together these both sisters where unbeatable!!! They brought light into the hearts of all these men in prison...
Thank you!
Fantastic, just have to keep watching it. Great music [the wonderful Joan] and cinematography - gritty, just like it should be for a concert in Sing Sing ...........................
Those harmonies, those smiles, wonderful women
Thank you again to David Hoffman! Beautiful filming. You've documented Mimi and Joan together...oh my!
thanks for posting...Mimi was surely an angel...
damn perfect! They should have done much more together! Mimi handled the backing but at the same time it was so full and rich - the vocals and guitar- and coincided so well with Joan. PERFECT! BLESS and thank you for this ♥
Mimi et Joan, deux sœurs magnifiques avec des voix en or....c'est triste que Mimi nous a déjà quittée en 2001, elle avait tant fait pour les plus démunies, j'écoute toujours ses chansons ainsi que ceux de Joan bien sur....on aura plus jamais des chanteuses avec un aussi grand talent
Wow Joan Baez’s sister is fantastic they are fantastic together here !
If this doesnt put a tear in your eye I dont know what will.
Also a Life-time prisoner can melt listening to these two beautiful voices and Beautiful sisters. And Joan has Power in her personality and thoughts.
apart from the music, especially the last song, what I also like very much is the camera work and editing - I can't get enough of it.
very unusual for that time, so very up-close; probably because there wasn't too much space ;)
I wonder why Joan and Mimi didn't perform together more. This is lovely.
Mimi and her husband Richard Farina performed as a duo & were well-respected on the folk circuit until his death in a motor cycle accident in 196?
@@gracekohan3111 Mimi continued her singing career, mostly with singer songwriter Tom Jans, but devoted more time to her charity Bread and Roses.
She had originally wanted to be a dancer. On a tour to Japan with, among other people, Judy Collins, she was asked to sing. (Joni Mitchel is another artist better known for her secondary interest, music, rather than her first interest, paining.)
She always has a certain fragility and shyness about her that suggests to me she just wasn't comfortable in the spotlight. I am so gratefull that so many of her videos are available here on CZcams, especially the Pete Seeger episode with her and Richard.
@@pirbird14 Thank you. That was very informative and interesting
@@pirbird14 she probably never recovered from her husband's sudden death... She died very young herself
@@rossanafioravanti8526 Yes, and is very important to complete the grief process and leave that pain behind. Love You Mimi, "Only The Good Die Young" -B.J.
This is wonderful, I feel so blessed. Ty, DH.
Lovely performance. And that song... never heard it before, just can't stop listening to it.
Thanks, David.
Thank you for your comment Aidis.
David Hoffman - filmmaker
She is an angel sent from heaven we are lucky to here that voice and passion the only way to honour her is to stop all violence witch sadly won’t happen love ya joany as bab would say❤
amen to that!
thanks for this! I loved Mimi and this is the first time I have seen a video of her. She was the voice of my romantic 20's!
I respect and love you for all what you have done for the mankind during about 60 years period -thank you and thank Mimi your sister❤
This is truly something special; have watched many many times and never get tired of it, Mimi & Joan can harmonize like nobody’s business, the crowd reaction is golden.
Thx’s again, David ☺️
Wow! Harmony at its best. I have to see this film. Thanks for posting these, David Hoffman.
Beautiful voice's beautiful women beautiful song.!!!!!!!!!! R.I.P Mimi.!!!!!!!! 💟❤😊☺👍💕✝💜💓🌼🌸🌺🌻👏👌
Omgosh. Just wow! Thank you!!!
Thanks for posting...a real treat.
I love JOAN BAEZ. ❤️
I admire your excellent taste
Hermosas y talentosas mujeres.Orgullo Latinoamérica.
Viva la patria grande!
Beautiful and touching mixture of songs.
Sorry for the bad word but that was so FUCKING AWESOOOOOME!!!!!! Omg, what a thrill! They are both so beautiful and stong, standing in front of all these inmates and singing their hearts out!... I'm so moved right now!... I'm sure these guys could never forget!
@Both of you: How is "fucking" not a positive word?
Well said.
Matthew Wiley "SORRY" isn't a "bad word", or a "negative" palabra, as far as I know
Wow terrific, thank you! Mimi’s voice adds a light touch.
Loved it! one of the most precious songs for the bolitas...
It was amazing that she went to sing sing to sing sing !
Wonderful, hearing Joan sing harmony to Mimi's melody, two voices we should have heard together much more than we ever did or ever will. Just imagine what it must have been like to be a prisoner in 1973--maybe locked up for decades for possession of a little weed, or dodging the draft--and get to attend a Joan Baez / Mimi Farina concert. Wow.
oh my I love this so much!!!
Powerful!
Fantastic!!!!
Como filha de imigrantes bolivianos, já tinha visto esse vídeo da Joan e Mimi, mas não sabia que era na cadeia, duas grandes mulheres mesmo ! e meus parabéns a vc pela filmagem!
I just found out she added verses to the song STEWBALL in tribute to RUFFIAN. And just when you thought you couldn't love someone any more than you do ❤❤❤❤
Thankyou David, for this glimpse of a wonderful angel come to earth.
Wow. I've never seen or heard them sing together. They're both so beautiful, and they both have such beautiful voices. I've heard their other sister was just the same.
Thanks for posting! Got interested after hearing Baez's wonderful new album, "Whistle Down the Wind."
Gorgeous voice. One of the greats.