Joan Baez and Bob Dylan's intertwined personal and professional relationship profoundly shaped the 1960s folk revival. While their romance was turbulent and ultimately dissolved, their collaborations on stage and the songs they influenced within each other's repertoires remain iconic. Here are key tracks defining their era:

Collaborative Performances

• "It Ain't Me Babe" (Live, 1964/1965): Baez frequently joined Dylan on stage during tours like '64 and '65. Their harmonies on Dylan's defiant rejection song, notably in London (1965), showcased their potent vocal blend against its raw sentiment.
• "With God On Our Side" (Live, various): Their duets on Dylan's epic ballad highlighted shared protest roots and Baez's powerful counterpoint to Dylan's distinctive phrasing.

Songs Influenced by the Relationship

• Joan Baez - "Diamonds & Rust" (1975): Baez's masterpiece explicitly details their relationship years after its end. Poignant lyrics reference Dylan sending her "wordsworthian" poetry and evoke specific dates ("ten years ago"), capturing lost love and artistic connection with brutal honesty.
• Bob Dylan - "Visions of Johanna" (1966): While interpretations vary, many lines ("these visions of Johanna that conquer my mind") resonate with the complex yearning and mystique surrounding Baez ("Johanna") during their intense period and his shift away from pure folk.
• Joan Baez - "To Bobby" (1972): A heartfelt plea urging Dylan to return to his protest roots ("where the people are waiting"), reflecting Baez's unwavering commitment to activism and her perception of Dylan's evolving path post-motorcycle accident.
• Bob Dylan - "She Belongs to Me" (1965): Another song speculated to reference Baez. Its depiction of a captivating, artistic, powerful woman ("an artist, she don't look back," "She's got everything she needs") aligns with her stature in the folk world during their relationship.
• Joan Baez - "A Song for Bobby" (1968): Recorded during Dylan's relative silence, this reflective song expresses concern and affection, wondering "how the gypsy is living today" and affirming her enduring artistic respect ("He spoke through my mouth, of course").

Legacy and Mutual Inspiration

Beyond specific songs, Baez played a crucial role in amplifying Dylan's early career, bringing him on stage to introduce him to wider audiences. Her covers of his songs like "Farewell, Angelina" and "Love Is Just A Four-Letter Word" further cemented his songwriting in the folk canon. Conversely, her style and persona significantly influenced his early sound and subject matter. Their turbulent love, artistic dialogue, and ultimately divergent paths remain etched into music history through these defining recordings.