5 Things to Know About Joan Baez’s Self-Titled Debut

Joan Baez was 19 when she recorded her self-titled debut album. She recorded it in the summer of 1960 at just 19 years old.

The album features traditional folk songs and ballads. Baez’s pure soprano voice carries these acoustic arrangements without any studio gimmicks.

It was released on Vanguard Records in 1960. The label specialized in folk and classical music, giving Baez a fitting home for her sound.

The album helped launch the 1960s folk revival. Baez’s youthful, earnest delivery set a new standard for the genre.

It includes her signature song “Silver Dagger.” This traditional murder ballad became one of her most enduring performances.