Amid all the will-they-or-won’t-they of a Journey reunion, David Letterman speaking for Pearl Jam, and some TMI from Yes, Joan Baez wasn’t really the headline grabber from last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. But I bet her speech from that night will be what’s ultimately remembered. She spoke eloquently of social justice, both in the ’60s and now, and talked about music’s power to bring change. A lot of us scoff at all the Rock Hall of Fame hoo-hah, and, if we talk about it at all, talk mostly about who’s been criminally overlooked. But every now and then, something important bubbles up from all the glitter and glam, and Baez’s speech is one of those things. [Rolling Stone]
As long as we’re getting nostalgic for music past, let’s take a look at some songs that are turning the big 5-0 this year. [Paste]
“What you’re supposed to do in your golden years is more of what you love,” says 65-year-old Mark Hover. “What I’ve loved all my life is going to see live music.” A lot of Baby Boomers feel the same way. I salute them, and look forward to following in their footsteps. [The New York Times]
Do you stream music all day without paying a dime? (Tsk tsk.) Those days may be coming to an end. [NPR]
Hadestown, the musical with a roots music vibe — no surprise, as it was writted by Anais Mitchell — racked up seven nominations for the 32nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards, which honor off-Broadway theater productions. ND editor Kim Ruehl wrote a great story about Hadestown in our Fall 2016/“Speak Up!” print journal. [The Hollywood Reporter]
Just when I thought I was done rounding up the news from this week, I heard that John Warren Geils — we know him as J. Geils — was found dead in his home in Groton, Mass. Whether you know him from his ’80s hits or workhorse touring before that, he was well loved and will be missed by many. [USA Today]
