Joan Baez recalled her first meeting with Bob Dylan in 1961, describing him as an unassuming and disheveled young man. However, his music left an indelible impression on her, as she immediately recognized the extraordinary talent that would redefine music and alter her own trajectory.
Their intertwined personal and professional journey forms the narrative of A Complete Unknown, a biographical film now showing in theaters. Featuring Timotheé Chalamet and Monica Barbaro as Dylan and Baez, respectively, the movie delves into their relationship.
In her 80s, Joan Baez focuses on art and social justice (@joancbaezofficial/Instagram)
Based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric!, the film chronicles Dylan’s meteoric rise between 1961 and his groundbreaking 1965 Newport Music Festival performance.
This pivotal moment marked his transition to rock music, dividing fans and reshaping his career. Alongside his evolving sound, Dylan’s connection with Baez deepened.
Their bond began as artistic collaborators and blossomed into a brief but profound romantic partnership. While their relationship was short-lived, its impact on their careers remains an attracted chapter in music history.
Baez had already cemented her place in folk music before meeting Dylan. Her star rose at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival, where her performances secured a record deal and produced three gold-certified albums.
During a 1961 tour, Baez visited Gerde’s Folk City in Greenwich Village to see Dylan perform. Witnessing his rendition of “Song to Woody” moved her deeply, even as she kept her admiration restrained due to her jealous boyfriend at the time.
Shortly afterward, Baez invited Dylan to join her tour as an opening act and duet partner. At that point, Baez was a household name, even gracing the cover of Time magazine, while Dylan was still ascending to stardom.
At the time of their meeting, Dylan was involved with Suze Rotolo, a pivotal figure in his early career. Rotolo’s influence inspired several iconic songs, including “One Too Many Mornings.” She even appeared on the cover of his album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
However, their relationship began to unravel due to her desire for independence and Dylan’s growing fame. By 1963, Rotolo had ended their relationship, paving the way for Dylan and Baez to become the era’s defining voices in folk music.
Baez reflected on their relationship with mixed emotions. As Dylan’s fame surged, their connection became strained. His switch away from protest anthems toward pop and rock genres left Baez feeling sidelined.
Their romantic involvement ended in 1965 after Dylan secretly married Sara Lownds. Decades later, Baez described their relationship as “demoralizing,” acknowledging that their youth and naivety played a role in its demise.
Despite their separation, their music continued to reflect the emotions they shared. Baez’s “To Bobby” and “Diamonds and Rust” both addressed her feelings for Dylan, while some speculate that his songs “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Visions of Johanna” were influenced by her. These tracks remain celebrated, with “Like a Rolling Stone” earning the title of Greatest Song of All Time in 2010.
Their Post-relationship Lives Took them in Different Directions
Dylan, now 83, has released over 50 albums, received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, and fathered six children. Baez, also 83, retired from touring in 2019, having produced over 30 albums and earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Though they didn’t reconnect in later years, Baez found closure through art, painting a portrait of Dylan that helped her release any lingering resentment. Dylan, too, spoke highly of Baez, lauding her strength and independence during a 2015 speech.
Director James Mangold’s portrayal of their relationship in A Complete Unknown captures their unique dynamic. With Dylan’s input shaping the script and Baez’s openness to the project, the film offers a fresh perspective on their partnership. Starring Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, the adaptation is now playing in theaters, inviting a new audience to explore their enduring legacy.
