When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance

Poems

De: Joan Baez

Narrado por: Joan Baez

An intimate, autobiographical poetry collection from legendary artist and activist, Joan Baez

Joan Baez shares poems for or about her contemporaries (such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Jimi Hendrix), reflections from her childhood, personal thoughts, and cherished memories of her family, including pieces about her younger sister, singer-songwriter Mimi Fariña. Speaking to the people, places, and moments that have had the greatest impact on her art, this collection is an inspiring personal diary in the form of poetry.

While Baez has been writing poetry for decades, she’s never shared it publicly. Poems about her life, her family, about her passions for nature and art, have piled up in notebooks and on scraps of paper. Now, for the first time ever, her life is shared, revealing pivotal life experiences that shaped an icon, offering a never-before-seen look into the reminiscences and musings of a great artist.

Like a late-night chat with someone you love, this collection connects fans to the real heart of who Joan Baez is as a person, as a daughter and sister, and as an artist who has inspired millions.

©2024 Joan Baez / Executive Produced by Joshua Bodwell / Recording Produced by Alan Abrahams / Recording Engineered by Gabe Harris (P)2025 Joan Baez

Descriptions of loved ones making transitions in their own way.

Loved the voices of Joan and the rambling words that painted a vivid picture - very soothing to listen to. Very poignant to those with long memories.

IW When you see my mother, ask her to dance. By Joan Baez.

If you have read this sweet book of beautiful poems by Joan Baez, then you know how special it is! However, since I cannot read the printed page, I was thrilled when Joan decided to record it for AUDIBLE, with Alan Abrahams producing it. There is just another level of complete enjoyment when Joan actually reads her poetry into my earbuds and I listen to her with her expressions that cannot be captured on the printed page. You must listen to this on Audible or wherever you get your books. There are so many wonderful surprises, like chickens clucking, Joanie, singing, accents that she does so well, chimes, sometimes ringing in the background, it is just exquisite. I had to stop after several of the poems because I was so moved to tears. I am going to listen to it again. A work of art for which I am very grateful to Joan and Alan for making this happen.

A Window Into the Mind of Joan Baez

I’ve never listened to any kind of poetry book on Audible so I figured, like with the print version of this book, I would listen to a few poems at a time. That was NOT the case here. I couldn’t turn it off. I listened to the entire book, cover to cover, on a two-hour car ride. I experienced a side of Joan Baez I’ve not seen quite like this. It was like I was inside her mind with her, revisiting some of the most intimate moments of her life. I caught myself giggling with her, gasping with her, feeling sadness, joy and wonder with her. It was such an unexpected gift I never imagined I’d get from listening to a book of poems. If you want to go on a ride, take this one with Joan. It’s one of her best pieces of work.