IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE | Joan Baez - "We Shall Overcome" | PBS

[kenocon1]

Joan Baez and all the rest of these folk singers were and still are the most powefyl weapons of all.This is so moving .We too in Ireland have found that the only way forward is to be inclusive if all races colours and creeds.

[reshamvinayak]

this should be made as the Anthem of the Universe...

[vfinegold]

jesus.......she's lost it. totally sucks now.

[voldicomrigeorge]

Dear God. Give me a break. A single person in that room except maybe the person singing, takes heed of those words! Please.

[buxgrove]

What an inspiration...touched me in the Caribbean!

[RebLev4]

WE SHALL OVERCOME ---- PETE SEEGER ----

[evsynator]

Yeh .. the next day missiles are sent out to anyone that disagrees with the american way .

[VypalonG]

12 soiled baby diapers (as of 04JUL2011) dislike this post. Given how polarized the USA has become, perhaps that is the ultimate compliment to a great musician singing a great song. Joan sang the same song during the Civil Rights Movement at the Berkeley campus of the University of California during the Reagan governorship of the Goldden State. Then again, a "significan't" percentage of people are 100% tone deaf. If that's the case, I take back the soiled baby diaper insult.

[zorbatheok]

my neighbors leaf blowers sound better

[Hako2004]

@zorbatheok

Really? Can you ask him where he got it? I might actually enjoy using one for change.

[ovvvvvvvvrz]

He and she were not able to endure starving.

[ovvvvvvvvrz]

She sang like that while holding up the ax in overhead of the dragon.

[ovvvvvvvvrz]

She says like that.

The ax was held up in overhead of the dragon.

[RETRO714]

How could she sing for that charlatan OBama? Her voice is GONE.

[bbskin77]

Miss Baez, you were so right! Especially when you mentioned Mr. Luther King. I have listened to his speech, to your version and to our dear Mahelia's. This song is not christian, it tells and teaches us to do (as a christian) we are to do! There is no difference, if we would accespt each other in any way we are..

I do hope you will be among us for many years to come. May He, who watches over us keep you in his peace till He will take you back to Him.

[RETRO714]

@bbskin77 Luther King???

[anethy1]

Chacun de ses passages est une nouvelle émotion.

Merci

[strugglingman1]

what a sweet song..love it!!!

[TheMoll60]

lost voice and why is a 60s socialist playing for the criminal,s? hmm you sold out like all the hippo;s typically middle classe value.. you make me wana cry

[Giovannisenzaterra]

@TheMoll60 you're right the same here in Italy,even many of them are for berlusconi now

[mthivier]

@TheMoll60 Her voice is still gorgeous, and she was never a Socialist (you apparently don't know much about her), but I do agree, her choice of venues is a bit disappointing. She has never chosen to publicly work within party politics, and never endorsed or worked with a President before, so it's a bit sad that, when she decided to do so, she chose this mediocre President.

[QOH50]

beautiful song, beautiful singer. Awesome

[ganlesat]

All go home! No more war for OIL !!!!

OBAMA: STAND UP !

[George6360]

@ganlesat I had hope that he would but he is not the powerful man of change I hoped for..he will not win the next election because we need a strong leader for change , not a man that go's with the flow because he is scared.

[zjwrong]

from now on, it's not going to be about how pretty the voice is. It's going to be about believing that the voice is telling the truth.

[Bayboratunckaan]

You can not leave afganistan..

Its not up to you..

Its up to enemy!!

Going Irak was stupid,

leaving Afganistan untimely,

would be more stupid....

[TheDevilWearsRachel]

@Bayboratunckaan irak?

[joms67]

This is awesome! It makes me cry a little bit each time I watch it! Gonna persevere though! I love how President Obama manages to have such happy eyes!

[flx2525]

The woman at 2:17 has a hard time not to start crying

[helpmeifucann]

i find it rather amusing when a Pop star or anyone for that matter gets suckered into a certain political brand that buys and sells their souls....

[mthivier]

@helpmeifucann I generally tend to agree, but Joan Baez is most definitely *not* a pop star, she is, first and foremost, an activist who happens to sing, and one of the few personalities in the entertainment world who CAN speak credibly and intelligently about politics. The thing that's disappointing about her endorsing Obama at this late point, is that she'd always kept the dirty business of party politics at arm's length. She always seems so "above" that kind of thing.

[JivinJane]

Joan Baez is wise enough to know that Obama couldn't just run out of Iraq and Afghanistan. How could he? The people there were pleading with the coalition to stay, as there would have been utter chaos.

How would the troops that served have felt is we cut and ran? It's horrible but so compicated. He's dealing with so much horror left by the last regime... and doing it brilliantly.

Joan, I thank you and I love you. You lift up our hearts.

[meandmehadi]

I love you, Joanie.

[ajjy502]

Another historic moment!!

[gladyrenee]

I'm speechless!

[gladyrenee]

Very disappointing!

[ctwomey]

Joan singing this to Obama is exactly the same as NOW still singing "I Am Woman". The wars have been fought, and won. You *did* overcome. Why are you still fighting windmills?

[taddyd1]

this evening was a celebration of the past, ctwormey.

This song recently did give the resistence movement in Iran a boost.

If you listen she is still giving BHO a much needed message about war.

[Baez971]

In the late 70's early 80's, when the soviets went into Afghanistan, she sang about "Afghanistan's invading" but nowadays as USA are in a crual war in the same country, she's singing at the White House "We are not afraid"... I am so disapointed by this, and only those who don't know me can't imagine how much I do love this artist and woman. I can't imagine she is a so short minded woman to be so naïve believing that MR Obama is going to save the world with the only colour of his skin...

[taddyd1]

She IS giving a (subtle for some) anti-war message during her little talk in this clip. She has made several anti current Afghanistan war remarks in interviews recently. I guess she feels giving Obama some support will help prevent another Bush/Cheney team from getting back in power. American presidents have always been a matter of the lesser of evils. Even the liberal ones (Lincoln,FDR, Kennedy, Carter) have never been among the left wing avant-garde.

[taddyd1]

Baez971,

She has criticized the current Afghanistan war several times in recent interviews.

There is an obvious anti-war message in her speech in this clip.She must feel, at this point, supporting BHO might prevent Bush/Cheney types from getting back in the WH. US presidents, even the liberals like FDR, Lincoln, Carter, Kennedy have never been in the Left avant garde; it's sadly about the lesser of evils. Compare numbers of civilians dead in Iraq vs Afghanis.

You like Castro, Mao, Stalin?

[vivianamarcelairiart]

Joan said in Spain, days ago, that she are against to the war in Afghanistand . She also said some criticism to Obama. Joan have the right, like you, to change his mind. It is freedom.

[zobva1]

Mybe you should move to Afghanistan, traitor.

[Baez971]

I must confess I have been really disapointed by her because when it was the soviets that were fighting in this country, she talked about "Afghanistan's invading", but actually, she sings at the white house, while her own country is on war in Afghanistan. She is too anti-communist and not really fair. I love her voice, and will always recognize that she has shown some courage in her life, but she did make big mistakes.

[taddyd1]

Oh yes, Stalin, Mao and Castro were such gentle souls, her mistake.

[rafman9876]

this is grim as hell

[Sunflyer54]

Joan talked about this concert last week in Vienna. Now I have seen it in your video. Many thanks! She is great !!!

[electriclebanana]

I do wish Joan and Bobby could have sang Blowin' In The Wind together. Are they even on speaking terms? In any case, each did their respective turns justice.

[Baez971]

What I did expect from her is not going to sing for them. They all are defending the same system and I prefered when she was saying that hte main difference existing between democrates and Republican is the same you have between dog's and cat's shit. And beyond the fact MR Obama is a symbole, he is the head of one of the most violent country in the world and defends its interests.

[voltaire11]

A very great American tries to give courage to an embattled President. I hope the message got through and he ends these wars. And she did it with elegance, grace and tremendous warmth.

[magmalin]

Well, she is in fact really great person with a wonderful voice and an important message, has been for many decades. US-American, mas o menos. But capable of ending these wars with her message? I doubt that as long as there are so many people in the US, who love weapons or belong to fundamental christian sects and are against health security for example. Like Baez971 says, the US does seem to be one of the most violent countries in the world. Korea, Vietnam, Irak, Afghanistan ...

[cantecleer]

Joanie did great. It was so amazing seeing her and Bob perform at this. It makes you step back and realize what a battle has been fought, and is still being fought, over the last 5 decades. We are so lucky to have these artists still making artists, and holding fast to the integrity and spirit of what they created. Thank you Joan and Bobby! We love you more than ever. The only thing that was missing was the two of you singing Blowin' in the Wind together!!! ;-)

[MiserableOldFart]

Thank you, Joan Baez for five decades of artistic integrity and for championing humanity at all times, fighting tyranny from North America to Red China and the Iron Curtain. Thank you for being a great American!

[gemini4807]

i love Joan Baez

[SuperElke50]

@gemini4807 I love her too. Great music- She comes to germany. I have buy a concert-card. 78,90 Euro. but I am so happy. My english is a joke, sorry!!! I am german

[RangRing68]

Obama SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1Atomtan]

We need to overcome political correctness now.

[saintsnbraves1]

Republicans will dominate in 2010.

[alexvs1957]

Great. I can´t waite to see you at Portugal

[kuirsourire]

Bravo Joan...Superbe...

[CursedEvil]

I love you Joan Baez and I hope that I will be seeing you in March. Wonderful performance.

[Nahoko1129]

Your voice cleanse my soul.

I love you.

[HemeHaci]

she only knows four chords? eheh

[ApocalypsePlough]

"she only knows four chords? eheh "

Well, to quote Bono, all you need is 3 chords and the truth. Any guitar player will tell you the same thing . So, she actually knows one more chord than she has to know. She's an icon. You're not. So it doesn't matter anyway.

[taddyd1]

right on, AP.

did you see Buffy and the torch @ the Olympics?

[queenarmadillo]

Are you guys all kidding? Have you ever seen her perform Diamonds and Rust? She knows a lot more than 4 chords, she just isn't a guitar show-off, keeps it simple but effective. More is not always better. 4 chords suited this song perfectly I think

[taddyd1]

The Eagles certainly showed their admiration for Diamonds in Rust's guitar work in Hotel California.

[camdywrapper]

Thank you

[edrice22]

This is a great woman, a great human being. It made me cry to watch Obama watching her sing. Her beauty and courage continue to inspire. Thank you Joan. You touch and warm my heart and remind me to hope.

[SHMUJEW]

wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore? wheres al gore?

[taddyd1]

Gore's eating too much meat somewhere.

When you find him tell him to quit eating animals, the single greenest move he could make.

[William1880]

50+ years doing this and she hasn't skipped a beat. Truly an international treasure.

[levenho1]

saw joan baez sing this very same song back in the late 60's at a carnegie hall concert presented by harold leventhal--- and the event after the concert she exhibited great talent and kindness-- to a legend ----

[Ronnamok]

It's been said before but I will say it again. Joan Baez is a national treasure, an International treasure. This wise and compassionate woman's unwavering commitment to civil rights and non-violence should be an inspiration to all. In this time of ineffectual and angry confrontation, her gentle diplomacy serves to remind us that there is a better way. Google "Joan Baez Idaho" to see her handle an ugly, angry demonstration with kindness, understanding and great skill. An example to follow.

[SaskiaCornell]

I've watched Joan's performance so many times, I've lost count I am filled with so much emotion, hope and love for this wonderful woman and everything that she has been doing for all her live..thank you Joan.we are blessed that you continue to speak out and are always ready to let your voice be heard - this was such a momentous occasion and you spoke directly to one of the most powerful men in the world.and you were not afraid.thank you.

[Folkfanforever]

"Joan, You, too, are so much loved!" To see & hear Joan sing the same song she sang (at Dr. King's side) 47 years ago at the March on Washington (outside The White House), today (inside the White House) in front of President Obama is pretty amazing in many ways. I respect Joan for singing (and speaking) her heart & mind to audiences in concerts around the world, and doing the same to the most powerful man in the world, and not "skipping a beat".

Dave in SF,CA,USA

[RangRing68]

President Obama? He is no president! He is an elected disaster! Most powerful man in the world? OMG!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

[JustJake57]

@Folkfanforever what a wonderful post and I do remember both performances.

Going to see Joan this Monday nite...............and I have been a Folk fan forever. Nothing better. Thanks again.

[teraten58]

@Folkfanforever Yes, she (or You) has overcome!

Y.T. from Tokyo,Japan

[claire0504]

How perfect and beautiful, what a precious moment in history. Thank you so much Joan....

[antonionidc]

Joan you are wonderful . . . and so brave for saying what you did in your subtle but elegant way . . . thanks for being true to yourself and to those of us who have always admired you for your courage and integrity.

[antigravityray]

She was not afraid. She was not afraid to sing to Obama in the front row that we need to end this war in Afghanistan, the same way we needed to end the one in Vietnam. We should not be afraid, either. We must be like MLK and Joan Baez and tell them to stop the killing, use diplomacy, give the Pashtuns a place at the table, and come home and start working on all the many needs we have for our own people.

[Babyblue177]

I don't find Joan at her best... she doesn't seem to be very involved in what she's singing and telling... too tired of telling the same words all the time? Tired of that song? well.... :-(

I wonder why PBS doesn't upload the video when all the singers and Barak Obama sing togeher.... to me, one of the best moments of that White House performance.

[HIKERMANaz]

Absolutely breathtaking! You go girl! YOU are muched loved, too!

[sophiasebastien]

Just watch the audience people..!!!! They're backing her up a 100%....

People there believed in her words that night. And it is majorly important that the president and his cabinet believe in these words.....

Also,this "song" is a lot more than that...This is when music transcends musicality and moves on to a higher goal....

Thank you for fighting these demons all these years, Joan....

[SaskiaCornell]

Joan - thank you for everything - you are an international treasure.

Saskia

[sylviagayle]

Love Joanie - this is so beautiful. Thanks!

Watched it on PBS and so glad to hear her

comments. Lady of peace.......

[Pablito2772]

I was surprised when at a concert in Harvard Square Joanie endorsed Barack Obama for President after all these years . . .but watching her perform here at the White House somehow validates the dream, somehow says we're moving towards a better world. Bravo Joan Baez!

[kavadale]

So glad its on you tube, Ch 13 went black just as JB took the stage Thu night

[Babyblue177]

I really don't like the way she sings this songs... she seems to be tired (of singing that song?) or not very involved in what she is doing. Maybe she doesn't think anymore that "we shall overcome"?

But it is her job to sing it... so...

[HIKERMANaz]

You're certainly welcome to your own personal opinion. Hardly 'tired', but inspired and reverent and relavent. It's amazing that after 51 years of singing she can still SING and perform in such a marvelous, compelling way!

[MFLTeacher]

Thank you so much for posting this video clip that I have been looking forward to seeing! George M. (UK)

[DonAnzalone]

Baez971: The war is much easier to launch than to end. That is the problem. Remember Vietnam and U.S. humiliating retreat? Remember Iraq and the promise of the U.S. president to get the mission fulfilled in a three month time? Ah well it was an alcoholic's dream, wasn't it? Please do not forget: Even after 8 years of Bush presidency fast 50% of his citizens vioted for him. And now you want Obama to end this scam in six months?

[taddyd1]

Dear DonAnzalone,

Obama has been POTUS well over a year (not 6 months) and he can't stop warfare by escalating it.

I voted for him too; I guess we can't expect much from anyone who wins that office, just hope that he does as little evil as possible.

[ragenut2112]

........if only the country wasn't run by a bunch of sociopathic war pigs at the pentagon and CEOs of multi-national corps.

[MChantal76]

Beautiful, simply beautiful. :D

[razalady]

Thank you Joan for what you have done and continue to do!! Un fuerte abrazo, IRC

[razalady]

Thank you Joan for all that you have done and continue to do!! Un fuerte abrazo, Irc

[AprilPaulson]

You're right!! Let's stop the fighting of today, too. Very ironic--hilarious!!

[Baez971]

But hasn't she forgotten that MR. B. Obama is continuing sending troops in Afghanistan?

[OksanaMysina]

@Baez971 Of course not. That's the whole point of her comments. She has the courage to tell Obama that he is well loved and to take him to task at the same time. You would expect nothing less of Joan Baez.

[taddyd1]

NO she hasn't forgotten, that's why she gave her little talk: MLK was not just for civil rights but he was against war also.

[radioanydaynow]

Joan Baez

[schiavolini]

che bella, grazie Joan

massimo

[vilniusvilnius]

Thank you Joanie

[badbutt570]

Beautiful.

[SaskiaCornell]

Thank you Joan for everything that you have done and continue to do do. Your performance at the whitehouse was the highlight of the evening, you are one very special lady.

Saskia

[jblnielsen]

ja jeg har sennt det rettet nogle få kommastede

r

[SaskiaCornell]

Thank you Joan for everything that you have done and for performing at this very special concert where you as always get your message across-Love you Joan.

[kaos0812]

we will walk hand and hand with satin himself!!! hahaaahha they act like they know the words...

[sophiasebastien]

Very enlightening, really... Your comment was a meaninglfull contribution to this Youtube page....

NOT!