Joan Baez to Release Debut Poetry Book When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance

Marking the first time the artist’s poetry will be publicly available

Artist, activist, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Joan Baez has confirmed the title and release date for her debut poetry collection. When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance is set for publication on April 30th via independent New England-based publisher Godine.

While Baez has been writing poetry for decades, it has never been available to the public. According to a statement, this “intimate, autobiographical” collection includes musings on life, family, nature, art, and pivotal moments from throughout her career, all presented as a personal diary in verse form. Pre-order the book here.

Songwriter Bernie Taupin has shared advance praise for the collection, describing the poems as “courageous and soul-searching.”

Production is now underway for the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, which will feature Monica Barbaro as Baez alongside Timothée Chalamet as Dylan.

Baez also recently appeared at Carnegie Hall for Tibet House’s annual Tibetan New Year (Losar) benefit concert.