Joan Baez's activism profoundly influenced her musical career and social messaging. As a key figure in the civil rights and anti-war movements, her music often incorporated themes of protest and social justice. Songs like "We Shall Overcome" became anthems for change. Baez used her platform to highlight societal issues, making her work not just about entertainment but also about advocacy. Her commitment to causes made her a pivotal figure in 1960s counterculture and established her as an artist who used music as a tool for change.