Diamonds and Rust - Joan Baez (1975) 1/20/22

Joan Baez was in the middle of writing a song when the phone rang. On the other end of the line was an old flame. In her mind, Joan was immediately transported 10 years back in time to a "crummy hotel in Greenwich Village," where she gave him a pair cufflinks as gift. It occurred to her that after a decade, the memory was made of "diamonds and rust." Interesting thought process, and Joan took it quite a bit further. When the conversation was over, she completely reworked the song she'd been writing to reflect the call...and the memory. "Diamonds and Rust" not only became the title of her next album, it became a "Great Song of 1975," universally dazzling fans and music critics, and reaching #5 on Billboard's" Adult Contemporary Chart. Bob Dylan was (and continues to be) especially impressed with the song--and for good reason: he was on the other end of that phone call!

In 1977,"Diamonds and Rust" was covered by the hard rock group Judas Priest on their album "Sin After Sin." That sounds like a weird choice, but critics, fans, and even Joan herself felt they made it their own. (See what you think by clicking the link below). "Diamonds and Rust" by Joan Baez: inspired by Bob Dylan, covered by Judas Priest...and a "Great Song of 1975 and 1977! Joan:

Judas Priest: