Holly Near

Holly Near is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice and commitment to social justice. Born in Ukiah, California, Near grew up in a family of farmers and was exposed to folk music from a young age, influenced by artists such as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan. She began performing at local coffeehouses and festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, and later moved to New York City to pursue a career in music and theater, attending City College of New York and performing at Carnegie Hall. Near's early experiences were also shaped by her involvement with the Women's Movement and her friendships with Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.

● Early Life and Education

Holly Near was born on June 6, 1949, in Ukiah, California, to a family of farmers who valued music and arts. She grew up listening to folk music and was influenced by artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. Near attended Ukiah High School and later moved to New York City to study drama at City College of New York, where she was exposed to the works of Shakespeare and Bertolt Brecht. She also performed at local coffeehouses and festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, and was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-War Movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Abbie Hoffman.

● Music Career

Holly Near's music career spans over four decades, during which she has released numerous albums and collaborated with artists such as Ronnie Gilbert, Pete Seeger, and Arlo Guthrie. Her music often addresses social justice issues, including feminism, racism, and war, and she has performed at various benefit concerts, including those for the American Indian Movement and the Nicaraguan Revolution. Near has also been involved with the Women's Music movement, which emerged in the 1970s and included artists such as Cris Williamson, Meg Christian, and Margie Adam. She has performed at festivals such as the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival and the National Women's Music Festival, and has been influenced by the music of Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Stevie Nicks.

● Activism and Politics

Holly Near is a long-time activist and has been involved in various social justice movements, including the Women's Movement, the Anti-War Movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She has performed at numerous benefit concerts and has worked with organizations such as Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Organization for Women. Near has also been an outspoken critic of war and imperialism, and has performed at protests against the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War, alongside activists such as Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn. She has also been involved in the environmental movement, and has performed at events such as the Earth Day celebrations and the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

● Discography

Holly Near has released over 20 albums throughout her career, including Hang in There, A Live Album, and Show Up. Her music often features collaborations with other artists, such as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, and Ani DiFranco. Near's discography includes albums such as Sky Dances, Fire in the Rain, and Edge, which address social justice issues and feature songs such as "Singing for Our Lives" and "Foolish Notion". She has also released compilation albums, such as Lifeline and Harp, which feature songs from her earlier work, and has been influenced by the music of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne.

● Awards and Recognition

Holly Near has received numerous awards and nominations for her music and activism, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and a Grammy Award nomination for her album Lifeline. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Women's Movement and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and has received awards from organizations such as the National Organization for Women and the Human Rights Campaign. Near has been named one of the most influential women in music by Rolling Stone and has been featured in documentaries such as "The Celluloid Closet" and "The Singing Revolution", alongside figures such as Elton John and Dolly Parton.

● Personal Life

Holly Near is openly lesbian and has been involved in the LGBTQ+ rights movement for many years. She has been in a long-term relationship with her partner, Jan Martinelli, and the two have been together since the 1980s. Near has also been open about her experiences with cancer and has used her music as a way to process and cope with her diagnosis, inspired by the work of Susan Sontag and Audre Lorde. She continues to perform and record music, and remains a prominent figure in the social justice movement, alongside activists such as Angela Davis and Cornel West. Near's legacy has been recognized by institutions such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution, and she continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists, including Kacey Musgraves and Brandi Carlile. Category:American singer-songwriters