WE couldn’t all be there at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959, in the coffee houses of Boston or the front line of the American civil rights movement.

Some of us weren’t even born.

But good things come to those who wait – and Joan Baez came to us to share the stories and songs of her well-lived life.

Hearing the iconic voice of American folk in Poole was a rare treat and from the moment she stepped onto the stage to a rapturous welcome it was clear we were in for a special night. The cosy set – pink sofa, lamp and flowers – belied the energy on show as a youthful-looking Baez stood front of stage with her guitar for almost two hours, accompanied by son Gabe Harris on the subtlest percussion and brilliant multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell.

The important thing about Baez’s music has always been the message, and luckily the pin-sharp sound quality matched the clarity of her soulful voice so that every word could be heard.

And we hung on those words – from the old English ballads which only made it into her early repertoire if somebody died to her signature song about Dylan, Diamonds and Rust, which was as pure, fresh and poignant as if it had just been written. There was a mix, as is her style, of originals and covers alongside stories of Martin Luther King, the Beatles and Dylan.

Her spirit is undiminished, shown by the dedication of ‘organising song’ Joe Hill to the Occupy movement and her satisfaction that young people are once again willing to fight for change.

The waves of love and respect for her from the packed hall resulted in a standing ovation which earned us three encores.

Joan told us: “Where the voice came from I don’t know – my job is maintenance and delivery.”

She certainly delivered in Poole.