LOS ANGELES - Legendary American folk singer Joan Baez has told AFP that the return of Donald Trump to the White House has pushed her to go back to the studio where she has just recorded a protest song.
The 1960s icon, a famed anti-war and social justice campaigner, will appear on a duet with American folk singer Jesse Welles, performing his anti-Trump track "No Kings".
"I love singing with younger people, and that song is perfect for my voice. It was just a treat," the 85-year-old told AFP in Paris, adding that it would be released in the next 10 days.
"It's fresh, and he's 33 and he's writing this stuff, and I haven't heard anything like that," Baez added of Arkansas-born Welles, whom she has performed with several times.
"What's needed is an anthem, something that everybody can sing. They don't have to worry about all the verses. Just sing the 'No Kings, no Kings, no Kings' part," the pacifist campaigner added.
Baez's last recording was "Whistle Down the Wind", released in 2018.
As well as writing about Trump and billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Welles's other recent release is "Join Ice", which mocks the beefed-up department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The shaggy-haired singer-songwriter, known for his witty lyrics and nasal voice, invites immediate comparisons with Baez's ex, Bob Dylan.
"There isn't any comparison so I wouldn't pretend there was, but similarities? For sure," said Baez.
"But I'm happy to keep Dylan on the pedestal where he belongs."
The Baez-Dylan love story was back in the spotlight in last year's well-received Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown", starring Timothee Chalamet.
Baez was broadly happy with her portrayal by actress Monica Barbaro, with the Oscar-nominated actress consulting her several times during her research.
"The film was a huge thing," Baez explained, saying she was recognised on the street much more now. "There was a huge spike and it's still going on."