October 22, 1971 – Joan Baez Earns Gold for “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” On this day in 1971, legendary folk singer Joan Baez received a Gold Record for her stirring rendition of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Originally written and recorded by The Band in 1969, Baez’s version became her biggest commercial success—reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 in the UK. Known for her pure, haunting voice and deep commitment to social justice, Baez transformed the song into a timel