Names and faces
■ Singer, songwriter, activist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Joan Baez is this year’s recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, an award that recognizes artists who speak out for the less fortunate. Baez, 79, will be honored with a virtual ceremony on Aug. 16 during this year’s virtual edition of the Philadelphia Folk Festival. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Deana McCloud, director of the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, noted Baez’s activism that included marching for civil rights and opposing the Vietnam War. “A staunch activist, Ms. Baez has consistently been on the front lines in the fight for social justice, peace, and equality,” McCloud said in a statement. Baez said in the statement that she has followed in the footsteps of Guthrie. “It has been my mission to use my music as a voice for those who cannot be heard or have been silenced by fear and powerlessness,” Baez said. Past recipients of the award include Chuck D, John Mellencamp, Norman Lear, Kris Kristofferson, Mavis Staples and Pete Seeger.
■ Alex Trebek, who is celebrating his 80th birthday today, says he’s responding exceptionally well to treatment for pancreatic cancer and expects to mark his two-year survival next February. His doctor has said he’s counting on that milestone, the “Jeopardy!” host said, “so I expect to be around ’cause he said I will be around. And I expect to be hosting the show if I am around.” Tests evaluating his progress show “I’m on the right track,” Trebek told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” in an interview that was conducted last week at his home and aired Monday. After interviewer T.J. Holmes told Trebek he looked and sounded great, the TV host drolly replied: “Here I am, folks. Eat me up.” The experimental immunotherapy treatment Trebek is receiving is the same used by former U.S. Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada in his fight against pancreatic cancer, “Good Morning America” said. In June, the 80-year-old Reid said his disease is in remission. On Friday, Congressman and civil-rights leader John Lewis lost his six-month battle with the disease at age 80. Trebek said he’s had difficult days, calling his wife, Jean, a “saint” for her unwavering support as he’s faced moments of sadness and depression. His memoir, “The Answer Is … Reflections On My Life,” was released Tuesday. Its proceeds will go to charity. Trebek has been host of “Jeopardy!” since 1984. The quiz show, which went into reruns early because of the coronavirus pandemic, plans to resume taping for its September return in a few weeks if state and local government restrictions aimed at controlling the virus’s spread allow.