Near, Holly (1949–)

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Near, Holly (1949–)

American singer, songwriter, feminist, pacifist and social justice advocate. Born June 6, 1949, in Ukiah, CA; sister of Laurel and Timothy Near.

Songwriter and folksinger, began career on Broadway in Hair; formed her own recording label, Redwood Records (1972), and used her music for political activism; recorded over 20 albums, including Early Warnings, And Still We Sing, Edge, Harp and Simply Love; with Ronnie Gilbert, released 3 albums, including This Train Still Runs! (1996); also performed with Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Mercedes Sosa, Bonnie Raitt, Cris Williamson and Linda Tillery, among others; wrote "We Are a Gentle, Angry People"; films include The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart (1970), Minnie and Moskowitz (1971), Slaughterhouse Five (1972) and Heartwood (1998). Named Woman of the Year by Ms magazine (1985).

See also autobiography, Fire in the Rain: Singer in the Storm.