Holly Near is an American singer-songwriter and activist. Near began performing professionally in 1969. In 1970, Near was a cast member of the Broadway musical Hair (1970) and wrote the song “It Could Have Been Me” (1974) in response to the Kent State shootings. Near founded Redwood Records in 1972. The first album Hang In There (1973) was followed by releases including A Live Album (1975) and Fire in the Rain (1981). Collaborations include Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, and Joan Baez. Near performed at the March for Women’s Lives in 2004.