It’s the most iconic concert of all time. And second place isn’t even close. The original Woodstock festival, which took place August 15-18, 1969, in the town of Bethel, New York, included some of the biggest names in music history—advertising “3 Days of Peace & Music.”
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The bill included Jimi Hendrix, a six-months-pregnant Joan Baez, Carlos Santana, Grateful Dead, Creedence Clear Water Revival, Janis Joplin, and many more. For those of us who weren’t able to make the event due to age, money, or proximity, we here at American Songwriter wanted to share the top 6 live performances from Woodstock —the famous summer of 1969. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. “Soul Sacrifice,” Santana
The Mexican-born, Bay Area-raised guitar player, Carlos Santana, was well-known before Woodstock, but became an all-timer following the event. His guitar sang like no other, especially over the relentlessly lively percussion behind him. Need more cowbell? Santana has that for you too.
2. “My Generation,” The Who
The British-born band’s first hit also became their calling card during the ’69 performance. “Ladies and gentlemen,” echoed the monotone loudspeaker, “The Who.” Then the show was anything but flat. An electric guitar was even thrown out into the crowd. And the song finishes with the dry loudspeaker, “Ladies and gentlemen. The Who.”
3. “With a Little Help From My Friends,” Joe Cocker
What a voice. The question is: did he get it from up above or down below? No matter, the British-born Joe Cocker sewed his name into the stars with this performance. Over screeching guitars, the artist wailed like no other before or since. What would you do…
4. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix screeching out America’s theme song is probably the most iconic in rock history. But it lands here at No. 4 for no other reason than to give others a chance to shine at the top spot of a Woodstock list for once. Jokes aside, Hendrix changed music and patriotism with one performance. One wonders what he could have done with sound had he lived past 27 years old. At least we’ll always have this magnificent offering, a lion roaring and weeping into the night.
5. “Freedom,” Richie Havens
Brooklyn, New York-born folk artist Richie Havens was a man possessed, a man impassioned for his acoustic performance of the song, “Freedom,” at Woodstock. His chant of freedom can still be heard echoing in the heavens.
6. “Ball and Chain,” Janis Joplin
In one moment, Joplin is talking to the crowd, in another she’s crawling onstage, in another, she’s showing why she’s one of the best singers of all time. With enough pain, range, and guts to fill a vault, even her howls are worthy of awards.
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