This August 15, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock Festival that was held in upstate New York on Max Yasgur's dairy farm. Nearly a half-million people attended the concert that is now considered to be one of the most important events in rock and roll history.It was 1969 and a generation of disillusioned baby-boomers were brought together by the simple power of music, forming the largest crowd that was ever assembled in one place before. The United States was at war in Vietnam and at home the country was in turmoil over the conflict. In contrast, 400,000+ "hippies" attending the Woodstock Festival got along peacefully, rain or shine.
Much of the music during those 4 days reflected the spirit of the times; often expressing anger over the war and a desire for peace in the world. Jimi Hendrix' rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, which was played on the last day for the 30,000 or so people still remaining, struck a chord that continued to reverberate long after the concert ended. He made that Fender guitar of his sound like missiles and machine guns were being fired from it!
I love his version of this song because it captures the real essence of war and what our freedom costs. I often listen to it on the 4th of July because it helps me remember those who have risked their lives in combat to preserve the freedom I enjoy. Watch this video clip to see Hendrix in action...
Free Star Spangled Banner Guitar Tab Here
Jimi's performance of The Star Spangled Banner was improvised spontaneously that morning. Not even his band members knew he was going to play it. How cool is that?!
Richie Havens, who opened the concert on the first day, was another one who improvised part of his performance. After playing his set, (he had been on stage for 2 1/2 hours) the crowd shouted for more. He didn't know what else to play, but went back out on stage and made-up a song on the spot. The vibes were right and out poured Freedom, another great tune that reflected the sentiment shared by so many others of that time.
More Free Guitar Tab Here
Of course there were other great performers at Woodstock- thirty-two in all. Among those who were invited, but didn't attend were...
Bob Dylan
Jethro Tull
The Doors
The Byrds
Led Zepplin
Tommy James and the Shondells
The Moody Blues
Mind Garage
Spirit
It's a Beautiful Day
and Joni Mitchell
(Joni wrote the song "Woodstock" which later became a huge hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.)
It was an idealistic era. The mini-nation that was born at Woodstock during the summer of 1969, flew the banner of peace and love. When the concert was over Max Yasgur said: "if we join them, we can turn those adversities that are the problems of America today into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful future..."
Something for all of us to think about.
Till next time,
Keep practicing!
Free Guitar Tips
It was an idealistic era. The mini-nation that was born at Woodstock during the summer of 1969, flew the banner of peace and love. When the concert was over Max Yasgur said: "if we join them, we can turn those adversities that are the problems of America today into a hope for a brighter and more peaceful future..."
Something for all of us to think about.
Till next time,
Keep practicing!
Free Guitar Tips
