From Monterey to Woodstock
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 8:42 amWe are coming up on the 40th anniversary of Woodstock (also known as Woodstock Music & Art Fair or The Woodstock Festival), August 15-18, 1969.
"June 1967: The Monterey Pop Festival. Brian Jones presents the Jimi Hendrix Experience to an unwary America."
"August 1969: The largest commune in rock 'n' roll history convenes for the Woodstock festival . . ."
The span of time from the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967 to Woodstock in August 1969 marked the heaviest part of the musical odyssey known as the Late 60's, with Woodstock pretty much the culmination of all the great music that came out of those years. Jimi Hendrix' performance at Monterey, in which he set his guitar on fire, and his unexpected playing of the American National Anthem at Woodstock tells the story of what those times were about, good times and bad times, and full of ever-unfolding adventures in rock music for all who cared, from us rock players to those who patronized our gigs and concerts. It was a great time to be in a rock group.
"Jimi's guitar bent, dismantled, and then constructed anew the physical images of the National Anthem, while the silent chorus, half a million strong, heard every word."
Sadly, a little over a year later, two of the greatest rock stars of that era, both of whom performed at both festivals, were gone. Hendrix in September 1970, and Janis Joplin, whose performance at Monterey was nothing less than totally riveting, in October 1970.
For all those who gave us the gift of great music, we say thanks.
"June 1967: The Monterey Pop Festival. Brian Jones presents the Jimi Hendrix Experience to an unwary America."
"August 1969: The largest commune in rock 'n' roll history convenes for the Woodstock festival . . ."
The span of time from the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967 to Woodstock in August 1969 marked the heaviest part of the musical odyssey known as the Late 60's, with Woodstock pretty much the culmination of all the great music that came out of those years. Jimi Hendrix' performance at Monterey, in which he set his guitar on fire, and his unexpected playing of the American National Anthem at Woodstock tells the story of what those times were about, good times and bad times, and full of ever-unfolding adventures in rock music for all who cared, from us rock players to those who patronized our gigs and concerts. It was a great time to be in a rock group.
"Jimi's guitar bent, dismantled, and then constructed anew the physical images of the National Anthem, while the silent chorus, half a million strong, heard every word."
Sadly, a little over a year later, two of the greatest rock stars of that era, both of whom performed at both festivals, were gone. Hendrix in September 1970, and Janis Joplin, whose performance at Monterey was nothing less than totally riveting, in October 1970.
For all those who gave us the gift of great music, we say thanks.