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What Was Woodstock? What Was: The Inside Story of the Counterculture's Defining Moment

Dalton Foster

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In the summer of 1969, half a million people gathered in a field in upstate New York for a music festival that would come to define a generation. Woodstock was more than just a concert; it was a cultural phenomenon that symbolized the hopes and dreams of the counterculture movement.

What Was Woodstock? (What Was?)

by Joan Holub

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	119507 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	71 pages

What Was Woodstock? What Was is the definitive account of this iconic event. With exclusive interviews, rare photos, and behind-the-scenes stories, this book takes you back to the summer of 1969 and tells the story of how Woodstock came to be, what happened during those three days of peace and music, and what the legacy of Woodstock is today.

The Origins of Woodstock

The idea for Woodstock was born in the mind of Michael Lang, a young music promoter from New York City. Lang had been involved in several successful music festivals in the past, but he wanted to do something bigger and better. He envisioned a festival that would bring together the biggest names in rock and folk music and create a sense of community and togetherness.

Lang found a partner in John Roberts, a wealthy businessman who was also a fan of music. Roberts agreed to finance the festival, and the two men began to put together a lineup of performers. They booked some of the biggest names in music, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Santana.

The Festival

Woodstock was held on August 15-18, 1969, on a farm in Bethel, New York. The festival was a huge success, attracting over 500,000 people. The weather was perfect, the music was amazing, and the atmosphere was electric.

The festival featured a wide variety of music, from rock and folk to blues and jazz. Some of the most memorable performances included Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Janis Joplin's performance of "Piece of My Heart," and The Who's performance of "My Generation."

In addition to the music, Woodstock also featured a number of other activities, including arts and crafts, food vendors, and a free medical clinic. The festival was a truly unique event, and it remains one of the most iconic moments in American history.

The Legacy of Woodstock

Woodstock had a profound impact on American culture. The festival helped to popularize rock and folk music and it also helped to raise awareness of the counterculture movement. Woodstock also inspired a number of other festivals, including the Isle of Wight Festival in England and the Glastonbury Festival in England.

Today, Woodstock remains a symbol of peace, love, and music. The festival's legacy continues to inspire people around the world.