Woodstock Guitar Gods Create Psychedelic Shelter

In August, 1969, the Woodstock Songs and Art Fair was held at Max Yasgur's ranch in White Lake, NY. The event was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition - 3 Days of Peace as well as Music."

The initial day of the festival was devoted to individual. Richie Havens opened up with a plea for "Freedom," showcasing his propulsive acoustic strumming. Ravi Shankar induced the audience into an introspective, trance like state with a display screen of Sitar mastery.

Day two was populated with rock superstars from the psychedelic era. Santana's offering, "Heart Sacrifice," was underpinned by Mike Shrieve's tribal drum solo. Hill drove a "Southbound Train," conducted by Leslie West, a fat guy with a fat guitar tone.

Creedence Clearwater Rebirth supplied "Born on the Bayou," the overload rock classic developed by John Fogerty, a stylish player that wrote memorable riffs and also crafted downplayed, melodious leads. Pete Townshend and The Who began with a leisure of the Rock Opera "Tommy," and also [Yard ﻿house paint colors] ended with damage throughout the anthem "My Generation."

The third day was postponed because of thunderstorms. Resuming the program with a flash of British lightning, Alvin Lee of 10 years After proclaimed "I'm Going Home," by helicopter. Johnny Winter season spun J.B. Lenoir's "Mom, Talk With Your Little girl" into a Texas twister.

Crosby, Stills & Nash balanced on the ode to Judy Collins, "Collection: Judy Blue Eyes," as Stephen Stills repainted an Oriental backdrop in a modal adjusting. Paul Butterfield captained a ship lost mixed-up on "Drifting Blues," with very first friend Michael Bloomfield adding a blistering six string solo.

Closing the celebration with his revolutionary critical version of "The Star Spangled Banner," Jimi Hendrix changed the national anthem from an event of war into a celebration of tranquility.