Surviving Artists from the Original Woodstock Festival

Woodstock, held on the 15th-17th of August in 1969, was a landmark event in musical history. It brought together some of the most influential musicians of the time. Little has been heard from the participants since, but some have remained in the spotlight. This article highlights the artists from the original Woodstock lineup who are still alive and active or performing.

Friday Line-Up

The Friday line-up included artists whose careers and current status have varied significantly over the years:

Richie Havens: Sadly, Richie Havens passed away on October 16, 2013, at the age of 70. His powerful voice and performances at the Woodstock festival still resonate. Sweetwater: The group has dissolved. Their legacy continues in the memories of fans and in the archival recordings of their performances. Bert Sommer: Bert Sommer tragically passed away on May 6, 1993, at the age of 65. His contributions to the festival and his music will be cherished by those who remember him. Tim Hardin: Tim Hardin passed away on March 20, 2004, at the age of 68. His songs about social and political issues continue to be relevant. Ravi Shankar: Enraptured by Eastern spirituality and music, Ravi Shankar, despite his age, remains a living icon. His performances continue to inspire, though his health may limit his touring. Melanie: Melanie recently died on March 8, 2016, at the age of 68. Her career and performances at Woodstock will always hold a special place in music history. Arlo Guthrie: Still wowing audiences with his storytelling, Arlo Guthrie has retired from touring full-time. His presence at Woodstock was unforgettable. Joan Baez: Joan Baez is still captivating audiences with her powerful voice, though she has retired from touring. Her vocal activism and performances during Woodstock made a lasting impression.

Saturday Line-Up

The Saturday lineup at Woodstock included a diverse array of artists, many of whom are still active or continued their careers:

Quill: The group dissolved, but their contributions to the festival have been immortalized. County Joe MacDonald: At 80 years old, County Joe MacDonald is still very active in the music scene. His performances remain full of energy and passion. Santana: Santana is still performing and making waves in the music industry. His performances at Woodstock were seminal, and he continues to inspire. John Sebastian: Though not very active, John Sebastian is still creating and performing music. His presence at Woodstock was a defining moment in his career. Keef Hartley Band: The band has dissolved, and Keef Hartley passed away in February 2021. His legacy lives on through his music and influence. Incredible String Band: Mostly dissolved, the founding members have passed away. Their influence on the British folk scene remains significant. Canned Heat: The band may still be performing, but their primary members are deceased. Mountain: The band and its members have passed away, their legacy living on in their music. Grateful Dead: Despite the passing of Jerry Garcia, the band continues to perform under their current management. They maintain a strong following. Creedence Clearwater Revival: The band is dissolved, and one member has passed away. Janis Joplin: Janis Joplin is deeply missed, having passed away on October 4, 1970. Sly and the Family Stone: The band is dissolved, their legacy continuing through their music. The Who: Despite the passing of some members like Entwhistle and Moon, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend continue to perform live. Jefferson Airplane: The band has dissolved, and a few crucial members have passed away.

Sunday Line-Up

The Sunday line-up included artists who either passed away too or founded bands that are no longer operational:

Joe Cocker: Sadly, Joe Cocker passed away on March 16, 2014, at the age of 70. His performances will be missed. Country Joe and the Fish: The band has dissolved, but their legacy continues. Ten Years After: Claiming to be active, but two members, including Alvin Lee, have passed away. The Band: The band has dissolved, and three members have passed away. Their influence on music is immeasurable. Johnny Winter: Johnny Winter passed away on November 6, 2014, at the age of 69. He was a true legend in blues music. Blood Sweat and Tears: The band has dissolved, adding to the list of Woodstock acts whose careers have either ended or are in decline. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: Graham Nash is the only original member left, but the band continues their performance under different configurations. Fans remain dedicated to their music and performances. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band: The band has dissolved, and Paul Butterfield passed away on March 18, 1987, at the age of 46. His contributions to the blues are still celebrated today. Sha Na Na: The group has dissolved, but the band's performances and music continue to entertain audiences. Jimi Hendrix: Jimi Hendrix passed away on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27. His impact on rock music is immense, and his music remains a testament to his talent.

Conclusion

The legacy of the Woodstock festival lives on through the surviving artists who were present back then. Ravi Shankar, The Who, Santana, and Arlo Guthrie continue to inspire new generations with their music and performances. Despite the loss of so many legends, the spirit of Woodstock remains, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and the cultural landscape of the late 1960s and beyond.