Woodstock: Who Were the True Headliners of the Iconic Festival?

The term 'headliner' can be misleading when it comes to the legendary 1969 Woodstock festival. This marked a unique event where all performers were considered top tier, putting to rest the idea of one dominant act. Instead, it was a melting pot of talented musicians from various genres, with everyone contributing to the unforgettable experience. Let's dive into the real headliners and what made this festival so special.

The Myth of Headliners

Woodstock wasn't a simple lineup of acts with one star performer. The original posters did not list a "headliner" but included all the musical acts for the specific days they were scheduled to perform. Given the chaotic nature of the event—from traffic jams, to weather, to performances extending well into the night—it's clear that the concept of a headliner didn't apply. In fact, the term "headliner" as we understand it today, where one act attracts the crowd, simply did not exist in the context of Woodstock.

Real Headliners: The Tallest Payers

It's important to note that the top paid performers were not necessarily the most recognized. Jimi Hendrix, for instance, was the highest paid performer, making a significant sum compared to what other top name groups earned. He was paid $32,000, a figure upped to $64,000 to prevent other groups from demanding more money. This was largely due to his double set-length due to the unique setup of the event.

Top Paid Performers and Their Contributions

Below is a list of the top performers and their salaries, put into context:

Jimi Hendrix: $18,000 Blood, Sweat Tears: $15,000 Creedence Clearwater Revival and Joan Baez: $10,000 each Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Janis Joplin: $7,500 each The Who, Richie Havens, Sly and the Family Stone, Canned Heat: $6,000 to $7,000 each Crosby, Stills, Nash Young: $5,000 each The Grateful Dead: $2,500 Santana: $750 (though they were the 'discovery' of the festival and brought the house down)

These numbers paint a picture of a festival where the best of each genre came together. Acts like Janis Joplin, The Who, and Santana were making their mark, while others, like Crosby, Stills, Nash Young, were still relatively new and inexperienced in concert settings.

Lower Payers and Their Impact

Besides the top tier performers, many other groups contributed significantly to the energy and creativity of Woodstock. Here is a list of some performers with lower pay, their impact, and their significance:

Ravi Shankar: $4,500 Johnny Winter: $3,750 Ten Years After: $3,250 Country Joe and the Fish: $2,500 Incredible String Band: $2,250 Mountain: $2,000 Tim Hardin, Joe Cocker: $2,000 each Sweetwater: $1,250 John Sebastian, Melanie, Santana, Sha Na Na: $750 to $1,000 each Keef Hartley, Quill: $500 to $375 each

These lesser-known acts played crucial roles in making Woodstock the memorable event it became. Many of these musicians have since become household names, thanks to their performances in the mud and rain of Bethel, New York.

Conclusion

Woodstock was a unique event where every performer was a headliner. The real headliners were the collective spirit and the passion of the artists who brought their best to a shared history. It was a festival where everyone contributed, making it an iconic moment in music history.