Woodstock 1969 brought together 32 acts across four days at Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. In the decades since August 15–18, 1969, many of the musicians who performed that weekend have passed away. This is a tribute to those artists.
Day 1 — Friday, August 15
**Richie Havens** (January 21, 1941 – April 22, 2013) opened Woodstock as the first performer, delivering a nearly two-hour set that culminated in the improvised anthem "Freedom." He remained a beloved figure of the folk revival until his death at 72.
**Swami Satchidananda** (December 22, 1914 – August 19, 2002) delivered the opening invocation at Woodstock, welcoming the crowd with a call to peace. He died in 2002 at the age of 87.
**Tim Hardin** (December 23, 1941 – December 29, 1980) was known for composing songs later covered by major artists including "If I Were a Carpenter" and "Reason to Believe." He performed on Day 1 but struggled with addiction throughout his career and died at 39.
**Bert Sommer** (February 7, 1949 – July 23, 1990) performed "Jennifer" at Woodstock among other songs. He passed away at 41.
Day 2 — Saturday, August 16
**August Burns** (cello, Sweetwater), **Albert Moore** (flute, Sweetwater), and **Alan Malarowitz** (drums, Sweetwater) have all passed since Woodstock.
**Gary Thain** played bass for the Keef Hartley Band at Woodstock. He later joined Uriah Heep and died in 1975.
**David Brown** played bass for Santana at Woodstock and throughout their early career. He passed away in June 2000.
**Alan Wilson** (July 4, 1943 – September 3, 1970) of Canned Heat died just weeks after Woodstock at the age of 27, one of the founding members of the "27 Club." **Bob Hite** (February 26, 1943 – April 5, 1981) was Canned Heat's other iconic frontman, dying at 38.
**Jerry Garcia** (August 1, 1942 – August 9, 1995) led the Grateful Dead at Woodstock and for three decades after, becoming one of rock's most beloved figures. He died in 1995. **Ron "Pigpen" McKernan** (September 8, 1945 – March 8, 1973) was another original member of the Grateful Dead who did not survive to see the band's greatest fame.
**Felix Pappalardi** (December 30, 1939 – April 17, 1983) of Mountain wrote "Mississippi Queen" and produced Cream's landmark albums. He was shot and killed by his wife at 43.
**Janis Joplin** (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) died just weeks after Hendrix, at 27, from a heroin overdose. Her Woodstock performance of "Work Me Lord" remains one of the festival's most powerful moments.
**Keith Moon** (August 23, 1946 – September 7, 1978) was The Who's legendary drummer, known for his explosive playing and wild offstage behavior. He died at 32. **John Entwistle** (October 9, 1944 – June 27, 2002) was The Who's bassist and died at 57.
**Spencer Dryden** (April 7, 1938 – January 11, 2005) was Jefferson Airplane's drummer at Woodstock. **Nicky Hopkins** (February 24, 1944 – September 6, 1994) played keyboards for Jefferson Airplane and numerous other iconic artists.
Day 3 — Sunday, August 17
**Rick Danko** (December 29, 1943 – December 10, 1999) played bass and sang for The Band, one of Woodstock's most celebrated acts. He died at 55. **Richard Manuel** (April 3, 1943 – March 4, 1986) was The Band's pianist and vocalist, who died at 42.
**Paul Butterfield** (December 17, 1942 – May 4, 1987) led the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and was one of the great blues harmonica players. He died at 44.
Day 4 — Monday, August 18
**Jimi Hendrix** (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) closed Woodstock as the final performer and died just over a year later at 27. His Star-Spangled Banner remains one of the most iconic moments in American music history.
Their Music Lives On
The performers who passed leave behind a recorded legacy that ensures Woodstock's spirit endures. The Woodstock documentary film and soundtrack albums preserve their performances for future generations. Three days of peace and music — and the artists who made it possible — will never be forgotten.