Artie Kornfeld's musical journey began in fourth grade with a trumpet rental. After a chance encounter with Fats Domino, the young Kornfeld directed his career entirely toward rock and roll. What followed was a rise that put him at the center of the most extraordinary weekend in music history.
Recognized as one of the most prolific figures in rock music culture, Kornfeld ranks among the most accomplished producers of his generation, with credits for writing and producing countless songs. He began his career at Capitol Records, becoming the first vice president of rock music at the astonishing age of 21 — the youngest VP in the label's history. Over his career he worked with and developed legendary artists including Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Kiss, Pink Floyd, The Band, and Blondie.
It was Kornfeld, together with Michael Lang, Joel Rosenman, and John Roberts, who conceived and organized Woodstock 1969 — the Aquarian Exposition that became the defining event of a generation. As the insider with the contacts and the industry relationships, it was Kornfeld who assembled the extraordinary lineup that brought half a million people to Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. The title "Father of Woodstock" is one he has carried with a mix of humility and pride ever since.
In recent years Kornfeld has channeled the Woodstock spirit into new projects, including a long-awaited memoir. His book — a personal account of the festival and a deeper exploration of rock and roll culture — was made available through Amazon and WoodstockStory.com. Looking back on the financial investment his Woodstock work has required over the decades, he told us:
I've spent about $500,000 doing interviews and specials all over the world. This will be the first money I've ever made on Woodstock.
— Artie Kornfeld
Beyond the memoir, Kornfeld has been deeply involved in efforts to pass the Woodstock spirit to new generations. He was associated with West Fest — a free concert held at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on October 25th, designed to capture the original 1969 spirit and bring together young music enthusiasts with performers and voices from the original era. His message to the younger generation attending was simple and powerful:
I want people to know that they are just as much of a part of the spirit of the Woodstock nation as anyone else.
— Artie Kornfeld
Kornfeld also hosts the "Spirit of the Woodstock Nation" radio program on the ArtistFirst radio network every Tuesday at 10pm Eastern, where he shares his decades of industry experience and continues to make the case for why Woodstock still matters. His personal philosophy on the festival's legacy has never wavered:
Woodstock 1969 was not the end, it was the beginning. Every day is a Woodstock anniversary.
— Artie Kornfeld
For Kornfeld, Woodstock was never a nostalgia trip. It was proof of what was possible — a blueprint for peace that he has spent the decades since Woodstock's final day trying to keep alive. At 400,000 people with no violence, no mass arrests, and an outpouring of human kindness in the face of rain, mud, and food shortages, Woodstock proved something that Artie Kornfeld has never forgotten.