Classic Rock Legacy
If you do the math, most of the artists who performed at the 1969 Woodstock Festival are no longer with us.
Note: This is going to be a tough read, but as classic rock fans, you’ll certainly enjoy this because this is our legacy.
Joan Baez
Folk legend Joan Baez is still active in political activism.
The Band
Richard Manuel died on March 4, 1986. Rick Danko died on December 10, 1999. Levon Helm died on April 19, 2012. The only remaining is guitarist/songwriter Robbie Robertson and managed to release his most recent solo album in 2011, How to Become Clairvoyant.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ3r6LyZHjI
This band’s career ended when singer David Clayton-Thomas left in 1972, but the remainder remains musically active.
Paul Butterfield Blues Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WibfUfVpfAI
Butterfield died on May 4, 1987, while David Sanborn became successful as a jazz player and won six Grammys.
Canned Heat
Alan Wilson died on September 3, 1970. Bob Hite died on April 6, 1981. Guitarist Harvey Mandel, bassist Larry “The Mole” Taylor and drummer Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra remained active in the music industry.
Country Joe and the Fish/Country Joe McDonald
Joe Cocker died on December 22, 2014. Joe McDonald, on the other hand, announced his retirement in 2017.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Tom Fogerty died on September 6, 1990. John Fogerty continues to record and tour and published his memoir, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music, in 2015. Bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford once reunited with John Fogerty to pay tribute to their old band.
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
All four members remain very active in music, recording prolifically and performing live but not together anymore.
Grateful Dead
Ron “Pigpen” McKernan died March 8, 1973. Jerry Garcia died on August 9, 1995. Bob Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart are still active today.
Arlo Guthrie
Guthrie continues to tour.
Tim Hardin
Died December 29, 1980
Keef Hartley
Keef Hartley died on November 26, 2011, while Miller Anderson is still touring.
Richie Havens
Died on April 22, 2013
Jimi Hendrix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPt8vegXAx0
The greatest ax-slinger died on September 18, 1970. Mitch Mitchell died on November 12, 2008. While the remainder who played with Hendrix at Woodstock still plays — Percussionists Gerardo Velez and Juma Sultan while the second guitarist, Larry Lee died on October 30, 2007
Incredible String Band
The group split in 1974 and Robin Williamson became a solo artist and manage to release dozens of albums.
Jefferson Airplane
Drummer Spencer Dryden died on January 11, 2005, Guitarist/singer Paul Kantner died on January 28, 2016, Guitarist/singer Jorma Kaukonen continues to record and perform solo and with bassist Jack Casady in Hot Tuna. Grace Slick retired from music in 1989 and became a painter.
Janis Joplin
Died October 4, 1970
Melanie
Melanie Safka continues in releasing albums occasionally.
Mountain
Bassist Felix Pappalardi on died April 17, 1983, murdered by his wife. Keyboardist Steve Knight died on January 19, 2013. Guitarist Leslie West is active on tours and still records.
Quill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMQoG3qgLI0
Disbanded in the spring of 1970
Santana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqZceAQSJvc
Still remains as one of the best guitarist rock’s has ever seen.
Swami Satchidananda
The Indian yogi died on August 19, 2002.
John Sebastian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnsB4Ck__OE
Sebastian still performs and records occasionally.
Sha Na Na
No one knows where they are, or the current activities of the 12-members.
Ravi Shankar
Died on December 11, 2012.
Sly and the Family Stone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=607eFLYuJ_g
Disbanded in 1975, Sly Stone’s activity in music is still good, Cynthia Robinson died on November 23, 2015, and Freddie Stone left music for good since their breakup.
Bert Sommer
Died July 23, 1990
Sweetwater
Alan Malarowitz died around in the 80s’, Albert Moore died in 1994, August Burns also died, in the ’80s, while singer Nancy Nevins got injured severely months after Woodstock which led to the band’s ending.
Ten Years After
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW5M5xljdCI
Alvin Lee died on March 6, 2013. The group broke up in 1976 and reunited on a number of occasions, most recently in 1994.
The Who
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F03a-EYvifU
Keith Moon died on September 7, 1978. John Entwistle died on June 27, 2002. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey continue to tour with other musicians and still carries the name.
Johnny Winter
Died July 16, 2014, his brother, Edgar Winter is still active.
Max Yasgur
Lastly, the man who leased his land for the Woodstock Festival – died on February 9, 1973.