Hudson Blog 4

Hi guys,

I think I am going to have to agree with everyone and say that Jimi Hendrix’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner,” at the 1969 Woodstock music festival was one of the largest moments in music, and American history. Happening in the middle of the Vietnam war, haltered grew between the government, and hippies who preached peace and love during antiwar protests. It was also right in the middle of the civil rights movement, a year after the assassination of Martin Luther King Junior, and 6 years after the assassination of JFK, which only furthered social and political tensions between the two groups. Woodstock itself acted as a sort of break amid the chaos, and at the time Hendrix was already a well known, established artist, and outspoken in favor of peace, which drew in a huge following for his performance. Hendrix’s cover of the star spangled banner came at the end of his set, and he did not disappoint with an electrifying version of the song which made it his own. Some of the changes he made included chords that emulated sounds found in war zones, such as crying children and gunfire. This statement resonated as a powerful yet peaceful protest, signifying that you can love your country despite hating the government. The impact of this performance transcended just the music, and sparked deeper thought and discussions all across the country.