Make: August September2016

Very late on Saturday evening, or rather early Sunday morning, came Sly & The Family Stone at 3:30 am. Led by Sly Stone, they were pioneers of Funk-Rock which was based on Soul and R&B music combined with psychedelic elements as well as Gospel. The band consisted of black and white members, and men and women, which was not usual at that time. Given their late appearance Sly & The Family Stone were remarkably fresh and powerful. The Woodstock show is widely considered one of their best performances.

Janis Joplin and her former band Big Brother & the Holding Company gained stardom at the Monterey International Pop Festival 1967. Unfortunately in late 1968 she left the band to move on to a solo career. Of course, Janis ended up in Woodstock together with a full ensemble of musicians. Her late performance - she played in the night of Saturday to Sunday at about 2:00 am - didn't make things easier for her. The show was still strong but it lacked somewhat of Janis Joplin's power and improvisation of her backing band. Nevertheless, this gig is a worthwhile document of time.