barry z levine, photographer home

By early Monday, Jimi's set was nearly a day late. Over night, the crowd was 10% of the half million who found their way to the Woodstock site. Jimi rallied. He was out to show the best would be last; a big job considering those before him. Finding his way after the Hendrix Experience split, Jimi had little practice with his "Gypsy" friends from Seattle. All this made him stronger. The Star Spangled Banner & Purple Haze rang out at dawn across the meadows & the world. The Gypsies were storming & forming; not his caliber, but trusted. When they dropped out, Jimi went solo. Documenting his jam, the film WOODSTOCK brought world attention to Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. Though his Star Spangled Banner was distasteful to some, the magic of Jimi's guitar was resonant with sounds of war - rallying the Vietnam protestors at this unique Festival of Peace & Love. The legacy of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock lives today among musicians trying to be like him; not only for his incomparable talent but for his courage to speak through his guitar & his voice at the risk of being misunderstood.

	T he Hendrix Experience band had recently dissolved in Denver In June with the departure of bassist, Noel Redding, but  drummer Mitch Mitchell  hung in there providing continuity.  Only 2 months later, with only 2 rehearsals, Jimi now jammed on the Festival stage with bassist Billy Cox, a buddy from their Army days in the 101st Airborne Division. Friends Juma Sultan on percussion, Larry Lee on rhythm guitar, and Jerry Velez on congas. The Gypsy Sun and Rainbows band became a jamming experiment with people he trusted.  Though transitory, the band brought Jimi to the freedom of expression that characterized his final thirteen months.Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was immortalized by photographers, by the Woodstock film and by Woodstock albums. In those early morning hours Jimi jammed, not only with his band, but with the vibe of the Festival. The crowd was at all times peaceful, bonded by a magical brotherly love.  Jimi Hendrix amplified these feelings through his music to close the festival with creative genius.
	His performance is legendary. Jimi Hendrix was soon synonymous with Woodstock.  Amazing, since he was in the company Janis Joplin, Santana, Richie Havens, The Who, Grateful Dead, Credence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, Sly and the Family Stone, Mountain, Joe Cocker, Joan Baez and many other renowned musicians for the three day event.  Hendrix was over the top. Hear some of his concert, Purple Haze Hear some of his Star Spangled Banner
	Woodstock marked a change in how the youth counter culture viewed American traditions and obedience. The festival was a culmination of  the 1960's crusades for civil rights & personal choice, the musical revolution, and the protests for antiwar.  Jimi's performance embodied all of it.
Jerry Velez on congas	Jimi in the car on the way out	Jimi hendrix official website