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Common Ground News

Did Jimi Hendrix play the national anthem at Woodstock?

Author

Olivia Shea

Updated on March 21, 2026

Did Jimi Hendrix play the national anthem at Woodstock?

One of the most powerful, searing renditions of the national anthem ever recorded, Jimi Hendrix's iconic Woodstock anthem, almost never happened. Hendrix hadn't slept the night before. Hendrix played for more than an hour that Monday morning before introducing his regular concert-closer, “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”

Also asked, when did Jimi Hendrix play the national anthem at Woodstock?

August 18, 1969

Secondly, why did Jimi Hendrix play the national anthem at Woodstock? “No one had ever heard that. It caught all of us by surprise.” The reaction to the anthem was strong but mixed. But when Hendrix performed at Woodstock in 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War, the idea of deviating from the traditional when delivering the national anthem was sure to raise eyebrows.

Similarly one may ask, who played the national anthem at Woodstock?

Jimi Hendrix

Where did Jimi Hendrix perform the national anthem?

Jimi Hendrix The Star Spangled Banner American Anthem Live at Woodstock 1969.

Did Jimi Hendrix mess up the national anthem?

While some considered his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” controversial and “unorthodox,” Hendrix didn't. He considered it “beautiful” his eternally groovy way. Looking back, that's probably the best way to regard it — neither distorted protest nor funky salute to the flag.

Who closed out Woodstock?

For Gerardo Velez, it was his birthday weekend playing alongside Jimi Hendrix to close out Woodstock, the 1969 festival that drew hundreds of thousands of attendees and made music history. This year marks Woodstock's 50th anniversary, a milestone many of the festival's performers and attendees are celebrating.

Who was the final act at Woodstock?

the Jimi Hendrix Experience

Did the Grateful Dead play Woodstock?

The Grateful Dead Live At Woodstock 1969. There may have been no better place for a psychedelic jam band than Woodstock; ergo there may not have been a band that belonged at Woodstock more than the Grateful Dead. The unrehearsed and continuously improvised sets of The Dead made them unlike any touring band of the time.

How many people did Jimi Hendrix play to at Woodstock?

Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock: Historic Concert Captured on Film. By the time Jimi Hendrix arrived onstage at the Woodstock Festival on the morning of August 18, 1969, the crowd of nearly 500,000 people had dwindled to fewer than 40,000.

Where was Woodstock in the 60s?

Woodstock, in full The Woodstock Music and Art Fair, the most famous of the 1960s rock festivals, held on a farm property in Bethel, New York, August 15–18, 1969.

Where is Jimi Hendrix guitar from Woodstock?

A world record auction
Since then the Woodstock Strat has changed hands again. Today it sits in the EMP museum in Seattle, Hendrix's birthplace.

What happened to the Woodstock stage?

The stage on which the Woodstock Music and Art Fair was held had been missing since it was dismantled in 1969. But last year, Lawrence, the museum director and senior curator at The Museum at Bethel Woods, was told Gold had uncovered the wood for the stage.

Did Jimi Hendrix burn his guitar at Woodstock?

Hendrix then grabbed the guitar and laying it down on the floor struck a match. Guitarist Jimi Hendrix continues to perform as his guitar burns during the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Hendrix was by no means the first person to destroy an instrument.

Who opened for Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock?

Sri Swami Satchidananda. Sri Swami Satchidananda opened the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York on August 15, addressing a crowd of approximately 500,000.

How old was Hendrix at Woodstock?

He was the world's highest-paid performer, and he headlined the Woodstock festival in 1969 and the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. He died from barbiturate-related asphyxia on September 18, 1970, at age 27. Hendrix was inspired by American rock and roll and electric blues.

Why was Jimi Hendrix kicked out of the military?

That Time Jimi Hendrix Got Kicked out of the Army for Masturbating on Duty. In 1961, Hendrix was given a choice between two years in jail or or joining the Army after a run in with the law for riding in stolen cars. He took the option to join the army, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in May of 1961.

Did Jimi Hendrix get drafted?

Hendrix opted for the Army and enlisted in May 1961, getting assigned to the 101st Airborne. Already a skilled guitarist while stationed at Fort Campbell, Hendrix was instantly drawn to the thriving music scene an hour away in Nashville, Tennessee.

When the power of love overcomes the power of?

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace,” is a quote attributed to the well-known artist Jimi Hendrix.

Did Jimi Hendrix serve in the military?

Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, where he was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He served until 1962, when he was discharged due to an injury.

Did Jeff Beck play at Woodstock?

Jeff Beck Group
Jeff Beck and an all-star band that featured Rod Stewart, Nicky Hopkins, Aynsley Dunbar and Ronnie Wood were actually scheduled to play -- only to split up just before Woodstock.

What time of day did Jimi Hendrix play at Woodstock?

Jimi Hendrix took the Woodstock stage at 9 am on Monday, August 18, 1969, and kinda changed the world. Believe it or not, cowboy star Roy Rogers was supposed to close Woodstock with a rendition of "Happy Trails."

What was Woodstock protesting?

THe woodstock Protest. Woodstock was a gathering focused on music and nonviolent protest in the name of peace and love. Many of the artists and the spectators were there in protest of the ongoing Vietnam War. Woodstock was also widely celebrated and attended by hippies who were openly agaisnt the Vietnam War.

Who made Jimi Hendrix clothes?

Their company was called Michael and Toni Design. The clothes were inspired by the military clothes and psychedelic fashion from the UK. One of his military jackets was hand painted by Mick Jaggers brother, Chris. Where can I find Jimi Hendrix-style clothing?

Where did Jimi Hendrix perform?

Jimi Hendrix Biography
One of his most memorable performances was at Woodstock in 1969, where he performed "The Star-Spangled Banner." Hendrix died in 1970 from drug-related complications, leaving his mark on the world of rock music and remaining popular to this day.

Who organized Woodstock?

The Woodstock Music Festival was the brainchild of four men, all age 27 or younger, looking for an investment opportunity: John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld and Michael Lang. Lang had organized the successful Miami Music Festival in 1968 and Kornfeld was the youngest vice president at Capitol Records.

How many people were left at Woodstock when Hendrix played?

Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock: Historic Concert Captured on Film. By the time Jimi Hendrix arrived onstage at the Woodstock Festival on the morning of August 18, 1969, the crowd of nearly 500,000 people had dwindled to fewer than 40,000.