55 years ago, an event forever marked the history of music and culture of the 20th century: Woodstock! The legendary music festival, which took place from August 15 to 18, 1969 in Bethel, New York, became a symbol of the '60s counterculture and the spirit of “peace and love.”

Throwback to a legendary event

Woodstock wasn’t just a music festival; it was a movement. More than 400,000 people gathered on the grassy fields of Max Yasgur’s farm for the iconic four days. The event featured 32 of the era’s most influential artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and more, making it a must-see musical event.

An unforgettable line-up

Who could forget Jimi Hendrix’s masterful rendition of the American national anthem on his electric guitar, or Janis Joplin’s furious vocals? Here’s a look at some of the unforgettable performances that marked the event:

• The Who - "My Generation"

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• Janis Joplin - "Try"

• Santana - "Soul Sacrifice"

• Jimi Hendrix - "The Star-Spangled Banner"

The cultural impact 🌍

Woodstock was not only a platform for music but also for ideals of peace, unity and social change. It was a high point for the baby boomer generation who were campaigning for issues such as civil rights, sexual liberation and an end to the Vietnam War. The event and its media coverage inspired future generations, confirming that music has an immense unifying power. It was a true revolution!

A lasting legacy 🌿

55 years later, the legacy of Woodstock lives on. Tributes and festivals inspired by Woodstock continue to flourish, attesting to the power of this event still present in the collective imagination. The iconography of the festival - with its psychedelic posters and timeless photographs - remains a major cultural reference.

To honour this anniversary, Deezer offers you a special Woodstock channel, to relive or discover the songs that thrilled hundreds of thousands of festival-goers in 1969 along with some cool playlists of the artists that performed at this legendary festival.