In 1969, one of
the most influential electric guitarist of all times Jimi Hendrix played his iconic
Monday morning is set to close out the inaugural Woodstock Music & Art Fair held
in Bethel, New York.

The festival is popularly
known as the mother of all American music festivals. It was as a three-day affair
originally, scheduled from Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 17, to spread a
message of unity and peace. However, due to 32 artists on the bill and rain
delays, the event extended into Monday.

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Jimi Hendrix’s set began at 9
a.m. and continued for about two hours. It featured a mid-set medley that
included the solo rip of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as well as an
unusual choice on his part to play an encore despite the dwindling attendance.
The latter was Hey Joe, his first smash song.

The moment has been a subject
of discussion over the years on so many levels including rock ‘n’ roll
showmanship, creative expression, political context, musical talent, even an
act of protest. It is used to encapsulate the cultural environment at that period
in history.

Jimi Hendrix started to play
guitar as a youngster and went on to become a rock superstar known for his ground-breaking electric guitar playing in the 1960s. Hendrix pioneered a new musical genre by
mixing fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion. Jimi Hendrix’s rapid career in music happened in just
four years because he couldn’t read or write music. His performance at
Woodstock is remembered as one of the most memorable.

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Other than Jimi Hendrix, Crosby,
Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival,
Janis Joplin, Sly & The Family Stone, and The Who was among the
now-legendary names who participated in the hippie-centric music scene.