The Woodstock music festival was 50 years ago this week. It was an epic example of the power of music. Here we present three performances from Woodstock, plus a prelude (D.A. Pennebaker/Duke Ellington) and a coda (Bernie Sanders/Cardi B). Enjoy.
Prelude: a generation before Woodstock (1953) D.A. Pennebaker's short first film created the visual accompaniment to Duke Ellington's Take the A Train. The music without lyrics and documentary without narrator broke ground by allowing a people's activity to speak for itself.
From spirituals about the trials of slavery to the fight for civil rights and the modern rhythms of swing music, Duke Ellington told a story about black life that was both beautiful and complex.
Reader Comments - 2014 Moral Freedom Summer Organizer Fellowship (Correction); Jews Speak Out against censorship bans; Auto Parts Strike; Carl Bloice remembered; Charlie Chaplin Legacy; Chris Christie;
Announcements - Harlem Celebrates-Duke Ellington's 115th; May Day Rally in New York; Third Annual NYC Film Festival - Global Labor Solidarity; Cuba travel; Volunteer opportunities in El Salvador
Spread the word