John Sebastian - a Son of Woodstock

I just about feinted. I snagged this gem last year for .49 cents.  If you are old enough to remember Woodstock - then John Sebastian is the prodigal son thereof.  This cover photo was selected by Woodstock creator Michael Lang to grace the front cover of his fine book.  On the right side - you can see the list of The Players.  They are: Dallas Taylor, Stephen Stills, The Ikettes, Reinol Isaac Andino, Danny Weiss, Gayle Levant, Buddy Emmons, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Beutens & friends, David Crosby, Bruce Langhorne, Buzz Linhart and Graham Nash.  Some names we know - some we don't.  You might also know John from the band he was in and fronted - the Lovin' Spoonful.  They are in the RNRHOF.  John Sebastian came on at Woodstock, on the 2nd day, Saturday, at about 3:30 pm, when the weather seemed OK, in the unenviable spot right after Carlo Santana.  John's 5-song set was filmed and has been described at mellow and playful.  Before his one-song encore, John allegedly commented, "Just love everybody all around ya, and clean up a little garbage on your way out and everything's gonna be alright."  This is a great interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq2IVpkBikE&feature=related

John Sebastian - revisiting Woodstock

There should be a special wing (maybe there is - I've never been there) at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for those performers fortunate, good, and/or wise enough to have played at Woodstock.  Iron Butterfly was rejected based on the band's unreasonable and downright hokey demands.  Joni Mitchell did not want to miss her appearance on the Dick Cavett show on that Monday.  But legends were made and reinforced that weekend: CSN, The Who, Santana, Janis, and Jimi.  But John Sebastian, and certainly Richie Havens earned his stripes there.  And the obscure and tragic Tim Hardin would have been even more obscure had not played, and what about the Friday night lullaby from Joan Baez.  Legend has it - Joe Cocker invented playing Air Guitar there.  I guess even ShaNaNa should get their props.  So anytime I see any used record by anyone who played at Woodstock - I grab it.  See Henry Gross - below. 

John Sebastian.   Played at Woodstock.