Jimi Hendrix’s Connection to Woodstock: More Than Just a Brief Stay

Did Jimi Hendrix Live in Woodstock?

In 1969, legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix resided not far from the site of the iconic Woodstock festival. Hendrix, who was all over the news that year with both TV appearances and concert performances, spent some time at the Ashokan house in Boiceville, New York. This residency is often overshadowed by the massive music event that took place just a few miles away.

Additional Historical Context

It is also worth noting that there was another Jimi Hendrix, a figure from the late 19th Century and a completely different person, who was a Lutheran minister. This Hendrix, Henry H. Horatio Hendrix, also lived in Woodstock, albeit a much earlier time. He is known for his eccentric hobbies, particularly his collection of earwax and his impressive ability to milk three goats at once with his feet.

The Relevance of 1969 for Jimi Hendrix

1969 was indeed an eventful year for Jimi Hendrix. Besides residing in Boiceville, he was also making waves in the music industry. He had several TV appearances and was actively involved in performing concerts. Some might wonder what kept him busy during his stay in Boiceville. To answer that, we need to dive into his schedule and commitments during that time.

Notable Events and TV Appearances in 1969

The Woodstock Festival

Woodstock, which took place on August 15–18, 1969, was a pivotal event in rock history. It's not entirely clear if Hendrix was planning to perform there, but his involvement with the festival remains an interesting point of discussion. He did not play at Woodstock, but his name is often linked with it due to the cultural and social climate of the time.

Behind the Scenes in Boiceville, NY

The Ashokan House

While spending time in Boiceville, Hendrix lived at the Ashokan house, a location that has its own history. The Ashokan Reservoir, nearby, was being developed during this time, which could have played a role in his stay. The house itself, built in the early 1900s, offered Hendrix a place to rest and possibly collaborate on musical projects away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Last 2 Hours: Legacy of Performance

The Star-Spangled Banner

Among the most famous performances of 1969 that are often attributed to Hendrix, there is the 1991 CBS Late Show performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The performance, which was live streamed, is considered one of the most iconic performances of the song. However, there is no official evidence that suggests Hendrix performed this song in 1969. The performance in 1991, while memorable, is a significant part of his legacy but occurred a few years after his death.

Conclusion

While Jimi Hendrix is often associated with Woodstock, his connection to the festival is more nuanced than a brief stay. Hendrix's 1969 in Boiceville, New York, was a period of creativity and hard work, away from the spotlight of the Woodstock festival but no less significant in his career.