PBS Celebrates Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary With ‘Three Days That Defined a Generation’

In August 1969, half a million young people from all walks of life journeyed from every corner of the country to a dairy farm in upstate New York for a concert unprecedented in scope and influence.

In conjunction with the 50th anniversary, Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation premieres Tuesday, August 6 (check local listings) on PBS.

Woodstock examines the tumultuous decade that led to those three historic days — years that saw the nation deeply divided by Vietnam and racial, generational and sexual politics — through the voices of those who were present for the event that would become the defining moment of the counterculture revolution.

Courtesy of Museum at Bethal Woods, Copyright Doug Lenier

“For three days in August 1969, the values of ‘peace and love,’ loudly championed by the counterculture movement, were actually put to the test in the miserable conditions at Woodstock,” said director Barak Goodman.

Courtesy of Henry Diltz

“The more than 400,000 people who attended the festival proved that they were more than just words. For a surprising number of people, that brief encounter with sacrifice, cooperation and generosity changed their lives. I think Woodstock continues to inspire because the grace demonstrated there was real and enduring.”

 

Interviewees include festival producers and staff including Donald Goldmacher, Carol Green, Michael Lang, John Morris, John Roberts and Joel Rosenman; activist Wavy Gravy; festival attendees and others.

Woodstock: Three Days that Defined a Generation, Premiere, Tuesday, August 6, 9/8c, PBS (Check your local listings)