RIP Michael Lang: Co-creator of Woodstock Festival and Genesis Author
Concert promoter, author and co-creator of Woodstock Music & Art Festival, Michael Lang, passed away on 8 January 2022. He was 77 years old. Michael served as the prime organiser of Woodstock Festival, 15-18 August, 1969, with a line-up that included Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Who.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Michael later moved to Miami where he began promoting concerts. He produced the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, which featured a line-up consisting of Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix and John Lee Hooker. Later, when he moved to Woodstock, Michael and Artie Kornfield developed the idea of Woodstock Festival together. In his Genesis edition, Woodstock Experience, Michael discussed how he hit upon the idea:
'Eight months before the event, I had a dream. I was on a stage looking out at a sea of people, and I knew that was coming. I didn't have the specifics of it, but I had the end results. I just followed that.'
The festival flourished from dream into reality, attracting over half a million people and becoming a highpoint in music history. Following Woodstock, Michael went on to manage Joe Cocker, who previously performed at Woodstock. Their partnership lasted over 20 years.
In addition to authoring the sold-out edition Woodstock Experience, Michael also contributed to Janis Joplin: Days & Summers. The team at Genesis are saddened to hear about Michael's passing and send our condolences to his family and friends.
