WOODSTOCK MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL OPENS
Bethel, New York (JFK+50) The Woodstock Music & Art Festival opened today on Max Yasgur's 600 acre dairy farm near the village of White Lake.
The festival is billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music".
Scheduled to entertain include Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, The Grateful Dead, Sly & the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix & Creedence Clearwater Revival.*
*32 acts would perform over 4 days. "Rolling Stone" would later list Woodstock as one of the 50 moments that changed the history of rock n roll.
Woodstock Nation
Photo by Derek Redmond
& Paul Campbell
After the festival, the organizers were left with a $1 million debt & faced 70 lawsuits filed against them.
August 15, 1965
THE BEATLES PLAY SHEA STADIUM
New York City (JFK+50) The British rock group, "The Beatles", performed this evening before 55,600 fans at New York's Shea Stadium.
The performance was promoted by Sid Bernstein.
The popular group was introduced on stage by television host Ed Sullivan who said to the crowd:
"Now, Ladies & Gentlemen, honored by their country, decorated by their Queen & loved here in America, here are the Beatles."
The Beatles Perform at Shea Stadium
August 15, 1962
JFK INSPECTS USCG's "EAGLE"
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy today inspected the United States Coast Guard Academy's training barque "Eagle" today at Pier 2 of the Navy Yard Annex here in Washington, D.C.
August 15, 1961
PRESIDENT ATTENDS ALL SAINTS' DAY MASS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy attended an All Saints Day mass celebrated at St. Matthew's Cathedral on Rhode Island Avenue here in Washington this morning.
Attending with the President were assistants Kenneth O'Donnell, David Powers & Timothy Reardon.
St. Matthew's Cathedral
Rhode Island Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Photo by John White
July 14, 2003
August 15, 1947
INDIA GRANTED INDEPENDENCE FROM UK
New Delhi, India (JFK+50) India was granted independence today from the United Kingdom.
The 1st prime minister of an independent India, Jawaharial Nehru, addressed his people.
Soviet Stamp Honoring Nehru
August 15, 1935
WILL ROGERS & WILEY POST DIE IN AIR CRASH
Barrow, Alaska (JFK+50) Comedian & entertainer Will Rogers & aviator Wiley Post perished today in attempting to take off in bad weather near Barrow, Alaska.
Will Rogers & Wiley Post (on wing)
Post had landed the plane in a lagoon & then when he attempted to take off again experienced engine problems.
Both men died instantly in the crash.
Will Rogers, called the Oklahoma Cowboy, was an actor, comic, columnist & radio personality.
Mr. Rogers had once told his audience:
"My epitaph is going to read: 'I never met a man I didn't like'."*
*Will Rogers once proclaimed: "I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat."
Will Rogers
1879-1935
