Song:Rock & Soul Music
Album:Woodstock: Music From The Original Soundtrack And More
With their anti Vietnam war songs and counterculture appeal, Country Joe & The Fish were a very popular band for a couple of years in the late 60s. And they are probably best remembered for their appearance at Woodstock. The group was led by singer songwriter Country Joe McDonald (born Jan. 1, 1942 in Washington, DC) and guitarist Barry "The Fish" Melton (born June 14, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY). McDonald grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of El Monte and his father named him after Joseph Stalin. After McDonald finished a stint in the US Navy in 1964, he moved to Berkeley and started performing and getting involved in political protests. He had a group called the Instant Action Jug Band and that's where he met Melton. They went through various lineups but eventually Country Joe & The Fish signed with folk label Vanguard. They were very successful and The I Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die Rag got them the most attention. By the time they played Woodstock, the group was on its last legs. But their performance is memorable and the Woodstock soundtrack is available in this 2CD set. McDonald has recorded solo over the years and Melton went on to form the group Dinosaurs. He's a criminal defense attorney and is currently public defender in Yolo County, California. Here's Country Joe & The Fish performing Rock & Soul Music at Woodstock 1969.
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