Did Richard Bell perform at Woodstock 1969?

Answer 1

Richard Bell (March 5th,1946 - June 15th, 2007) was a versatile, accomplished and renowned musician, and was associated with many of the artists who performed at Woodstock in 1969. (Aug 15th to Aug 18th) However his name is not included in the list of scheduled performers at that event. Nor does he appear to have been in any of the backing groups.

1968-1970

During his career he was the keyboard player in a number of bands.

In 1968 he played piano in Ronnie Hawkins' backing band 'The Hawks.' In 1970 The Hawks separated from Ronnie Hawkins and became Crowbar. Previously, in '69, Richard Bell had already left the Hawks, with guitarist John Till, joining Janis Joplin's group, the Full Tilt Boogie Band.

'The Band'

Before 1970 The Hawks produced a number of albums and also became known as The Band. Although 'The Band' played at Woodstock 1969, Richard Bell does not appear to have been part of The Band's line up at that time.

It wasn't until 1991/92, after the death of The Band's pianist Stan Szelest, (who had replaced Richard Manual, the groups' original keyboard player) that Richard Bell became a permanent member of The Band.

Janice Joplin

When Janice Joplin performed at Woodstock 69 she was accompanied by her Kozmic Blues Band. There does not seem to be any mention that Richard Bell ever played with that band. It wasn't until 1970 that he joined Janice Joplin, in her Full Tilt Boogie Band.

Biographies

There are a number of online biographies of Richard Bell, but none seems to make any specific mention of him actually performing at Woodstock in 1969. During interviews in more recent times he does not appear ever to have said that he performed there in 1969. Nor does anyone else seem to have recorded him as being there.

1969

So, did Richard Bell play at Woodstock 69? There appears to be nothing to confirm that he did. Even so, absence of evidence cannot be taken as evidence of absence!

After Woodstock '69

After Janis Joplin's death in October 1970 Richard Bell actually moved to Woodstock and became a session musician. He also joined a number of the groups that came out of Woodstock 69, as mentioned above. He has also performed with many other famous rock musicians.

For more information about Richard Bell and Woodstock '69, see Related links below.