Forty years ago, amidst the decadence and destruction of a nation at war, civil unrest, and political dissention, the most sensational and romanticized event known to mankind was orchestrated by Artie Kornfeld and his partners in Woodstock Ventures. This is the life of a New York archetypal bad boy -- a believer who saw music as the universal solvent for global rapport and acceptance and used his ability to unite the masses. From the streets of New York City, to hit songwriter, to collaborations with legendary musicians, this is the life of an extraordinary man. All these years later, Artie still sees the Spirit of Woodstock as critical for universal peace -- just as he did as a twenty-five-year-old icon in the world of rock royalty. This is a nonfictional diary of an American rock 'n' roller, a proponent of '60s euphoria and the causes that ignited the youth movement. An odyssey, a time machine, and a must-read for the millions of Baby Boomers and younger generations.
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BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR
The Pied Piper of Woodstock
Artie Kornfeld
Spirit of the Woodstock Nation
Five Stars (out of Five)
More than a mere three days of peace, love, mud, and music, the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Festival was a cultural landmark in a tumultuous decade. It was the brainchild of Artie Kornfeld, songwriter, music producer, and so-called “Pied Piper of Woodstock.” In his memoir, Kornfeld traces his life from early musical prodigy to organizer of the concert that changed the country.
Pied Piper begins when Kornfeld was a musically gifted child raised by a radical socialist mother and a union activist father. Kornfeld became the youngest VP at Capitol Records at the age of twenty-one, and by twenty-four he had written more than seventy-five songs that hit the Billboard charts. Kornfeld’s ebullient, swiftly paced prose takes readers nimbly through his pre-Woodstock years, portraying his achievements as formative steps on the way to his crowning glory—Woodstock.
Pied Piper details every step in the development of the momentous festival. From booking the acts to securing a venue, each piece of the process is described in a casual, intimate tone that draws in the reader. The meat of the book comes in long chapters each devoted to one day at Woodstock, with subsections for each performer that include lively character sketches. True to activist form, Kornfeld expounds on the Woodstock ethos of “peace and music” and why it was so important.
Kornfeld’s book is more than a simple memoir of one of the most important concerts in U.S. history; it is also a detailed, personal account of the 1960s’ rock culture, music, and personalities. The text contains historical photographs and news clippings about key players on the Woodstock scene. Also included are lyrics from Kornfeld’s rock songs and full-color reproductions of dreamy, pacifist paintings by Jim Warren. Pied Piper provides a panoramic, comprehensive collage of the times and people (complete with a detailed index at the end).
With a highly personal and chatty style, Pied Piper uses a wealth of detail to create excitement as the intricate concert preparations come to fruition. A constant stream of anecdotes brings to life the personalities of the festival without becoming bogged down in minutiae or confusing the reader. This is one book that really makes readers feel like they were there.
As a valuable historical document of an important concert and a joyful paean to the revolutionary spirit of an era, The Pied Piper of Woodstock will engross historians, rock lovers, and casual readers alike.
Elizabeth A. Allen
About the Author
Artie Kornfeld is a music industry icon. He has been a hit songwriter, performer, producer, publisher, label executive, manager, and promoter. Best known as the cocreator, producer, and promoter of the Woodstock festival in 1969, Artie embodies the spirit of the greatest musical and social phenomenon of our time. He has personally known the rock stars, lived the dream of the Woodstock Nation, soothed the egos of anxious musicians, written the songs that propelled them to the top of the charts, and arranged the deals that made them famous. From childhood through his days at the Brill Building and Capitol Records, through good times and bad, "The Pied Piper of Woodstock" leads us on his tumultuous journey to Yasgur's Farm and beyond. He gives us the inside scoop on what Woodstock meant to his generation, and what it continues to mean to all who appreciate what occurred during those three magical days in August 1969.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"...and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number..." Rev 7:9
October 11, 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Once I received my copy, I stayed up late, reading it with great interest. As I have already described below, I am fascinated in the subject of this book and Artie Kornfeld has a perspective I have never seen fully explored before. It's been nearly 50 years since he started down the path to becoming a pivotal force in the music industry. He cowrote many songs you would know, including the classic Dead Man's Curve (working with Glen Campell and Leon Russell, who were part of Wrecking Crew at the time). He's managed the careers of many big names. Early on, he launched the Cowsills by cowriting The Rain the Park & Other Things (I Love the Flower Girl). He also cowrote "Follow me...I'm the Pied Piper..." hence the title of this book. He's had personal and professional relationships with Sonny & Cher, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, John Sebastian, Bert Sommer, Chuck Berry, Neli Young, and the list goes on. Artie has finally collected reminiscences from his life in music, including the historic experiences that culminated in 3 days of Peace and Music in 1969. He has a message that is still relevant to a war-torn world today. He bares his soul in a brutally candid and touching chapter that deals with addiction and the heartbreaking loss of both his beloved wife, Linda, and daughter Jamie. Artie: we will all be together again someday, my brother, we are still together. My sincere condolences to you. In my next breath, I should congratulate you for your lifelong achievements.
The book is very nicely produced with a good deal of colorful artwork and photographs. The chapters are categorized and also broken down into bite-sized sub headings, which makes for pleasant reading - like taking a box of tasty chocolates to bed! At Woodstock in 1969, he was on stage nearly throughout as he gathered releases for the film, which became a landmark documentary of this landmark event, and he gives a play-by-play of the events and the performances from a place anyone else has only been in their dreams. Over the years, I've read alot about the concert - nearly everything I could find that seemed authoritative - and I am glad to have another view of the event from someone who was at the center of it all. I had already written a positive review (see below), even before receiving the book, because I knew it would be an interesting book to read and believe it's important to support this long-awaited book's release. This man and his message, as revealed at last to the world here are compelling. It is a book that deserves to be read. Peace
***********
As a student of music and the 60's in general and Woodstock (the concert) in particular, I have been anxiously waiting to hear Artie Kornfeld's own voice describe his true life experiences - and I am glad the day has finally come! This man is a seminal figure in that culture which I hold dear to my heart. He helped to define the Woodstock Nation, even after the last notes had become only echoes in an empty field, and the multitude had returned to their homes.
I've been visiting Woodstock (the town) since I started driving, 36 years ago (so, I was too young to attend the concert) and I'll admit that it has always been a touchstone for me. Of course, the concert site was in a neighboring county, but it was not somewhere else in spirit from the place I am drawn to, again and again. I have enjoyed discovering the reasons that the concert, a true phenomenon, was conceived as it was, and I still struggle to understand the immense importance the event had in opening our eyes to the possibilities of the producers' vision. I am seeking the truth of it so that I can explain it to my own child, because I want him to know why it is meaningful to me.
Artie's work to keep the faith alive has been an encouragement to many people around the world, and I am grateful to him for committing his message to paper. He knows, firsthand, what the movers and shakers of a generation know. He helped define his generation and he is still making the call to, as Lincoln said in his inaugural address: "the better angels of our nature". If you are reading this, I expect you will be fascinated to find out how it all went down. If you have even a passing interest in the movement, then I recommend you listen to this thoughtful man's take on how we might get back to the garden.
Dan Ramirez
The book is very nicely produced with a good deal of colorful artwork and photographs. The chapters are categorized and also broken down into bite-sized sub headings, which makes for pleasant reading - like taking a box of tasty chocolates to bed! At Woodstock in 1969, he was on stage nearly throughout as he gathered releases for the film, which became a landmark documentary of this landmark event, and he gives a play-by-play of the events and the performances from a place anyone else has only been in their dreams. Over the years, I've read alot about the concert - nearly everything I could find that seemed authoritative - and I am glad to have another view of the event from someone who was at the center of it all. I had already written a positive review (see below), even before receiving the book, because I knew it would be an interesting book to read and believe it's important to support this long-awaited book's release. This man and his message, as revealed at last to the world here are compelling. It is a book that deserves to be read. Peace
***********
As a student of music and the 60's in general and Woodstock (the concert) in particular, I have been anxiously waiting to hear Artie Kornfeld's own voice describe his true life experiences - and I am glad the day has finally come! This man is a seminal figure in that culture which I hold dear to my heart. He helped to define the Woodstock Nation, even after the last notes had become only echoes in an empty field, and the multitude had returned to their homes.
I've been visiting Woodstock (the town) since I started driving, 36 years ago (so, I was too young to attend the concert) and I'll admit that it has always been a touchstone for me. Of course, the concert site was in a neighboring county, but it was not somewhere else in spirit from the place I am drawn to, again and again. I have enjoyed discovering the reasons that the concert, a true phenomenon, was conceived as it was, and I still struggle to understand the immense importance the event had in opening our eyes to the possibilities of the producers' vision. I am seeking the truth of it so that I can explain it to my own child, because I want him to know why it is meaningful to me.
Artie's work to keep the faith alive has been an encouragement to many people around the world, and I am grateful to him for committing his message to paper. He knows, firsthand, what the movers and shakers of a generation know. He helped define his generation and he is still making the call to, as Lincoln said in his inaugural address: "the better angels of our nature". If you are reading this, I expect you will be fascinated to find out how it all went down. If you have even a passing interest in the movement, then I recommend you listen to this thoughtful man's take on how we might get back to the garden.
Dan Ramirez
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
One of the most anticipated book releases in the music industry, "The Pied Piper of Woodstock", the memoirs of Woodstock 1969 co-creator Artie Kornfeld. The book is a no holds barred, real deal account of the before-during-and-after of Woodstock told by the heavily influential music icon. In addition to outlining Kornfeld's life growing up in the culture of American music, it covers his early career as a performer and songwriter, to his breakthrough as a producer promotion director, label owner, and arranger of some of the biggest names in music. Artie Kornfeld promises an interesting and accurate, tell-all depiction of growing up in the culture of American music and putting on the granddaddy of all music fesivals.
At a very young age, Kornfeld found himself swept up in the music phenomenon of the 1960's. He co-wrote the song "Pied Piper", which became a U.S. number one hit, soon found himself in the studio with Dion and the Belmonts and, after becoming the youngest-ever VP at a major record label in his early 20's, Kornfeld became a major driving force behind making the Woodstock festival a reality. Artie's dedication was solely responsible for Warner Brothers making the event into an academy award winning documentary, solidifying Woodstock's place in American history.
As far as the 1969 festival is concerned, Kornfeld had the bands and connections to make it happen. The first vice president of rock and roll had been involved in the most chart topping songs and events of the time with a passion to get the message out. Kornfeld also convinced Fred Weintraub, VP of Warner Brothers to sign a hand written Woodstock movie deal only one day before the festival. He is featured in the documentary so often due to the fact that he had to convince the musicians to appear in the Warner's film. "The Pied Piper" is a brand new account of Woodstock 1969 as Artie and Linda Kornfeld experienced it.
This book also delves into the Kornfeld family history. Shirley Kornfeld had been involved in the Civil Rights movement and is the creator of the freedom rides and telethons for the Congress of Racial Equality. Contained within his memoirs is a letter from the president of C.O.R.E. stating that without his mother's participation, integration of American schools would have been pushed back 30 years.
Artie Kornfeld made his living producing some of the biggest names in music history as well as spurring the alternative rock progression. He is accredited with over 100 gold and platinum awards, not to mention a total of 12 BMI awards. "The Pied Piper" is the official memoir of musician, record producer, music executive, and the Father of Woodstock, Artie Kornfeld.
At a very young age, Kornfeld found himself swept up in the music phenomenon of the 1960's. He co-wrote the song "Pied Piper", which became a U.S. number one hit, soon found himself in the studio with Dion and the Belmonts and, after becoming the youngest-ever VP at a major record label in his early 20's, Kornfeld became a major driving force behind making the Woodstock festival a reality. Artie's dedication was solely responsible for Warner Brothers making the event into an academy award winning documentary, solidifying Woodstock's place in American history.
As far as the 1969 festival is concerned, Kornfeld had the bands and connections to make it happen. The first vice president of rock and roll had been involved in the most chart topping songs and events of the time with a passion to get the message out. Kornfeld also convinced Fred Weintraub, VP of Warner Brothers to sign a hand written Woodstock movie deal only one day before the festival. He is featured in the documentary so often due to the fact that he had to convince the musicians to appear in the Warner's film. "The Pied Piper" is a brand new account of Woodstock 1969 as Artie and Linda Kornfeld experienced it.
This book also delves into the Kornfeld family history. Shirley Kornfeld had been involved in the Civil Rights movement and is the creator of the freedom rides and telethons for the Congress of Racial Equality. Contained within his memoirs is a letter from the president of C.O.R.E. stating that without his mother's participation, integration of American schools would have been pushed back 30 years.
Artie Kornfeld made his living producing some of the biggest names in music history as well as spurring the alternative rock progression. He is accredited with over 100 gold and platinum awards, not to mention a total of 12 BMI awards. "The Pied Piper" is the official memoir of musician, record producer, music executive, and the Father of Woodstock, Artie Kornfeld.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Eventhough I have never met artie Kornfeld personally, I feel an intense connection and union with this true Paragon of Peace and Love. I have expressed to Artie in email and through blog posts my sincere appreciation to him for his vision and efforts in making the Original Woodstock Event such a reality, and for his continual efforts to bring peace and harmony to this nation and the world. It was because he gave birth to the most peaceful and life altering event in American history that My very life was changed forever.
It was at this event while stuck in traffic on 17b that a young girl hopped onto the back of my motorcycle and rode with me into the 1969 Woodstock Festival. We spent three magical days together. Less than a year later Maria became my wife. On June 28 we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our story was recently featured on a Dateline NBC "Back to Woodstock" special.
With great anticipation I have just ordered "The Pied Piper of Woodstock". Thank you Artie for making my dreams come true, and thank you for producing this wonderful book in which you give us great insight into the wonderful person you are by sharing your thoughts, love and inspirations.
October 20,2009
Wow,
Artie I hope everyone reads your book in the same manner I did, slowly savoring every line. Phewwww, I just read the last three chapters. Totally blew me away. I know my higher power directed me to read it this way. Incredible! Having attended the 1999 Woodstock event (at the ORIGINAL site) as I did thirty years prior, because I too thought the Spirit had been corrupted with the new venture and location, I felt your sense of betrayal.
What was more profound however was this one sentence (and forgive me for revealing it here) but it sums up for me so much of what your life's work, personal integrity and inspiration is all about:
"The performers at Woodstock were no more important to me than any one individual, and I think everybody there knew that they were as important as anybody up there on stage."
That's how you live your life Artie. You are truly a self-less and admirable person and I am so grateful to have made your acquaintance. What you have shared in these pages is remarkable! I fully endorse and
encourage everyone to obtain and read your sincere and and awesome insights, into this thing called life!
All I can say at this point is - THANK YOU ARTIE!!!!!
Peace my Brother,
Patrick Colucci
aka
Christopher Cole
author of
The Closer's Song
a Woodstock story told from the Mud
It was at this event while stuck in traffic on 17b that a young girl hopped onto the back of my motorcycle and rode with me into the 1969 Woodstock Festival. We spent three magical days together. Less than a year later Maria became my wife. On June 28 we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our story was recently featured on a Dateline NBC "Back to Woodstock" special.
With great anticipation I have just ordered "The Pied Piper of Woodstock". Thank you Artie for making my dreams come true, and thank you for producing this wonderful book in which you give us great insight into the wonderful person you are by sharing your thoughts, love and inspirations.
October 20,2009
Wow,
Artie I hope everyone reads your book in the same manner I did, slowly savoring every line. Phewwww, I just read the last three chapters. Totally blew me away. I know my higher power directed me to read it this way. Incredible! Having attended the 1999 Woodstock event (at the ORIGINAL site) as I did thirty years prior, because I too thought the Spirit had been corrupted with the new venture and location, I felt your sense of betrayal.
What was more profound however was this one sentence (and forgive me for revealing it here) but it sums up for me so much of what your life's work, personal integrity and inspiration is all about:
"The performers at Woodstock were no more important to me than any one individual, and I think everybody there knew that they were as important as anybody up there on stage."
That's how you live your life Artie. You are truly a self-less and admirable person and I am so grateful to have made your acquaintance. What you have shared in these pages is remarkable! I fully endorse and
encourage everyone to obtain and read your sincere and and awesome insights, into this thing called life!
All I can say at this point is - THANK YOU ARTIE!!!!!
Peace my Brother,
Patrick Colucci
aka
Christopher Cole
author of
The Closer's Song
a Woodstock story told from the Mud
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome
One of the best books I have read about music history, a man that lost much by many that greedily took started long ago
Published 9 days ago by George Costello
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST READ
one of the best books I have read. Artie Kornfeld takes us on a journey of a dream and a few friends that turned into history. It is a must read.
Published 3 months ago by trish williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Pied Piper of Woodstock
I've been booking bands and have always had a passion for music. I was a little to young to attend Woodstock, but I have seen the movie & listen to the music which will have some... Read more
Published on January 10, 2011 by DeMarco Productions
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bringing the Woodstock nation together, old and young.
This tells the Woodstock story from behind the scenes - and begins way before 1969: This is a book about life, about passion, hopes; fears. Read more
Published on December 16, 2010 by Matthew Fernandes WILKINSON
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Gospel of one mans journey in the music industry..To this day the...
This book is the written by and about Artie Kornfeld a remarkable individual. This book is the Holly Grail of how the most historic peaceful three day gathering of over 500,000... Read more
Published on November 7, 2010 by Michael J. Soltis
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic
I have become friends with Artie online, and when I heard he wrote a book I ordered. I give it all stars without reading it yet (comes on Thursday) because I see his spirit and I... Read more
Published on September 13, 2010 by Johnny Swan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Follow me; I'm the Pied Piper
In a sea of books, here is a book that is written with honesty, Love and passion about the most incredible musical event that has occurred on this planet. Read more
Published on September 6, 2010 by Lilatoy
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Absolute Truth and Best of the Best about Woodstock and more
I have looked at various books about Woodstock 69, but after attending the 40th anniversary I was eager to learn even more. Read more
Published on August 27, 2010 by Robin Stevens Evans
5.0 out of 5 stars
an important 'peace' of history
Woodstock was more than a music festival, more than a hippy gathering, more than a fun time, Woodstock made History and created a meaning for a generation of young people,... Read more
Published on June 21, 2010 by Richard A. Okun
5.0 out of 5 stars
If there's a rock and roll heaven?
This book is a marvelous trip through the 60's music scene. Artie Kornfeld gives of his heart and soul to offer us an inspiring account into the world of rock and roll's past that... Read more
Published on May 20, 2010 by Thomas
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