No Forth of July would be complete for me without listening to two music performances.
First, the legendary rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969. Just as time is divided into B.C. and A.D my life is divided into B.H, and A.H., for before and after I discovered Jimi Hendrix, who has ever since been my favorite guitarist. And, second, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture played by the Boston Pops on the Esplanade. I have the 1976 Bicentennial version conducted by Arthur Fiedler. I was there somewhere in that crowd of over 250,000 people that night.
I invite you to join me for my annual ritual of reinvigoration, recharge, and nostalgia for these incredible times in our history, and an amazing performances.
Jimi Hendrix: Star Spangled Banner @ Woodstock 1969
How I wish Jimi Hendrix hadn't died so young.
Can you imagine him coming out each year to play this for us had he lived?
And here is the 1976 Bicentennial Performance of the 1812 Overture conducted by Arthur Fiedler. I was there somewhere in that crowd. Sadly, this recording does not contain the lower register vibrations of the cannons and titanium bomb fireworks that shook through one's whole body. BTW this tape does not contain the fireworks display that came after this for some reason. If 18 minutes is too long for you can slide the knob up to about 15:30 for the crescendo.
Boston Pops 1812 July 4, 1976 Bicentennial
Boston Pops 1812 July 4, 1976 Bicentennial
Well, Happy Forth of July kogs.
Be safe.