Michael Lang

Easton Press Michael Lang books

The Road to Woodstock - Signed First Edition - 2009

Michael Lang biography

Michael Lang, born on December 11, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American entrepreneur, producer, and music promoter best known for his pivotal role in organizing the iconic Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. Lang's influence extends beyond Woodstock, encompassing a wide range of cultural and musical endeavors that have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Growing up in New York City during the vibrant cultural upheaval of the 1960s, Lang developed a deep love for music and a keen interest in countercultural movements. In his early twenties, he became involved in the burgeoning music scene of Greenwich Village, where he befriended musicians and artists who would later become central figures in the Woodstock festival.

In 1969, Lang, along with business partners Artie Kornfeld, Joel Rosenman, and John P. Roberts, organized the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, a three-day festival of peace, love, and music held on a farm in upstate New York. The event, which featured performances by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Santana, attracted an estimated 400,000 attendees and became a defining moment of the 1960s counterculture. Despite numerous logistical challenges and setbacks, including traffic jams, rainstorms, and overcrowding, Woodstock proved to be a resounding success, cementing Lang's reputation as a visionary promoter and cultural icon. The festival's legacy as a symbol of unity, creativity, and social change continues to resonate to this day, inspiring subsequent generations of artists and activists.

Following the success of Woodstock, Lang continued to be involved in various music-related ventures, including organizing concerts and festivals, managing artists, and producing records. He played a key role in launching the careers of several prominent musicians and bands, helping to shape the direction of popular music in the decades that followed.

In addition to his work in the music industry, Lang has also been involved in various philanthropic and environmental causes, using his platform to advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Throughout his career, Michael Lang has remained a passionate advocate for the transformative power of music and art to inspire positive change in the world. His contributions to the cultural landscape, particularly through his role in organizing Woodstock, have left an indelible mark on the history of music and the collective consciousness of generations of music lovers and activists.