On the 46th anniversary of The Beatles conquering America, the world’s largest Beatles tribute festival, Abbey Road on the River, announced it would expand to National Harbor, Maryland, September 2-6, 2010. The new Labor Day Weekend music festival will bring more than 50 international bands and thousands of Beatles fans to the nation’s Capital.

The stunning Gaylord National Resort, the festival’s venue, will offer hotel rooms beginning at just $139 per night, 25% to 40% below standard rates. The four-star resort, the crown jewel of the new National Harbor, will be home base for Abbey Road on the River’s bands and attendees, hosting two indoor stages, four outdoor stages, seminars, and a Beatles merchandise market place.

Beatles fans will experience five days of peace, love and rock-n-roll at the Gaylord, steps from National Harbor’s shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and waterfront attractions. The Harbor is also a short ride from The White House, Mount Vernon, and other popular area attractions.

The 50 Beatles bands, from mop tops to Sgt. Peppers, represent a dozen different countries including Greece, Germany, Italy, England, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the USA. They will perform the entire discography of The Beatles from 1963′s “Please Please Me” through John, Paul, George and Ringo’s final history-making album together, 1970′s “Abbey Road.” And if you also love the music they made as solo artists, the event will feature special concerts dedicated to their careers after they were Fab. It all “comes together” on the banks of the Potomac River, giving their legions of fans the ultimate Fab Four Fan Weekend.

The Beatles, the best-selling band of the last ten years (as well as the past 46), is the one rock ‘n’ roll band that equally appeals to young and old. It was true in the 1960′s, and it’s more true now as longtime fans pass on their love for the Fab Four to their children and for many, now their grandchildren.

Room rates at the Gaylord National Resort normally ranging from $199-$379, are available for Abbey Road on the River attendees for just $139 per night. For guests staying three nights, this is a savings of over $200.

Families can take advantage of another Fab money saving incentive by purchasing their tickets by May 31st. Tickets purchased before May 31st include free admission for one 21 and under guest with each regular ticket holder. “One of the things we want to do is pass along the love of this music to others so that it can carry on,” festival organizer Gary Jacob said. “Everyone has an inner Beatle; combining The Beatles’ eternal music with this great venue is the perfect way for you to find it.”

Visit www.abbeyroadontheriver.com to see the lineup and schedule, purchase tickets, make reservations, and to get more information.

Source: GMJ Events

Elvis Presley, the most popular singer of his time, handed the White House security agents a handwritten letter addressed to the President of the United States, Richard Nixon, requesting a meeting with him. His five-page letter, written on American Airlines stationery, also indicated his desire to become a federal agent in the war on drugs and said, “P.S. . . I have a personal gift for you which I would like to present to you and I hope that you can accept it. . . ” The gift was a World War II-era Colt 45 pistol.

The letter set of a chain of events that eventually led to a meeting — within hours — between the “king of rock ‘n’ roll” and the “leader of the free world.” Security prevented Presley from presenting the President with the gun, but Nixon’s aides accepted it on his behalf, complete with some bullets.

At the meeting, pictures and detailed notes were taken. The photograph of Presley and Nixon, major figures in American culture and politics at the time, is still one of the most requested photographs from the National Archives’ holdings of 15 million images.

The famous meeting will be the highlight of a special event at the National Archives on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Two eyewitnesses: Egil “Bud” Krogh, who was an Assistant to the Counsel to the President, and Jerry Schilling, a music industry professional and long-time friend of Presley will describe the encounter. The discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be moderated by Timothy Naftali, Director of the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California, and introduced by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States.

The program commemorates the 75th anniversary of Presley’s birth on January 8; the next day is the 97th anniversary of Nixon’s birth.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. in the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archives. Admission is free. The McGowan Theater will open 30 minutes before the start of the program. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The public should use the Special Events Entrance to the National Archives, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.

Source: National Archives

Few figures in popular culture have endured in our collective consciousness as has multi-Grammy® Award-winning artist Elvis Presley. Crowned as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Presley’s revolutionary rockabilly music and captivating performances were as much a part of his legend as his uninhibited hip swivels, blue suede shoes, his charm and good looks. There have been motion pictures, television specials and books chronicling the roller-coaster life of Elvis Presley, and one of the most successful of these properties came in the acclaimed 1979 film ELVIS, starring Golden Globe nominee Kurt Russell in the title role, directed by John Carpenter. This highly regarded production captures the essence of The King at a time when his many fans were still mourning his passing. Hailed by audiences as one of the most powerful and moving biographical films, ELVIS garnered a Golden Globe nomination and multiple Emmy® nominations, including one for Kurt Russell as Outstanding Lead Actor for his incandescent performance as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The film also marked Carpenter and Russell’s first collaboration in what would become a legendary pairing.

Timed closely to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birth, Shout! Factory, in association with dick clark Productions, present ELVIS on DVD for the first time March 2, 2010. This collectible DVD features the main presentation of the movie restored from the original film elements as it was meant to be seen, as well as an array of bonus features including: “Bringing A Legend To Life,” a featurette with archival interviews of Kurt Russell and John Carpenter (1979); commentary by “The Voice Of Elvis,” Ronnie McDowell, and author Edie Hand; rare clips and captivating photo gallery. Even 33 years after his passing, Presley continues to burn a powerful image of rock stardom and still conquers new legions of fans through his indelible mark in worldwide pop culture. Available for the first time in the home entertainment marketplace, this long-awaited DVD debut of the film ELVIS is priced to own at $19.97.

Directed by John Carpenter, the biopic of Elvis Presley stars Kurt Russell and features the voice of ’70s country music hitmaker Ronnie McDowell re-creating Presley’s signature vocals. Tracing Presley’s life from his impoverished childhood to his meteoric rise to stardom to his triumphant return to Las Vegas, this film boasts an all-star ensemble including Academy Award® winner Shelley Winters (A Place In The Sun) as Elvis’ mother Gladys; Season Hubley (All My Children) as his wife Priscilla; Kurt Russell’s real-life father Bing Russell (The Magnificent Seven) as Elvis’s father Vernon Presley; Pat Hingle (Batman) as Colonel Tom Parker; Robert Gray (Murder She Wrote) as Red West; Golden Globe nominee Joe Mantegna (Searching for Bobby Fischer) as Memphis mafia member Joe Esposito; and Golden Globe nominee Ed Begley Jr. (St. Elsewhere) as D.J. Fontana.

IN-DEPTH DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
– “Bringing A Legend To Life” Featurette With Archival Interviews Of Kurt Russell And John Carpenter (1979)
– Commentary By “The Voice Of Elvis” Ronnie McDowell And Author Edie Hand
– Rare Clips From American Bandstand
– Photo Gallery

Source: Shout! Factory

Grammy-winning rock legend John Fogerty will star on the Emmy Award-winning live music series, LIVE BY REQUEST, coming to television this fall as a special presentation on PBS. Fogerty will perform music requested by the show’s viewers. The show is produced by Media Push Entertainment in association with PBS. LIVE BY REQUEST will air live Saturday, November 7, 2009, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS as a special fundraising program for PBS member stations.

For more than four decades, John Fogerty has been an American treasure: one of the most revered and influential artists to emerge in the 60s, and still a vital part of the musical landscape. As lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Creedence Clearwater Revival and as a Grammy-winning, chart-topping solo artist, Fogerty’s sound has encompassed everything from blues to country and southern swamp rock and roll. Known as one of the greatest songwriters, singers and guitarists of all time, Fogerty was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. With the recent release of The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again (Fortunate Son/Verve Forecast), Fogerty joyfully resurrects his mythical group. The New York Times recently noted in their review of Fogerty’s free concert in New York City, “He still has the biting yowl and near yodel of his Creedence days in his voice, and his guitar parts are pure and chiseled: riffs, strums and a little chicken-plucking lead.”

LIVE BY REQUEST is a live superstar concert event that redefines the music television experience and is controlled by fan interaction. It is the only television program where viewers actually create the artist’s set list and have the chance to personally talk to their music idol. With the premiere PBS special, LIVE BY REQUEST will fully engage viewers across multiple media platforms for the first time via live interactive video requests, call-in requests and text, email and social network requests. LIVE BY REQUEST creates a unique connection between artists and fans.

“LIVE BY REQUEST offers a unique way for viewers and performers to interact, and we’re excited to engage our audience in new and different ways,” said John F. Wilson, PBS Chief TV Programming Executive. “PBS is very active in all digital media, so we see this as a natural extension of what we do everyday in different forums.”

LIVE BY REQUEST achieved critical and commercial success, airing from 1996-2004, while becoming one of the longest running live music series in broadcast history. During its eight-year run, LIVE BY REQUEST featured top musical guests in live performance representing a wide variety of musical genres, including Tony Bennett, Elton John, John Mellencamp, David Bowie, Gloria Estefan and Neil Diamond, among others. Tony Bennett, who appeared in the Emmy Award-winning series’ premiere episode, is credited for the show’s creative concept.

Danny Bennett, Executive Producer of both the original series and this PBS special event commented, “LIVE BY REQUEST is music television where anything can happen. The program presents music the way it should be – live and spontaneous with the fans participating alongside the artist. We are thrilled to have consummate performer and songwriter John Fogerty as our featured artist as this unique show returns to television.”

Source: Media Push Entertainment LLC; PBS

The late Lester Bangs reviewing the original album in the November 12, 1970 issue of Rolling Stone wrote, “It’s still too soon to tell, but I’m beginning to think Ya-Ya’s just might be the best album they ever made. I have no doubt that it’s the best rock concert ever put on record.”

The Deluxe Box Set comprises three audio CDs including a remastered disc of the original Ya-Ya’s repertoire as well as a disc of five previously unreleased Stones tracks recorded at the same Madison Square Garden shows. The third CD encompasses unreleased performances by the shows’ stellar openers: B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner, five songs from the former and seven songs from the latter. The Box Set also includes a 56-page Collectors Edition book featuring photos and an essay by Ethan Russell, the acclaimed photographer who accompanied the Stones on the ’69 tour, as well as the original Rolling Stone Magazine review by Lester Bangs and a series of recollections from a cross-section of fans who attended the concerts and a replica of the original Stones ’69 tour poster by David Byrd. There will be a code in a limited number of Box Sets enabling fans to download “I’m Free” for Guitar Hero 5.

Included as well is a bonus DVD by legendary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles, also entitled Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The film includes brilliantly shot full-length performances of the five previously unreleased Stones songs — “Prodigal Son, ” “You Gotta Move,” “Under My Thumb,” “I’m Free” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Beyond the song performances – presented in 5.1 surround sound — the film includes a sequence with Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and Jack the donkey during the cover shoot for the Ya-Ya’s album and backstage tête-à-têtes between Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix and Mick Taylor. During “Satisfaction” Janis Joplin is seen doing an impromptu boogaloo at the side of the stage. There is also a sequence shot at Olympic Studios in London during a mixing session plus a heliport summit meeting with the Grateful Dead. The film will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on September 26.

The Super Deluxe edition of Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert includes all of the content of the Deluxe edition with the addition of three vinyl LPs, one of which has etched images featuring the cover art and the Rolling Stones’ signatures. The accompanying Collectors Edition Book and poster in the Super Deluxe edition have also been expanded to 12 x 12.

ABKCO CEO Jody Klein, in announcing these releases, commented, “The 40th Anniversary Ya-Ya’s Box Sets not only capture the entire musical performances of the Garden concerts for the first time ever but, with the addition of Ethan Russell’s intimate photographs and the Maysles revealing film footage, recreate the magic and mystique of the shows for everyone to experience. It is clear now, 40 years later, that Lester Bangs had it right when he wrote that Ya-Yas was the best rock concert ever put on record.”

Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stone In Concert – 40th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set track listing

Audio disc #1: original Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out album repertoire (remastered)
1. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
2. Carol
3. Stray Cat Blues
4. Love In Vain
5. Midnight Rambler
6. Sympathy For The Devil
7. Live With Me
8. Little Queenie
9. Honky Tonk Women
10. Street Fighting Man
Audio disc #2: unreleased Rolling Stones tracks
1. Prodigal Son
2. You Gotta Move
3 Under My Thumb
4. I’m Free
5. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Audio disc #2: B.B. King / Ike & Tina Turner sets
1. Everyday I Have The Blues
2. How Blue Can You Get
3. That’s Wrong Little Mama
4. Why I Sing The Blues
5. Please Accept My Love
6. Gimme Some Loving
7. Sweet Soul Music
8. Son Of A Preacher Man
9. Proud Mary
10. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
11. Come Together
12. Land Of 1000 Dances
Tracks 1 – 5: B.B. King
Tracks 6 – 12: Ike & Tina Turner

DVD: Maysles Brothers” Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out film
1. Prodigal Son
2. You Gotta Move
3. Under My Thumb
4. I’m Free
5. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

VH1 Classic To Air 9 Days of Beatles Programming Starting September 1 with Classic Beatles’ Documentaries, Concerts, and Films VH1 and VH1 Classic’s Beatles Programming Marathons Support September 9 Debut of MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM)

VH1 and VH1 Classic are kicking off a programming bonanza centered on one of the biggest-selling bands in pop culture history – The Beatles. The networks extensive and wide-ranging programming is airing in support of the highly anticipated launch of MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) on September 9.

The 3-week-long programming block begins with the airing of “The Beatles Anthology,” the comprehensive documentary series focused on the history of the “Fab Four.” “The Beatles Anthology” simulcasts on VH1 and VH1 Classic on Wednesday, August 26, Wednesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM*. Then beginning Tuesday, September 1, VH1 Classic goes into full gear with “9 Days of Beatles” featuring classic Beatles’ documentaries, concerts and films.

Footage from “The Beatles Anthology” documentary was compiled from interviews, studio sessions, films, and home videos, with production taking place over the course of five years. From their childhood in England to the band’s eventual breakup, this in-depth documentary takes a look into the careers of four of the greatest musicians to grace the stage. Directed by Geoff Wonfor and Bob Smeaton, this Emmy-nominated film follows John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr around the world as they share their stories. Fans will have an opportunity to see and hear some of their favorite Beatles performances as well as rarely seen footage.

All You Need Is. . .. “9 Days of The Beatles” on VH1 Classic

In addition to the Anthology, VH1 Classic will be airing an unprecedented “9 Days of The Beatles” programming. Select programming is highlighted below. For a full schedule visit VH1Classic.com.

On Tuesday, September 1 at 8PM* “9 Days of The Beatles” kicks off with “The Beatles Retrospective” hosted by Mark Goodman. Take a stroll down memory lane as VH1 Classic takes you through The Beatles’ catalogue of amazing videos with “She Loves You/I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl,” “Penny Lane,” “Revolution,” “When I’m 64,” “I Am The Walrus” and “Hey Bulldog.”

Following on Tuesday, September 1 at 9 PM*, VH1 Classic will premiere the classic Beatles movie “Help!” which showcases The Beatles in a plot that revolves around Ringo’s possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. Songs included in the film are “Help!” “Another Girl” and “Ticket to Ride.”

“The Beatles Anthology 2″ airs on Wednesday, September 2 at 9PM* and is simulcast on VH1. This anthology takes viewers through the harrowing tour of “Hard Day’s Night” and into the frenzy of Beatlemania. From performances at Shea Stadium in New York City to receiving medals from the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London to meeting and hanging out with Elvis, the “Fab Four” are seen at the height of their fame. The anthology continues with behind-the-scenes footage of Rubber Soul and takes viewers through one of the group’s most prolific albums, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The documentary also follows the band through their classic “Strawberry Fields” and into the summer of love as Timothy Leary called his “avatars” to sing the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” during the first world satellite television program.

“A Hard Day’s Night” premieres on Thursday, September 3 at 9PM*. This Academy-Award nominated film offers fans a typical day in the life of a Beatle. Songs: “I’ll Cry Instead,” ” A Hard Day’s Night,” ” I Should’ve Known Better,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “If I Fell,” “And I Love Her,” “I’m Happy Just to Dance with You,” “Ringo’s Theme (This Boy),” “Tell Me Why.” “Don’t Bother Me,” “I Wanna Be Your Man,” “All My Loving’” and “She Loves You.”

“The Making of Sgt. Pepper” premieres on Friday, September 4 at 9PM*. This documentary celebrates the classic album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and features outtakes and interviews from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, George Martin, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins and more.

Later that evening, “Paul McCartney: St. Petersburg Live” premieres on Friday, September 4 at 11PM*. This special documentary story of Paul’s historic visit to Russian 2003, marking the first time McCartney set foot on Russian soil. Songs include: “Hey Jude” “Yesterday” and “Let It Be,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.”

On Saturday, September 5 at 11PM* VH1 Classic will air “John Lennon Live in NYC.” In his last full-length concert, John Lennon delivers some classic performances of songs “Instant Karma,” “Come Together” “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance” among others.

On Sunday, September 6 at 5PM* VH1 Classic celebrates John Lennon’s legacy with the 1998 documentary “Imagine: John Lennon.” The self-narrated documentary presents a wealth of Lennon footage and bridges his two musical phases – as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist – together and presents a career-spanning collection of Lennon’s many musical highlights. In addition there are a couple of heretofore unreleased recordings: an acoustic demo of “Real Love” taped in 1979 (an alternate recording of which would be finished by The Beatles for 1996′ s Anthology 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthology_2) and a rehearsal take of “Imagine” in mid-1971 before the final take was captured.

Two special concerts highlight the Beatles’ legacies on Monday, September 7. “The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited,” airs at 8PM* and follows the 1971 landmark benefit concert that brought together an extraordinary ensemble of major artists collaborating to raise money for UNICEF to help the people of Bangladesh after the Bhloa Cyclone and Liberation War ravished the country. George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and more held the sold out concert on August 1, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Next premiering at 9PM* is “The Concert for George.” On November 29, 2002, one year after George Harrison’s death, his many friends gathered to celebrate his life by playing his music, including artists Eric Clapton, Jools Holand, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston, and Ringo Starr.

The Beatles week on VH1 Classic continues with “Storytellers: Ringo Starr” on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:30PM*. Taped in front of a live studio audience in 1998 before the release of his album “Vertical Man,” Ringo devotes his set to the stories behind some of his solo successes including, “Back off Boogaloo” and “It Don’t Come Easy” and The Beatles hits including “Love Me Do,” “With A Little Help from My Friends” and “Don’t Pass Me By.”

“9 Days of The Beatles” programming comes to a close with “The Beatles Anthology 3″ which premieres on Wednesday, September 9 at 9PM* and is simulcast with VH1. Having already found fame and international success The Beatles form their new recording company, Apple Corp and release a new string of hit albums including, The White Album, Yellow Submarine, and finally one of their quintessential best, Abbey Road.

MTV Games’ The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM)

The Beatles have sold more than 600 million albums internationally; in the U.S., they have had more number one singles (20) on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart than any other music artist in history, as well as 15 number one albums. This anthology depicts the music, mayhem, and the men behind one of the biggest music phenomenon in music history.

The Beatles: Rock Band gives fans the chance to experience for themselves The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music for the first time via a gameplay journey. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Beatles’ footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal styling of The Beatles. Beatles fans will also be thrilled to hear previously unreleased authentic voice recordings from John, Paul, George and Ringo chatting between takes during studio sessions recorded at Abbey Road more than four decades ago. Of The Beatles’ epic catalogue, 45 songs will be available on-disc. In addition, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase, as will additional music from The Beatles’ catalogue.

In conjunction with the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, The Beatles: Rock Band will be available Sept. 9, 2009, simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band(TM) instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Harrisongs Ltd and Startling Music Ltd has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive videogame format.

The Beatles: Rock Band is published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band. Electronic Arts Inc. will serve as distribution partner for the game. Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, has also provided his expertise, serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking project

Source: VH1

From Proclaiming “Far Out” as their Favorite Slang Term to Electing an African American President as Their Biggest Surprise, Boomers Reflect on Then and Now

Eons.com, the online community for Baby Boomers, today announced the results of its Woodstock 40th Anniversary Survey. The survey sampled the opinions of nearly 2,000 respondents age 45 and over, forming a portrait of a generation that started out breaking the rules, and four decades later continues to shape the world. The survey and online group are available at www.eons.com/woodstock40th.

“Our members have been anticipating Woodstock’s landmark anniversary for more than a year. This weekend, eons.com welcomes all who experienced the 1960s to celebrate and share their Woodstock stories and connect with peers around this life-changing event,” says Jeff Taylor, Eons(TM) CEO.

Boomers’ Real Views on Woodstock, Music and the Hippie Life

– Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was the survey’s surprise winner for favorite live performer at Woodstock (77%). Jimi Hendrix, the iconic Woodstock artist, came in 2nd with 53%. The #2 favorite? Creedence Clearwater Revival (72%).

– Nearly half of all respondents (47%) said the music was the most memorable part about Woodstock. Yet, Woodstock attendees said the sense of peace and togetherness (47%) was more memorable than the music (19%).

– Only 16% of all respondents considered themselves to be hippies in the ’60s, but 60% “wanted to be” or said they were “maybe a little bit.” Of those who attended Woodstock, 47% called themselves hippies versus 14% of non-attendees. Today, only 8% of Boomers consider themselves to be, with another 38% proclaiming “sort of.”

– Bell bottoms were a must-have for both genders (80%). While women raved about their very long hair (59%), men sported sideburns (47%) and their own long hair (38%).

– Boomers declared “Far Out” as their most-loved saying (66%). The distant second? “Groovy” (48%).

They Have Become “The Man” and Loved Their Careers

– Two-thirds of Boomers said they have achieved their career aspirations. In 1969, women’s top goal (32%) was to have a job that could help make a difference, while men (36%) sought a company with good benefits, pensions and security. The beginning of a sea change for women and work was evident as only 22% of women wanted to be a stay-at-home parent. Career disappointment centered on not making enough money, despite liking their jobs. Over 40% said they have or had a really fun and enjoyable career.

– While less than half of this generation (42%) gave much thought in the 1960′s to the corporate world, those that did (22%) thought it was a necessary evil. Today, almost all Boomers think about the corporate world (93%) and despite career success, many still feel it is a necessary evil (36%).

Hell No, We Won’t Go

– Only 35% of respondents participated in an anti-war protest in the ’60s, but Woodstock attendees were twice as likely (66%) to have protested. Interestingly, twice as many men (25%) as women said they supported the government’s position. Although 73% said Woodstock did not influence their attitude toward anti-war protesters, 19% said it made them more tolerant.

– While 42% said they are “much less active today” in anti-war protests, as a generation Boomers are more involved in activism and community support. One-third (33%) are “much more active today” in volunteerism and nearly 40% are “somewhat more active” in grassroots activism, social organizing and political activism.

The ’60s Shaped Their Generation

– Over 45% said, “I am who I am because of the ’60s,” with 75% claiming that growing up in the ’60s made them more open-minded. Over 50% enjoyed those times and would choose to live them over again, but 9% would happily skip that time.

– In 1969, they “never would have imagined” that in 40 years we’d have an African American President (60%). Other surprises? They still enjoy music as much as they did (36%); they enjoy being grandparents (32%); and they as strongly espouse the values of peace, love and community (32%) as they did 40 years ago.

– Overall, 62% said their generation as a whole has not achieved its ideals yet. One commented, “We made more change happen faster than anyone dreamed possible before us. There is still a distance to go, but our impact on the process has been undeniable.”

Documentary Directed By Academy Award Winning Filmmaker Barbara Kopple and Executive Produced By Original Festival Organizer Michael Lang

In the summer of 1969, on a farm about 90 miles north of New York City, more than 500,000 people gathered for a three day music festival that in an instant, defined a generation and changed popular culture forever…Woodstock.

Now, 40 years after that historic moment, History(TM) and VH1 Rock Docs have joined forces for the first time, for a unique television collaboration, one that celebrates and explores the deep history and fascination of Woodstock, as well as the incredible music experience that defined a generation. The definitive two-hour documentary, “Woodstock: Now & Then”, will premiere on Friday, August 14 at 9pm on VH1 and VH1 Classic and on Monday, August 17 at 8pm on History.

Directed and Produced by two-time Academy Award winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple and Executive Produced by Michael Lang, the original festival organizer, the film examines Woodstock from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass, the concert promoters who risked everything and countless others whose unique experiences help paint a tapestry of Woodstock that hasn’t been seen in recent years.

“Woodstock: Now & Then” explores the frenzied days leading up to and throughout the festival, from how the planners scrambled to find a concert site and the traffic jams that shut down the New York State thruway to the infamously bad “brown acid,” the thunderous rain and mud and, of course, the music. Weaving together first-hand accounts with rare archival images and an iconic soundtrack, the documentary allows those who were there a chance to relive the experience and gives an entirely new generation an opportunity to feel the magic of that time.

The film will also take an important look at Woodstock’s legacy through the eyes of today’s musicians and activists examining why Woodstock and all it symbolizes is still relevant in today’s culture.

For more information please log onto www.history.com/woodstock and for more information on VH1 Rock Docs go to www.vh1.com.

“Woodstock: Now & Then” is part of History’s celebration of the historic events that took place during the summer of 1969. History will premiere new specials that also include “Moonshot” (premiering Monday, July 20, 8pm) and “Sex in 69: The Sexual Revolution in America” (premiering Monday, August 3, 8pm).

“Woodstock: Now & Then” is the newest film in the Emmy Award-winning VH1 Rock Doc franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.

“Woodstock: Now & Then” is a co-production of History(TM) and VH1, in association with Cabin Creek Films and Woodstock Ventures, Inc. Brad Abramson, Stephen Mintz, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde serve as executive producers for VH1 and Julian P. Hobbs is the executive producer for History. For Cabin Creek Films, Barbara Kopple serves as director and producer and Michael Lang as executive producer.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

Source: VH1

“We’ve outlined a long-term vision to ensure that Cleveland continues to be known across the globe as the Rock and Roll Capital of the World,” said Stewart. “I’ve known Greg for a number of years and have been actively recruiting him both for his professional acumen as well as his love and knowledge of the art form we call rock and roll that the Museum celebrates. As such, I’m looking forward to working with Greg to continue to make our vision a reality. He has experience building similar programs and will be a great addition to our team.”

Harris was previously Vice President of Development at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown and had been with that organization since 1994. In that time, he initiated programs that both sustained and drove the Museum’s growth. These programs included government relations, corporate sponsorship, major gift/endowment campaign and an annual fund. Prior to his association with baseball, Harris was the co-founder of a retail music store that specialized in independent and rare recordings and has served as the road manager for a national touring band.

“It is an honor to be entrusted with a leadership role at an institution that is dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating another great hallmark of American culture — rock and roll,” said Harris. “I am very proud of what our team in Cooperstown has accomplished and I am honored to join the talented staff in Cleveland at this important time. The internationally recognized Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the home of the artifacts and exhibits that shape and celebrate the music of our lives. I’ve greatly enjoyed my tenure at the Baseball Hall of Fame. It is a wonderful institution. Joining the team in Cleveland allows me to reconnect with my passion for popular music. In addition, I look forward to becoming an active member of the Cleveland community.”

Jeff Idelson, the Baseball Hall of Fame President noted that “Greg has been an integral member of the Baseball Hall of Fame staff for the last 14 years and has been an active participant in the Cooperstown community. After starting in our library in 1994 in the broadcast archive department, Greg served as membership director and then development director, before being promoted to vice president of development in 2005. In that capacity he greatly developed donor support. We’re sorry to see him leave and are confident he’ll contribute greatly to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Harris is responsible for planning and administering the strategic direction of the Rock Hall’s fundraising programs and activities including the Capital Campaign, the Annual Fund, major gifts, cultivation events, research and grant writing and membership. He also oversees all aspects of donor relations and stewardship.

Greg has a Master’s degree in history and museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program, and Bachelor’s degree in American history from Temple University. He is married and has two children.

About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.

The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, the Museum is open until 9 p.m. Museum admission is $22 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+), $13 for youth (9-12), $18 for adult residents of Greater Cleveland. Children under 8 and Museum members are free. The Museum is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. When you become a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the world of rock and roll becomes yours to explore. Call 216.515.1939 for information on becoming a member. For general inquiries, please call 216.781.ROCK or visit www.rockhall.com.

Source: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Web site: http://www.rockhall.com/