A contemporary jazz musician who did not perform at Woodstock in 1969 was Miles Davis. Individuals who did play at this event were Tim Hardin, Jimi Hendrix, and Melanie Safka. Tim Hardin appeared at the festival and sang the song “If I Were A Carpenter” as a solo. Melanie Safka was able to do a short solo set on the first day. She played instead of "The Incredible String Band" who refused to play while it was raining. On the final day, a song performed by Jimi Hendrix was the U.S. "Star Spangled Banner".

As thoughts of Woodstock were still settling with people in America, Miles Davis was on an idiosyncratic trip. In August of 1969, Davis had settled into Columbia Records' 30th Street Studio in Manhattan to begin several production and recording sessions that produced the groundbreaking jazz-rock record, 'Bitches Brew'. This album has a stellar cast of musicians. They did not know what they would be doing or what songs they would be playing when they started working on their album.

Davis thrived on playing in the moment. He gave other musicians very little direction and made only minimal demands when making music. With his music and songs, he knew exactly what type of style and sound he wanted. Miles missed Woodstock in 1969; but, 'Bitches Brew' was made and ended up being one of the most celebrated, and divisive, records of Miles' career.

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