Woodstock wasn’t the only three-day music festival during August of 1969. The Atlantic City Pop Festival, which was held two weeks before music fans camped out at Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel Woods, New York, somehow slipped through the cracks of history despite hosting an incredible array of talent.
Janis Joplin, the Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane and B.B. King were just some of the legends who performed August 1-3 at the Atlantic City Racecourse in Hamilton Township for more than 100,000 fans. A ticket for the entire weekend was $15, and it was $6 per day.
An original program from the three-day Atlantic City Pop Festival in 1969. Photo: Erik Rank; Program: Collection of Ken Schlager
Joplin and her Kozmic Blues Band impressed with an incendiary set. Little Richard, who filled in for Johnny Winter, invited fans to dance onstage while he delivered his visceral tunes. Joe Cocker mesmerized the crowd with his unique version of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Joni Mitchell walked offstage in tears after delivering just one song, complaining about the audience’s indifference.
The crowd embraced Santana, introduced by Joplin and the Mamas and the Papas’ Mama Cass, during their initial East Coast appearance. Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Moody Blues were notable no-shows. Still, the AC Pop Festival was arguably the greatest assemblage of recording artists to ever perform at the Shore.
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