How is the Chip Monck Book Developing?

This page will be updated to track the progress of the Chip Monck book.

Aug 30, 2024

Lighting Up: The Grandfather of Rock ‘N’ Roll Productions by Chip Monck as told to G. Mick Smith, PhD

"You may take it with however many grains of salt you wish... the brown acid that's circulating around us is not specifically too good. It's suggested that you do stay away from that. Of course, it's your own trip so be my guest, but please be advised there is a warning on that one, OK?"

At this point, our team has the interest of two music publishers and we are looking for more so we would like to release a work about Chip during one of the upcoming anniversaries. In April 2005, we have a meeting with one of the two publishers.

THE PROJECT: - A Book about Chip Monck

I have direct access to a first-person account from Chip (now 86), who was present at the stage for watershed moments in music history including: • The Village Gate in NYC • the night Dylan went electric • Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals • Woodstock (where he became the event's voice) • Rolling Stones' infamous Altamont concert • and many other significant events

CURRENT STATUS:

I have secured full commitment from Chip for exclusive rights to produce a book about his life.
I have an experienced writer already engaged and ready to begin, who has done a book about Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople
I have partnership with an official Woodstock photographer providing unique and previously unseen images
I have the option for special edition featuring signed prints by both Chip and the photographer

MARKET POTENTIAL:

This book offers a truly unique perspective from someone who wasn't just present but integral to these historic events. With 2025 marking significant anniversaries for several of these iconic moments, timing for publication is ideal.

High-Level Pitch

The high-level pitch introduces the first-ever reminiscences of household names by rock pioneer and Tony Award nominee Chip Monck in expanded form. Surprisingly, one of the most iconic incidents in Monck's lighting career and rock production pioneering happened during a cameo speaking role at Woodstock. It was Monck's impromptu announcements that transformed the documentary into some of its most memorable moments in addition to a showcase of great music. He extemporaneously described the weather and safety (like warning people to get down from towers during storms due to electrical danger), and the dangers of bad drugs (like the infamous brown acid at Woodstock).

The book also delves into Monck's pivotal role in the careers of rock legends such as Bob Dylan, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and his work at iconic venues like the Village Gate, Newport Folk Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, The Apollo, Monterey Pop, the Miami Pop Festival, the Concert for Bangladesh, Peter Gabriel, the Fillmore with Bill Graham, and Bette Midler Divine Madness.

Announcement By Chip Monck (Live At The Village Gate, 1961), introducing the Stan Getz Quartet

Instead of fading into obscurity, Monck continued to achieve success with projects like In Concert, Speakeasy TV, the Muhammed Ali/George Foreman fight, the music festival Zaire 74, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Broadway and Las Vegas, the Olympics, receiving the Parnelli Award, “When We Were Kings,” and the John Paul II Mass at Dodger Stadium. With a placement of his memorabilia in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Woodstock Museum, Monck's unique stories are sure to solidify his legacy in rock history for every fan to cherish.

The book fills a lacuna during the growth of rock since Monck played a critical role as rock emerged out of folk, through psychedelia, and into the genre’s emergence as a major pop phenomenon, well-known venues, and festival attractions. Finally, Monck’s career expertise highlighted major attractions outside the rock realm.

From left to right: Chip Monck, Rona Elliot, G. Mick Smith, PhD

Rona’s credits include:

US Editor Genesis Publications UK

Board Member & Trustee, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Museum & Archive, Cleveland

Board Member, Museum at Bethel Woods, Yasgur’s Farm, the Woodstock museum

Zoom meeting

From left to right: Paul Saunders, Mick Smith, Chip Monck, Rona Elliot

Extemporaneous recording.

https://www.youtube.com/live/0zFLmsyqOco?si=JI1DtvCswfn-EfvO

Raw recording of Chip, et. al.

https://www.youtube.com/live/0zFLmsyqOco?si=Buc8V3NLIpe2Eo_9

27 August 2024 Interview with Chip & Rona says greetings.

There are more than a few tidbits to share.

Early Life

Edward Herbert Beresford ChipMonck, born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, got the nickname Chip at a summer camp in New Hampshire. He attended South Kent School on scholarships for hockey and crew.

Like many kids his age and during the era, Chip played with the toys of his time. Tinker Toys and Erector sets were common. Tinker Toys are a type of construction toy that consists of wooden rods and spools with holes in them. The rods are designed to fit into the holes on the spools, allowing children to build and create various structures and designs. An Erector set is a type of construction toy that consists of metal strips and parts, such as girders, beams, and motors, that can be used to build and create various structures and machines. Erector sets were designed to be a more advanced and challenging alternative to traditional building toys, such as Tinker Toys. They were marketed as a way for children to learn about engineering, architecture, and mechanics, and to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Chip's interest in building and welding led him to design a potato harvester that was sold to McCormick. He received royalty payments for his invention.

Chip’s earliest upbringing has stayed with him for a lifetime. When I asked about the hardest challenge of his career Monck responded that he was always: “ready to build stuff!” Metaphorically, Chip states; “some of us crawled out from a rock . . . I came from the center of one . . . “

Yet, despite his early creative achievements the remarkable aspect of Monck’s childhood is the role his mother played. In high school, Chip was awakened at 5 am every Wednesday to take the train ride from Wellesley to the bright lights of Broadway. His American mom had filed a doctor's note at school for medical treatment, providing an excuse for Chip to enjoy "escape, passion, color, movement, make believe, choreography, precision, timing, [and] production." By 14 years old, Monck's errant father didn't exist. By eighteen years old, Chip had run off with his 1939 Pontiac, joined the Ringling Brothers Circus, and was building speakers and amplifiers that were to be used for Bob Dylan concerts.

Chip helpfully learned theatrical lighting basics from Greg Harney at Wellesley College. Harney, originally from Yonkers, New York, had a passion for lighting design and left a lasting impact on Wellesley's theater scene.

Early on, Monck's talent led him to work with Harry Belafonte, spend five years with Miriam Makeba, work at the Apollo, and present at the Village Gate premiere. The Village Gate was one of the most famous nightclubs in Greenwich Village, New York; the Apollo is a popular venue for American performers and is the home of the TV show Showtime at the Apollo.

Two of the most important of Chip’s early connections were with Odetta and Miriam Makeba. Odetta and Makeba were both influential singers and civil rights activists, though they came from different backgrounds and had distinct musical styles. Odetta Holmes (1930–2008), later known professionally as just Odetta. Often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement." She was known for her powerful, deep voice and her influential interpretations of folk songs, spirituals, and blues.

Miriam Makeba (1932–2008) was also known as "Mama Africa." South African singer, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador, and civil rights activist. Known for her distinctive clicking sounds in her songs, reflecting her Xhosa heritage,She became a prominent voice against apartheid in South Africa, which led to her exile for over 30 years. Her music blended traditional African sounds with jazz, pop, and world music. Notable songs include "Pata Pata" and "The Click Song." Won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording in 1966.

Both women used their powerful voices not just for music, but also as tools for social change and advocacy for civil rights. They were contemporaries, and both had significant impacts on music and activism in the mid-to-late 20th century.

A story related by Chip has to do with the unusual lighting Monck created while performing "in the bush" or in areas where no electricity existed. The question is: how do you light a performance when there is no electricity? There was no marketing on shopping bags during the five years Chip toured with the duo, but he creatively put candles filled with sand and cut slits on the performing side of the bags to light the stage. As the candles burned down, the light featured the duo on stage, which is a brilliant and innovative use of the imagination. Monck recalls these tours as a pleasant time and considers the pair his "teachers."

Monck's deeper foray into the folk scene involved him with Dylan and Peter, Paul, and Mary shows. Chip even did flamenco artist Carmen Amaya performances, Gilbert and Sullivan at Columbia University, and Shelly Berman shows who was an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, and lecturer. Monck did the first famous Greenwich Village Bitter End performance in 1961 while he worked with Sam Shepard the actor who was a busboy at the Village Gate nightclub.

Dylan and The Village Gate

Back at the Village Gate Bob Dylan approached Chip stating, "I understand you have a typewriter," and when Chip replied in the affirmative, Bob gruffly responded simply: "I need it."

Chip offered more assistance despite the Spartan living conditions, but Dylan got what he wanted, and that was that.

One of the most well-known and widely-read accounts of Bob Dylan's first electric performance is the article "The Day Dylan Went Electric" by Ralph J. Gleason, which was published in the San Francisco Chronicle on July 27, 1965. Gleason was a music critic and journalist who was in attendance at the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965, when Dylan took the stage with his new electric band. Bob Dylan's electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival was a daytime show, not a nighttime show. The performance took place on July 25, 1965, at 5:30 p.m. In his article, Gleason provides a detailed and insightful account of the performance, including the reactions of the audience and the significance of the event. We know that this was a bold step by the young folk artist Dylan, and accounts have differed over the years. Gleason states: "The audience was divided on the performance, with some people cheering and others booing." Chip already knew about the change, although he didn't need to do the lighting for the daytime show.

On Jul 25, 1965, Bob Dylan went electric at the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. Dylan had drawn widespread support from fans for his 1963 and 1964 Newport Folk Festival sets with Joan Baez.

Peter Seeger, the famous folk music purist and friend of Dylan's, was also in attendance. In his autobiography, "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", Seeger writes:

"I was sitting in the audience, and I was thinking, 'This is a strange thing.' I didn't know what to make of it. I thought, 'What's going on here?' But then I started to listen to the music, and I thought, 'This is really good.' It was a different kind of music, but it was still Bob Dylan. And I thought, 'This is what he wants to do, and this is what he's doing.'"

There are reports that Seeger did not enjoy the performance, but as an eyewitness, Chip reports that if anything Seeger was disappointed to hear distortion in the initial electric performance; Pete did not object to Bob going electric.

Newport Folk Festival

Chip Monck played a crucial role in shaping the visual and technical aspects of the Newport Folk Festival from 1959 to 1965. His expertise in lighting design and technical logistics helped create memorable experiences for performers and audiences. Monck's work at the festival elevated its productions and contributed to its reputation as a premier showcase for folk music. His collaborations with iconic musicians and events in the 1960s further solidified his reputation as a skilled and imaginative lighting designer. Overall, Monck's contributions to the Newport Folk Festival highlight his significance in live music production and his lasting impact on concert staging and lighting design.

1959:

Pete Seeger was a legendary American folk singer, songwriter, and activist who used his music to promote social justice, environmentalism, and cultural preservation, leaving a lasting impact on American music and society.

Odetta Holmes was a renowned American folk singer and civil rights activist who was known as "the Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" for her powerful and emotive performances, which helped to raise awareness and inspire change during the 1960s.

Joan Baez was a pioneering American folk singer-songwriter who used her music as a powerful tool for social change, advocating for civil rights, anti-war movements, and women's liberation, and inspiring generations of musicians and activists with her iconic voice and unwavering commitment to justice.

Bob Gibson was an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band New Riders of the Purple Sage, which he co-founded in 1969 with John Dawson and David Nelson.

Baez and Gibson sang at the Festival in 1959.

Brownie McGhee was an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter who was best known for his long-time musical partnership with Sonny Terry, with whom he recorded and performed together as a duo, and for his work with other notable blues musicians such as Big Bill Broonzy and Woody Guthrie.

Sonny Terry was an American blues singer, harmonica player, and songwriter who was known for his distinctive, wailing harmonica style and his collaborations with other blues musicians, including Brownie McGhee, with whom he formed a long-lasting musical partnership.

Josh White was an American blues and folk singer, guitarist, and songwriter who was known for his powerful, soulful voice and his work as a solo artist and as a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, as well as his activism in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Weavers were an American folk music group formed in the 1940s, known for their harmonious vocals and acoustic instrumentation, and for their popularization of traditional American folk songs, including Pete Seeger's hit single "Goodnight, Irene", which topped the charts in 1950.

1960:

Pete Seeger, Oscar Brand, John Lee Hooker, Alan Mills, Jean Carignan, Tom Makem, Bill Lee, Eric Weisberg, Jimmy Driftwood, The New Lost City Ramblers

Recorded on Location June 24/26, 1960

Side A

1. East Virginia Blues

2. In The Evening

(Pete Seeger, accompanying himself on banjo)

3. Hieland Laddie

(Pete Seeger, accompanying himself on banjo, with vocal and guitar by Oscar Brand)

4. Hobo Blues (or Dusty Road)

5. Maudie

6. Tupolo (or Blackwater Blues)

(John Lee Hooker, accompanying himself on guitar, with Bili Lee, string bass)

7. A Si Mon Moine Voulait Danser

(Alan Mills, with Jean Carignan playing fiddle)

8. Le Reel Du Pendu - Instrumental

(Jean Carignan, fiddle solo)

9. I Know An Old Lady

(Alan Mills, unaccompanied vocal)

10. La Bastringue

(Alan Mills, with Jean Carignan playing fiddle)

Side B

1. Brian Boru - Instrumental

(Tom Makem, bagpipe solo)

2. Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye

3. The Whistling Gypsy

(Tom Makem, with Pete Seeger, banjo, and Eric Weisberg, guitar)

4. Old Joe Clark

(Jimmy Driftwood, accompanying himself on the bow, with Pete Seeger, banjo)

5. The Unfortunate Man

(Jimmy Driftwood, accompanying himself on guitar)

6. Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms

(The New Lost City Ramblers (Mike Seeger, Tom Paley and John Cohen, who also play the following instruments: Seeger, fiddle and autoharp; Paley, banjo; Cohen, guitar)

7. The Man Of Constant Sorrow

(Mike Seeger, of The New Lost City Ramblers, with autoharp)

8. Foggy Mountain Top

(The New Lost City Ramblers, as on No. 6)

Joan Baez also appeared during the previous year.

Bob Dylan is a renowned American singer-songwriter and musician who has been a major figure in popular music for over five decades, known for his poetic and socially conscious lyrics, distinctive vocal style, and influential albums such as "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" and "Highway 61 Revisited".

Odetta Holmes, Pete Seeger, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, and The Weavers all appeared in 1959.

The Chad Mitchell Trio was an American folk music group formed in the 1950s, known for their humorous and satirical songs, often targeting politics and social issues, and for their popular albums and appearances on television variety shows.

1961:

Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Odetta Holmes, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, Buffy St Marie, and The Weavers were all staples at the venue.

Earliest Footage of Bob Dylan (New York C. 1961)

The Kingston Trio was an American folk music group formed in the 1950s, known for their harmonious vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and popularization of traditional American folk songs, as well as their own original compositions, which often featured witty lyrics and catchy melodies.

The Limeliters were an American folk music group formed in the 1950s, known for their energetic and harmonious performances, which often featured a cappella singing, and their popular songs, including the hit single "There's a Meetin' Here Tonight".

1962:

Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Odetta Holmes, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, and The Chad Mitchell Trio were renowned for their previous appearances.

The Rooftop Singers were an American folk music duo formed in the 1960s, known for their harmonious vocals and acoustic instrumentation, and for their hit single "Walk Right In", which topped the charts in 1963 and became a classic of the folk-rock genre.

1963:

The New Christy Minstrels were the only fresh group to appear this year and they were an American folk music group formed in the 1960s, known for their eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, as well as their energetic and harmonious performances, which often featured a large ensemble of musicians and singers.

Throughout the year the number of returning favorites included: Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Odetta Holmes, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Phil Ochs, John Lee Hooker, and The Rooftop Singers.

Colorized 1963 appearance North Country Blues, Bob Dylan

Clip from the documentary "Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune". Song is "Talking Birmingham Jam".

The Complete Concert, 1963-07-26 to 28- Freebody Park, Newport Folk Festival - Newport, RI.

1964:

Two new bands appeared this year: The Byrds and The Lovin' Spoonful. Johnny Cash also appeared.

Johnny Cash Bootleg Voll. III: Live Around The World 2011 Newport Folk Festival, Rhode Island, July 26, 1964

The Byrds were an American rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their unique blend of folk rock, psychedelic rock, and country music, as well as their innovative use of 12-string guitars and harmonies, which helped to shape the sound of the California rock scene.

The Lovin' Spoonful was an American rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their catchy, upbeat songs and harmonies, as well as their blend of folk, rock, and pop music, which helped to define the sound of the 1960s folk-rock movement.

Otherwise, many of the same artists returned such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Odetta Holmes, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, The Chad Mitchell Trio, The Rooftop Singers, and The New Christy Minstrels.

1965:

In Chip’s final year at the venue two new bands came on the scene: The Mamas & the Papas and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

Appearing in the video are Bob Dylan, Al Kooper (Organ) 0:05, Peter Yarrow 0:11, Mike Bloomfield (Electric Guitar) 0:15, Jermone Arnold (Bass guitar) 0:22, Paul Butterfield (Background) 1:00 .

The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group formed in the 1960s, known for their lush harmonies, catchy songs, and iconic hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday", which captured the spirit of the era's counterculture movement.

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was an American blues rock band formed in the 1960s, known for their fusion of traditional blues with rock and folk influences, and for their influential albums featuring guitarist Mike Bloomfield and harmonica virtuoso Paul Butterfield, which helped to shape the sound of the blues-rock genre.

All returning were Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Odetta Holmes, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Josh White, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, The Chad Mitchell Trio, The Rooftop Singers, The New Christy Minstrels, The Byrds, and The Lovin' Spoonful.

Newport Jazz Festival

Monck had a long association with the Newport Jazz Festival where he worked for nine years alongside George Wein, the festival's founder. He also developed a close friendship with Charles Altman, owner of Altman Lighting Co., a leading manufacturer of stage lighting equipment. Monck's creative use of lighting instruments, borrowed from Altman, helped elevate the stage lighting at the festival and set a new standard for the industry.

These early successes were only the beginning of how Monck blossomed into the lighting director of substance. Albert Grossman tapped Chip for Newport Folk Festival #1, and Newport Jazz Festival #6. Grossman was an American entrepreneur and manager in the American folk music and rock and roll scene. Albert was famous as the manager of many of the most popular and successful performers of folk and folk-rock music. The Newport Jazz Festival is an annual American multi-day jazz music festival held every summer in Newport, Rhode Island. Elaine Lorillard established the festival in 1954, and she and her husband, Louis Lorillard financed it for many years. The Newport Folk Festival is an annual American folk-oriented music festival in Newport, Rhode Island, which began in 1959 as a counterpart to the Newport Jazz Festival.

Monck was the lighting designer for the Newport Jazz Festival from 1959 to 1967. During his tenure, the festival featured many leading jazz musicians, including:

1959:

Louis Armstrong was an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader who was a key figure in the development of jazz, known for his unique and influential playing style, which combined technical virtuosity with emotional intensity and a distinctive vocal delivery, and for his iconic recordings of songs like "What a Wonderful World" and "When the Saints Go Marching In"

Duke Ellington was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in jazz history, known for his innovative and eclectic style, which blended elements of blues, swing, and classical music, and for his prolific output of over 3,000 compositions, including iconic pieces like "Take the 'A' Train" and "Mood Indigo".

Count Basie was an American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his distinctive "less-is-more" style, which emphasized simplicity, swing, and a strong rhythm section, and for his iconic orchestra, which featured a who's who of jazz greats and helped to define the sound of swing and big band jazz.

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the "First Lady of Song", known for her pure, clear, and expressive voice, as well as her impressive technical ability and scat singing skills, which earned her 13 Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer who was widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time, known for his virtuosic technique, harmonic sophistication, and melodic elegance, which he showcased in his numerous recordings and performances with his trio and as a soloist.

Dizzy Gillespie was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who was a central figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz, known for his virtuosic technique, complex harmonies, and iconic compositions like "A Night in Tunisia" and "Manteca", which helped to shape the sound of jazz in the 1940s and 1950s.

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer who was known for his unique and unorthodox playing style, which featured dissonant harmonies, unexpected rhythms, and a distinctive " Monk-like" phrasing, and for his iconic compositions like "Round Midnight" and "Blue Monk", which have become jazz standards.

Charles Mingus was an American jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader who was known for his innovative and eclectic style, which blended elements of swing, bebop, and avant-garde music, and for his influential compositions like "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "Mingus Ah Um", which have become jazz classics.

1960:

Miles Davis was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer who was a key figure in several jazz movements, including bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century, with iconic albums like "Kind of Blue" and "Bitches Brew" that continue to shape the course of jazz and popular music.

John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who was a leading figure in the development of free jazz and avant-garde music, known for his intense and spiritually charged playing style, which explored the limits of improvisation and pushed the boundaries of jazz, and for his iconic albums like "A Love Supreme" and "Giant Steps", which have become jazz touchstones.

Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist and composer who was a leading figure in the development of modern jazz piano, known for his introspective and nuanced playing style, which emphasized subtlety and texture, and for his iconic trio recordings with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian, which have become benchmarks of jazz piano.

Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and composer who was known for his distinctive, laid-back style and his iconic, melancholic vocals, which blended elements of cool jazz and West Coast jazz, and for his influential recordings, including his debut album "Chet Baker Sings", which has become a classic of the genre.

Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer who was a leading figure in the development of cool jazz and modern jazz, known for his innovative use of unusual time signatures and rhythms, and for his iconic album "Time Out", which featured the hit single "Take Five" and became a huge commercial success.

Carmen McRae was an American jazz singer and pianist who was known for her smooth, velvety voice, impeccable phrasing, and impressive scat singing abilities, and for her iconic recordings of standards and show tunes, which showcased her mastery of the Great American Songbook.

Anita O'Day was an American jazz singer known for her unique, breathy vocal style, which was characterized by her distinctive phrasing, impeccable timing, and ability to scat sing with ease, and for her iconic recordings of jazz standards and show tunes, which have become classics of the genre.

Art Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader who was a key figure in the development of hard bop and modern jazz, known for his powerful and dynamic drumming style, which was characterized by its intensity and rhythmic complexity, and for his iconic Jazz Messengers band, which launched the careers of many notable jazz musicians.

1961:

Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and John Coltrane all returned.

1962:

Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter performed for the first time. Hancock is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation, known for his eclectic and genre-bending style, which has spanned from jazz and funk to rock and electronic music, and for his iconic albums like "Maiden Voyage" and "Head Hunters", which have become jazz classics.

Shorter performed for the first time.

Returnees included Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter.

1963:

Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancok came back from the previous year: Charles Mingus and John Coltrane returned from 1961.

1964:

McCoy Tyner performed for the first time with Chip. He was an American jazz pianist and composer who was a member of the John Coltrane Quartet and is known for his distinctive and influential playing style, which blended elements of hard bop, modal jazz, and African rhythms.

The remainder of the artists returned from the 1962 line-up including Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter.

1965:

No new artists arrived but the leading lights of jazz appeared including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter.

1966:

Freddie Hubbard was the only new artist of the year. Freddie Hubbard was an American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player who was a leading figure in the development of hard bop and post-bop jazz, known for his lyrical and technically impressive playing style, which was characterized by his warm tone and versatility across a range of musical styles.

The returning highlighted artists were: Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, and McCoy Tyner.

1967:

No new artists arrived on the scene but the returning important artists were Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, and Freddie Hubbard.

The Apollo

Monck started lighting the stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where he worked with music legends including jazz man Maynard Ferguson and his first rock ‘n’ roll artist, Chuck Berry. Ferguson was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader who was known for his powerful and virtuosic playing style, which was characterized by his use of high notes and complex harmonies, and for his influential big band recordings that blended elements of jazz, rock, and classical music.Berry was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who was a pioneer of rock and roll music, known for his distinctive voice, showmanship, and iconic songs such as "Maybellene", "Roll Over Beethoven", and "Johnny B. Goode", which helped to define the genre and influence generations of musicians.

The Apollo marked a pivotal moment in Monk’s career, showing that he was making a name for himself in stage lighting design. The Apollo is famous for featuring African American artists and music genres like jazz, R&B, and soul, so working there would have exposed Chip to a vibrant artistic community.

1960:

Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltraine worked with Chip previously at the Newport Jazz Festival.

A new artist that Chip worked with was Billie Holiday who was an American jazz singer known for her expressive and emotive voice, which conveyed a sense of vulnerability and intimacy, and for her iconic songs like "God Bless the Child" and "Strange Fruit", which have become jazz standards and continue to influence generations of singers.

Also, a new groundbreaking artist that would take several years to develop was Aretha Franklin who was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as the "Queen of Soul" for her powerful, soulful voice and iconic hits like "Respect" and "Think", which have become synonymous with the genre of soul music and continue to inspire and influence artists across genres.

1961:

John Coltrane appeared the previous year as well; and, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock previously worked with Chip at the Newport Jazz Festival.

Wayne Shorter is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his generation, known for his distinctive and versatile playing style, which has spanned from hard bop to fusion and beyond, and for his iconic work with Miles Davis and Weather Report, as well as his own critically acclaimed albums.

1962:

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer often referred to as the "First Lady of Song" for her pure, clear, and expressive voice, as well as her impressive technical ability and scat singing skills, which earned her 13 Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.

Chip worked with Louis Armstrong previously at the Newport Jazz Festival. Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter all appeared during the year again as well.

1963:

Chip worked previously with both McCoy Tyner and Freddie Hubbard at the Newport Jazz Festival. Previously Monck also worked with Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter.

1964:

Throughout the year Chip worked with the top jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, and Freddie Hubbard.

1965:

New artists Chip worked with were Nina Simone and Otis Redding. Simone was an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was a powerful and influential figure in the development of jazz and soul music, known for her distinctive, emotive voice and genre-bending style, which blended elements of jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music to create a unique and enduring sound. Redding was an American soul singer-songwriter and musician who was a leading figure in the development of soul music, known for his powerful, emotive voice and classic hits such as "Try a Little Tenderness", "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay", and "Respect", which have become iconic and enduring in the genre.

Returnees were top artists Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, and Freddie Hubbard.

1966:

The new artist Monck worked with was the hardest working man in show business James Brown. Brown was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was a pioneer of funk music and a major influence on the development of rock, soul, and hip-hop, known for his energetic stage presence, distinctive vocal style, and iconic hits such as "I Got You (I Feel Good)", "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", and "Cold Sweat".

All of the leading jazz artists reappeared including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Nina Simone, and Otis Redding.

1967:

Chip worked with all of his leading artists during the year including Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.

Independence of Kenya

Although primarily associated with musical acts, particularly Miriam Makeba, Monck was hired by heads of state. He planned the total production design, lighting, and operation during the independence of Kenya. Singers Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, Odetta, actor Sidney Poitier, President, and Prime Minister of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta, and Kwame Nkrumah, Ghanaian politician, political theorist, and revolutionary, all attended. The latter formed The Organization of African Unity with the assistance of Dr. Martin Luther King. While Chip was taking down the installation and listening to a battery operated 45 player “the newest single of the Byrds, a very quiet person was sitting in the last seat in the theater, dressed in a beautiful white robe, and asked about my choice of music.” As was the custom, “I said I would be delighted for him to have it.” Monck advises, “That was my first meeting with President Nkrumah.” As Monck left with the equipment, he relates, “I heard the familiar strains of a Dylan classic, being played from the single room, remaining lit, in the palace, and a wave from the guy in white.” Chip consulted during Independence Day for Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who was an Ivorian politician and physician who served as the first president of the Ivory Coast from 1960 until his death in 1993.

Miriam Makeba

An amusing story occurred about this time when Chip toured with Miriam Makeba for five years. They exhaustively toured, and, not surprisingly, sleep was at a premium. Similar to soldiers, Chip caught sleep on the run, and with so much touring, he leaned on the shoulder of the person next to him and caught some shut-eye. Politely, the woman whose shoulder he fell asleep on gently tapped him, saying, "Excuse me, but I have some delicate things to do," and gently placed his sleepy head on another person's shoulder on the other side. The woman was Minister of Labor Golda Meir, subsequently Prime Minister Meir. Meir was a significant figure in Israeli history, serving as the country’s fourth prime minister from 1969 to 1974. She was the first and only woman to hold this position in Israel and the first female head of government in the Middle East.

Back in the Boston area Monck worked Così fan tutte, (Women are like that, or The School for Lovers), K. 588, which is an opera buffa in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Monck produced American conductor Isaiah Jackson who served a seven-year term with Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, of which he has been named Conductor Emeritus.

While in Copenhagen, and in negotiations with the Fab Four and Brian Epstein, Chip unfortunately had no one to cover his work with Miriam Makeba and passed on a flight to London for the day to meet the boys. Monck did make a firm connection to Derek Taylor, British journalist, writer, publicist and record producer. Taylor is best known for his role as press officer to the Beatles, with whom he worked in 1964 and then from 1968 to 1970, and was one of several associates to earn the moniker "the Fifth Beatle". Monck would collaborate with Taylor at Monterey Pop.

Rock Opportunities

After leaving Newport, Monck explored new opportunities with Bill Siddons, who was the American music manager of the Doors, the Chambers Brothers in Europe, the Byrds, and his first experience with The Rolling Stones at the Boston Garden. The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, comprising vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. The Chambers Brothers is an American psychedelic soul band, best known for their eleven-minute 1968 psychedelic soul hit "Time Has Come Today". The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964.

Artists could be temperamental. The Doors were pleasant to work with but Morrison could be problematic however if Chip perceived an issue he walked Jim off to the wings. With the Byrds, Jim, later known as Roger, McGuinn thought so highly of himself it led to the dissolution of the band. The Byrds worked with Monck particularly through events like the Monterey Pop Festival and lighting the Hollywood Bowl. The Byrds played a key role in the folk rock genre, producing hits like “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, “Eight Miles High”, and “So You Want to Be a Rock n Roll Star.” According to Monck, The Stones in Boston was “the worst presentation of an act I had ever seen,” better in 1969, catching up in 1970, but with pressure by 1972 both Chip and the Stones “came alive.”

Monterey Pop

Chip played a significant role in the 1967 Monterey International Pop Music Festival, serving as the lighting designer and technical director. His innovative lighting setups and technical expertise helped enhance the stage presentations and overall success of the event. Monck worked closely with artists and organizers to create a memorable and immersive experience for both performers and audiences. The festival, which featured iconic performances by artists such as The Who and Jimi Hendrix, is considered a landmark event in the history of rock music festivals, setting a new standard for live music production and inspiring later events like Woodstock. Monterey Pop validated rock music as an art form and had a significant impact on the 1960s counterculture movement.

Al Kooper credits Chip with innovating stage management at the first full-fledged rock festival where the problem was to keep the music flowing. Every detail had to be invented and Monterey was critical to rock festival development. Monck innovated the idea of playing recorded music while transitioning from one musical act to another; it is still with us at shows.

Al Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician, known for joining and naming Blood, Sweat & Tears, although he did not stay with the group for long. His reputation was built throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s when he was a valued studio musician, including playing organ on the Bob Dylan song "Like a Rolling Stone", French horn and piano on the Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and lead guitar on Rita Coolidge's "The Lady's Not for Sale". Kooper produced a number of one-off collaboration albums, such as the Super Session album, working separately with guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills. In the 1970s, Kooper was a successful manager and producer, recording Lynyrd Skynyrd's first three albums. He has had a successful solo career, writing music for film soundtracks, and has lectured in musical composition. Kooper was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

Chip states, "Monterey was a delight," though he did get doused with acid, and about the same time he did spend twelve days in a Montreal prison. Monck states, "hard core prison is not my delight." Ahh, the '60s.

Friday, June 16:

The Association was an American rock band that was a key part of the 1960s folk rock and soft rock movements, known for their harmonious vocal blend, catchy melodies, and hits such as "Cherish", "Windy", and "Never My Love", which have become staples of the era's music.

Chip worked with The Mamas & the Papas, The Byrds, and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band at the Newport Folk Festival. Monck managed Otis Redding at The Apollo.

The Electric Flag was an American rock band that was formed in the mid-1960s and was known for its unique blend of rock, blues, and folk music, featuring a rotating cast of musicians including Mike Bloomfield, Nick Gravenites, and Buddy Miles, and was one of the first rock bands to incorporate elements of jazz and world music into their sound.

The Blues Project was a pioneering American rock band formed in 1965, known for blending blues, folk, and rock influences to create a unique sound that helped shape the development of psychedelic rock and jam band music.

The Youngbloods were an American rock band formed in 1965, characterized by their eclectic blend of folk, rock, blues, and psychedelia, as well as their hit singles "Get Together" and "Darkness, Darkness", which became anthems of the 1960s counterculture movement.

The Animals were a British rock band formed in 1962, known for their gritty, blues-infused sound and distinctive vocals, particularly Eric Burdon's powerful voice, which produced hits like "House of the Rising Sun", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", and "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place".

Saturday, June 17:

Jefferson Airplane was a pioneering American rock band formed in 1965, known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and counterculture lyrics, which helped define the San Francisco psychedelic scene and produced iconic hits like "White Rabbit", "Somebody to Love", and "Volunteers".

The Rascals, formerly known as The Young Rascals, were an American rock band formed in 1965, known for their soulful, harmony-rich sound and hit singles like "Groovin'", "People Got to Be Free", and "A Beautiful Morning", which captured the essence of the 1960s pop-rock scene.

Moby Grape was an American rock band formed in 1966, known for their innovative blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia, as well as their unique vocal harmonies and intricate instrumental arrangements, which produced critically acclaimed albums like "Moby Grape" (1967), "Moby Grape 69" (1969), and "20 Granite Creek" (1971), among others.

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965, known for their unique blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia, as well as their improvisational live performances, which often featured extended jams and a devoted fan base, earning them a reputation as one of the most iconic and influential bands in rock history.

Other returning acts included The Animals, The Youngbloods, The Blues Project, The Electric Flag, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Byrds, The Association, and The Mamas & the Papas.

Sunday, June 18:

Two new acts for Chip and iconic performances were the Jimi Hendrix Experience and The Who. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a British-American rock band formed in 1966, led by the virtuosic and innovative guitarist Jimi Hendrix, known for their groundbreaking and experimental sound, which blended blues, rock, and psychedelia, and produced iconic albums like "Are You Experienced?" and "Axis: Bold as Love".

The Who was a British rock band formed in 1964, known for their powerful live performances, complex rock operas, and innovative use of synthesizers and orchestral arrangements, which produced iconic albums like "My Generation", "Tommy", and "Quadrophenia", and cemented their status as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands of all time.

Also, returned acts included The Grateful Dead, The Jefferson Airplane, The Rascals, The Moby Grape, The Electric Flag, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Byrds, The Association, The Mamas & the Papas, Otis Redding, The Blues Project, and The Youngbloods.

Miami Pop Festival

The 1968 Miami Pop Festival was a two-day music festival that took place on May 18-19, 1968 in Hallandale, Florida, just north of Miami. The event, officially known as the "1968 Pop and Underground Festival" and "The 1968 Pop Festival", was the first major rock festival staged on the East Coast. An estimated 25,000 people attended the festival, which was held at Gulfstream Park, a horse racing track. The festival was assembled in just three weeks by future Woodstock organizer Michael Lang and dolphin trainer Richard O'Barry.

This is an 8mm movie film and shot by 15 year old Andy Seipos (with his father’s movie camera) of Arthur Brown, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Blue Cheer, Frank Zappa and his Mothers of Invention.

Hollywood Bowl

Chip states, "The Bowl became my playground, a great place to work." The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, United States. It was named one of the 10 best live music venues in the United States by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2018, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023. Monck thrived there with shows like Procol Harum, the Buffalo Symphony, the Mamas and the Papas, and Jimi Hendrix. Procol Harum were an English rock band formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in 1967. Their best-known recording is the 1967 hit single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", one of the few singles to have sold more than 10 million copies. The Mamas & the Papas was a folk-rock vocal group that recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968, with a brief reunion in 1971. The group was a defining force in the music scene of the counterculture of the 1960s. Their sound was based on vocal harmonies arranged by John Phillips, the songwriter and leader of the group, who adapted folk to the new beat style of the early 1960s.

Bill Graham and the Fillmore

Monck began working with legendary concert promoter Bill Graham in the late 1960s at the Fillmore East. He was responsible for total venue design including production, construction, management, lighting design and operation. There were performances by famous artists such as Janis Joplin who opened the Fillmore East 8 March 1968. Other artists included the Jefferson Airplane, Traffic, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, and Blue Cheer. Monck's attention to detail and expertise helped ensure high-quality shows and contributed to the venue's success. Working closely with Graham, he helped implement a cutting-edge sound and lighting system, including the Hanley Sound System, which became a hallmark of the Fillmore. Monck's work with Graham and the Fillmore established him as one of the top stage managers and sound engineers in the music industry, and he played a key role in the venue's enduring reputation as an iconic music venue.

Chip advises, “Bill and I fought like cats and dogs, the result was perfect. I found those arguments to be a good method of operation; [and I] used them often, taking away the fear." The pair “often broke out into fistfights, design vs. cost.”

The Fillmore took months to design a day to day operating venue that had never been done previously. The giant center sound system weighed six tons, requiring a lighting bridge that spanned the length of the theater. Chip used a standard projection booth, follow spot booth for four arc lamps, placed in four balcony box seating pods, and trained operators to run this Herculean system.

Janis Joplin was an American singer and songwriter. One of the most iconic and successful rock performers of her era. She had a commanding stage presence when, in 1967, Joplin rose to prominence following an appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Rolling Stone ranked Joplin number 46 on its 2004 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time and number 28 on its 2008 list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". NPR dubbed Joplin the "Queen of Rock" and named her one of the "50 Great Voices". She remains one of the top-selling vocalists in the United States, with Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifications for 18.5 million albums sold.

Jefferson Airplane was an American rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1965 that became one of the pioneering bands of psychedelic rock. The group defined the San Francisco Sound and was the first from the Bay Area to achieve international commercial success. They headlined the Monterey Pop Festival (1967), Woodstock (1969), Altamont Free Concert (1969), and the first Isle of Wight Festival (1968) in England. Their 1967 breakout album, Surrealistic Pillow was one of the most significant recordings of the Summer of Love. Two songs from that album, "Somebody to Love" and “White Rabbit”, are among Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Traffic were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in April 1967 by Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason. They began as a psychedelic rock group and diversified their sound through instrumentation. They added keyboards (such as the Mellotron and harpsichord), a sitar, and various reed instruments, which was unusual for a standard rock band by incorporating jazz and improvisational techniques into their music.

Blue Cheer was an American rock band that initially performed and recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was sporadically active until 2009. Based in San Francisco, Blue Cheer plays in a psychedelic blues rock or acid rock style. They are also credited as being some of the earliest pioneers of heavy metal, with their cover of "Summertime Blues" sometimes cited as the first in the genre. They have also been noted as influential in the development of genres as disparate as punk rock, stoner rock, doom metal, experimental rock, and grunge.

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown is an eccentric English singer and songwriter best known for his flamboyant and theatrical performances, eclectic (and sometimes experimental) work, and his powerful, wide-ranging operatic voice, in particular his high-pitched banshee screams. He is also notable for his unique stage persona, which features extreme face paint and a burning helmet. He is best known for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown's 1968 single “Fire”, which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and Canada, and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album did well too, as did The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, which reached number 2 in the UK, number 6 in Canada, and number 7 in the US.

Philadelphia Music Festival

The Philadelphia Music Festival was a two-day music festival held on July 20–21, 1968, at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The festival was notable for being one of the first major music festivals in the United States, predating the famous Woodstock Music & Art Fair by a few months. It was also one of the first festivals to feature a mix of rock, pop, and folk music, which helped to establish the genre-bending sound that would define the 1970s.

There were a notable list of acts that performed; almost all the bands appearing had previously worked with Chip at Monterey which opened up doors to so many more opportunities for him.

Saturday, July 20:

The Doors were a pioneering American rock band formed in 1965, known for their dark, poetic lyrics, brooding stage presence, and distinctive blend of blues, psychedelia, and garage rock, led by the enigmatic and charismatic frontman Jim Morrison.

The Youngbloods, The Blues Project, The Electric Flag, and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band had worked with Chip at Monterey Pop.

Sunday, July 21:

The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, and The Association had worked with Chip at Monterey Pop.

The 1910 Fruitgum Company was an American bubblegum pop band that was formed in the late 1960s and is best known for their hit singles "Simon Says" and "1, 2, 3, Red Light".

The Strawberry Alarm Clock was an American psychedelic rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1966, known for their hit single "Incense and Peppermints" and their blend of folk, rock, and psychedelic sounds.

The festival was organized by promoter Ron Delsener, who also organized other notable music festivals in the 1960s and 1970s. The event was attended by an estimated 20,000-30,000 people over the two days.

Throughout 1968 Monck would go on to work with a wide variety of talent including mainstream artists, jazz musicians, rock and soul bands, psychedelic-rock, and a novelty act. Several of these acts were at the peak of their popularity. Chip lit Judy Garland in her last US concert. Garland was a legendary American actress, singer, and vaudevillian who rose to fame as a teenager with her iconic role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" and went on to become a beloved and enduring icon of Hollywood's Golden Age. She was to die not longer after working with Monck. the following year. She attained international stardom and critical acclaim as an actress in both musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist, and on the concert stage. Renowned for her versatility, she received a Golden Globe Award, a Special Tony Award and was one of twelve people in history to receive an Academy Juvenile Award.

Chip had worked with Count Basie at the Apollo.

And he did more service with The Who. The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. Their contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large public address systems, the use of synthesizers, Entwistle's and Moon's influential playing styles, Townshend's feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of rock opera. They are cited as an influence by many hard rock, punk, power pop, and mod bands. The Who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments, philosophical lyrics, and elaborate live shows. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, cited by some as the greatest progressive rock band of all time.

Louie Armstrong nicknamed "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", was an American trumpeter and vocalist. He was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and several eras in the history of jazz. Armstrong received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for Hello, Dolly! In 1965, as well as a posthumous win for the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972. His influence crossed musical genres, with inductions into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, among others

Tiny Tim was an American musician and musical archivist. He is known for his 1968 hit recording of the song "Tiptoe Through the Tulips", and was renowned for his wide vocal range, in particular his far-reaching falsetto. His booking on the comedy variety show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In led to his fame while he sang "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" on both his second and third appearances on the show. Monck worked with him at the peak of popularity; his debut God Bless Tiny Tim was released by Reprise Records in 1968. "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" was released as a single and reached No. 17 on the Billboard chart.

The Box Tops is an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1967. They are best known for the hits “The Letter”, "Cry Like a Baby", "Choo Choo Train," and "Soul Deep" and are considered a major blue-eyed soul group of the period. They performed a mixture of current soul music songs and pop tunes like "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum; and songs written by their producers, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, and Chips Moman. Their "Cry Like a Baby" was a million-seller in 1968, peaking at #2 on the Hot 100. The band's final 1968 hit, "Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March" debuted on the Hot 100 on Chilton's eighteenth birthday.

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history, and was often referred to by his contemporaries as “The Genius”. Among friends and fellow musicians, he preferred being called “Brother Ray”. Charles was blinded during childhood, possibly due to glaucoma.

Interestingly, Monck worked with Buckminster Fuller, who was an American architect, systems theorist, writer, designer, inventor, philosopher, and futurist. He styled his name as R. Buckminster Fuller in his writings, publishing more than 30 books and coining or popularizing numerous terms.

Woodstock

In May 1969, Chip went to Max Yasgur's Farm in upstate New York. Michael Lang hired him to build a stage that was as big as an aircraft carrier which never panned out. The Woodstock stage was built at an incline and the concept was to build four towers that due to the mishaps and logistics didn’t work. As the stage was being built, Chip noticed that as the crowd filled Yasgur's farm, the people arriving would push the early arrivals into the plywood barrier between them and the stage. Chip asked the people up front to pick up their possessions and move ten steps back, or all they would see for three days was plywood, and they couldn't enjoy the musical experience. According to Chip, by asking respectfully, the crowd agreed and moved back ten steps as he counted out the steps. And, he revealed that once back ten steps, they would find a nice spot for the tush that formerly belonged to those behind. About the time he got to about the number three, Chip was pleasantly surprised that the somewhat restless crowd actually was peaceful, and for some reason they actually listened to him and complied with his gentle request!

As iconic as Woodstock turned out to be, and with the popularity of the film, it is obvious that the event was, on many levels, a disaster. Chip was the ideal person to light the stage, but he became the voice of Woodstock, and although his talent was not employed correctly, his professionalism, gentle nature, and oratorical skills emerged. Who knew?

I don't even think Chip knew what he had in him, and he spoke extemporaneously. One of his most poignant statements comes at the close of the festival, and having asked him how he came up with such a profound comment, Monck remarked, "Fuck if I know."

Of the disaster at Woodstock, Chip philosophized, "The harder the puzzle is, the more you get to learn."

WOODSTOCK STAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS (after Santana set and before John Sebastian)

WOODSTOCK STAGE ANNOUNCEMENTS (after Incredible String Band)

It was Chip who had the good sense to recommend hiring Henry Diltz. Diltz is a renowned American folk musician and photographer who has been active since the 1960s. Diltz began as a folk musician, a member of the Modern Folk Quartet, before transitioning into photography. His shift to photography happened by happy accident, as he followed his passion for music, which led him to become one of the leading photographers of his generation.

Diltz has shot more than 250 album covers and thousands of publicity shots in the '60s and '70s. He's known for capturing iconic images that have become part of music history. He was the official photographer for the original Woodstock festival, which significantly boosted his career and reputation. His background as a musician gave him a unique perspective and allowed him to connect with artists on a personal level, resulting in more intimate and authentic photographs.

Diltz's work is highly regarded in the music industry. He has received numerous accolades, including Grammy, Lucie, and IPHF (International Photography Hall of Fame) awards. Diltz is known for his laid-back approach to photography, which helped him capture candid and natural moments with musicians.

His photographs have become an integral part of rock and roll history, documenting the music scene from the 1960s onward and helping to shape the visual identity of many iconic musicians and bands. Henry Diltz's journey from folk musician to legendary rock photographer exemplifies how following one's passion can lead to unexpected and extraordinary career paths in the arts.

Mr. & Mrs. America were introduced to the significance of Woodstock by leading broadcaster Walter Cronkite.

The Rolling Stones

Chip was a central figure for The Rolling Stones’ 1969 American Tour, which was a significant event in rock history. It marked their first U.S. tour since 1966 and featured Mick Taylor, who had recently joined the band after Brian Jones’s departure and subsequent death.

The tour ran from November 7 to December 6, 1969, covering 24 shows. It included notable supporting acts like Ike & Tina Turner, B.B. King, and Terry Reid. The tour is often remembered for its high-energy performances and the use of advanced amplification and a lighting system thanks to Monck.

One of the most famous shows was at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Janis Joplin joined Ike & Tina Turner on stage for an impromptu performance1. The tour also included a memorable appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show1.

Chip had an extra duty as "Camp Counselor" to Truman Capote and Andy Warhol. Whatever they wanted, he acted as a go-fer for the celebrities.

One of Monck's reminisces is filling multicolored ping pong balls to release on Mick Jagger as the climax of the show. Mick had the reputation of being extremely well-disciplined, but he had a fun side as well and understood the entertainment aspect of Chip's frivolity.

The tour concluded with the infamous Altamont Free Concert, which was marred by violence and the tragic death of a fan. Despite this, the 1969 tour is considered a landmark in rock history and helped solidify the Rolling Stones’ reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Altamont was to highlight the Stones but like Woodstock it proved to be not only a disaster but deadly. The Altamont Free Concert, held on December 6, 1969, is remembered as a tragic event that marked the end of the 1960s counterculture era. The concert is notorious for its use of Hells Angels as security, which led to significant violence during the event. The mistaken notion was to pay the Angels with beer and pills, which exacerbated the potential for violence. In fact, there were multiple fatalities associated with the concert. In total, four deaths were investigated by law enforcement - one stabbing, one drowning, and two from a traffic accident. Dozens of people were injured during the event. Amidst the chaos, there were also two births reported at the concert.

The death of Meredith Hunter is particularly controversial. Some argue that the stabbing was justified because Hunter had pulled a gun, though this perspective is debated. Hunter, an 18-year-old attendee, was stabbed to death by Alan Passaro, a 21-year-old Hells Angel, near the stage during the Rolling Stones' performance. The violence reached its peak during the performance of the headlining act, The Rolling Stones.

Chip inherited the dubious duty of informing Meredith's mother of the tragedy, and at first, in no uncertain terms, he was told to get lost. However, Monck persisted and proceeded to give Hunter's mom $250.00, donated by Jann Wenner, a significant figure in American music journalism and popular culture. He was co-founder of Rolling Stone Magazine in 1967, and co-founder of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Wenner has made controversial missteps in his career, but he revolutionized music journalism through Rolling Stone. He established Rolling Stone as the ultimate standard in music journalism by bringing rock and roll journalism to mainstream America for decades. He was recognized for his entrepreneurial skills in building and maintaining Rolling Stone as a cultural institution.

The deadly and violent nature of Altamont can be exemplified by the fallout from the concert. Ronnie Schneider was a significant figure and made many arrangements for the Stones. He was the nephew of Allen Klein, a prominent music industry executive, and he played a key role in the deal for the Rolling Stones' film "Gimme Shelter," partly filmed at Altamont. The Hell's Angels walked off with the Stones' stage rug, and Schneider wanted it back after Chip had paid for it. If it was lost, he would have to repay for the valuable rug, and Monck had to approach the leader of the Hell's Angels to get it back.

Unfortunately for Chip, he had to deal with the notorious Sonny Barger. Sonny, born Ralph Hubert Barger Jr. (October 8, 1938 – June 29, 2022), was a significant figure in American outlaw biker culture. Barger was a founding member of the Oakland, California, chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in 1957. He appeared in the TV series "Sons of Anarchy" and in the documentary film “Gimme Shelter” about the Rolling Stones' 1969 U.S. tour. As an "outlaw biker," Barger had run-ins with the law and served time as an ex-convict.

The gentlemanly Monck, respectively, approached the notorious ex-con Barger with two cases of champagne and asked for the Stones' rug back. At the time, Chip was bloody from having seven teeth knocked out by another Hell's Angel who had refused to return the rug. The Angel had used a lead-filled pool cue while refusing to return the valuable rug. Monck spread his blood all over his shirt to elicit sympathy from the hard-nosed Barger. He politely suggested what he thought to be a fair exchange, spilled blood and lost teeth in exchange for champagne to regain the Stone's rug. Perhaps for the first time in his life, Barger realized Monck's plight and agreed to give the rug back, all without further bloodshed.

In any event, the Altamont concert is often seen as bringing the 1960s to a violent end, marking a dark conclusion to the era of peace and love. The Altamont Free Concert stands as a cautionary tale in rock history, illustrating the potential dangers of inadequate planning and security at large-scale music events. It's often contrasted with Woodstock, which occurred just a few months earlier, and represents a stark shift in the perception of the counterculture movement.

Chip was extraordinarily innovative during a time when modern production methods did not yet exist. Imagine you are playing with a flashlight and you want to shine the light on something far away. The Monck Followspot Mirror System helps you do that by using special mirrors to reflect the light in the right direction. It's like having a magical mirror that helps you shine your light exactly where you want it to go.

Monck used the innovative Mirror stage lighting for the 1972 Rolling Stones tour, which was designed for him by Michael Callahan, a NYC high school student interested in concert lighting. Callahan devised the Mirror Followspot System after Monck complained about the inconsistency in how close followspots were to the stage as the distance varied from arena to arena. Instead of raising 3,000 pounds (ca. 1,361 kilograms) of lamps to overhead trusses, Monck had built from Callahan's drawings a 40' x 8' array of Mylar mirrors. A row of spotlights sitting on the floor behind the stage bounced light off the mirrors onto the stage. In honor of Chip, the now standard system is called the Monck Mirror.

This concept involved positioning a large mirror, either as an actual reflective surface or through some visual technique, that enabled performers to view their actions and reactions in real-time during a live performance. The primary idea was to enhance the artists' awareness of their stage presence and performance dynamics, potentially improving their engagement and interaction with the audience. The Mirror was designed to give performers immediate visual feedback. By seeing themselves on stage, they could adjust their movements, expressions, and overall performance to enhance the show. This real-time feedback loop could improve the synchronization of dance, gestures, and interactions, creating a more dynamic and polished performance.

Grand Funk Railroad “Live Album”

Chip contributed to one of the most famous live albums of the era as promoted by Sid Bernstein. There were serious restrictions at the venue. “The grass was gold, as were the damage deposits posted” according to Monck who continues “We built the equivalent to a fortress on second base, knowing the audience would leave the stands and attack the stage. They did just that . . . !” Unfortunately for the audience the band management required angled tacks as used to keep carpet in place on all edges. Chip reports the result “There was blood everywhere, well lit by the hydraulic towers, raised to position during the overture.”

Chip first appears at the :33 second mark.

Stadiums would not be fan friendly until the 1980s, courtesy of the John Deere Company, and according to Chip, they were “a joy to work with,” and with the turf protected, the groundskeepers could relax, not to mention the concert attendees

Bernstein was an American music promoter, talent manager, and author. Bernstein changed the American music scene in the 1960s by bringing the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, the Moody Blues, and the Kinks to America. He was the first impresario to organize rock concerts at sports stadiums, and he promoted Grand Funk Railroad.

The 1971 Shea Stadium concert by Grand Funk Railroad was recorded and released. The concert, which took place on August 9, 1971, was recorded live at Shea Stadium in Queens, New York, and was released as a double album titled "Live Album" in 1972.

The album was a commercial success, reaching #19 on the Billboard 200 chart and being certified gold by the RIAA. It features live performances of many of Grand Funk Railroad's popular songs, including "We're an American Band", "The Loco-Motion", and "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)".

The album has been re-released several times over the years, including a 2002 reissue that added bonus tracks and a 2011 reissue that included a DVD of the concert. It remains a classic live album in the Grand Funk Railroad discography and a testament to the band's energetic and entertaining live performances.

Odetta and Miriam Makeba

Odetta and Miriam Makeba were both influential singers and civil rights activists, though they came from different backgrounds and had distinct musical styles. Odetta Holmes (1930–2008), later known professionally as just Odetta. Often referred to as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement." She was known for her powerful, deep voice and her influential interpretations of folk songs, spirituals, and blues.

The duo performed for Golda Meir in 1973, during her tenure as Prime Minister. Meir was a significant figure in Israeli history, serving as the country’s fourth prime minister from 1969 to 1974. She was the first and only woman to hold this position in Israel and the first female head of government in the Middle East.

Two stories about this period come to mind, when Chip toured with them for five years. They exhaustively toured, and, not surprisingly, sleep was at a premium. Similar to soldiers, Chip caught sleep on the run, and with so much touring, he leaned on the shoulder of the person next to him and caught some shut-eye. Politely, the woman whose shoulder he fell asleep on gently tapped him, saying, "Excuse me, but I have some delicate things to do," and gently placed his sleepy head on another person's shoulder on the other side. The woman was Prime Minister Meir.

A second story related by Chip has to do with the unusual lighting Monck created while performing "in the bush" or in areas where no electricity existed. The question is: how do you light a performance when there is no electricity? There was no marketing on shopping bags during the five years Chip toured with the duo, but he creatively put candles filled with sand and cut slits on the performing side of the bags to light the stage. As the candles burned down, the light featured the duo on stage, which is a brilliant and innovative use of the imagination. Monck recalls these tours as a pleasant time and considers the pair his "teachers."

Rona

Rona Elliot is an editor, Board Member, and Trustee of rock’s most important sites about festivals. Rona and Chip have been friends for many years, and to translate Monck’s speaking style, known as “Monkese” Rona proves invaluable. Elliot first saw the Stones at the Long Beach Civic in 1965. As one of the support women, Rona was at the first outdoor festival.

The Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival, held on June 10–11, 1967, at the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California, is often considered America’s first rock festival. This event was a precursor to the famous Summer of Love and set the stage for future large-scale music festivals. The festival attracted around 36,000 to 40,000 people.

The venue was a picturesque amphitheater on the south face of Mount Tamalpais, accessible only by shuttle buses and motorcycles due to road closures.

The lineup included notable acts such as Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, The Byrds, Canned Heat, and Dionne Warwick. This was The Doors’ first large show, coinciding with the rise of their hit "Light My Fire".

The festival had a Renaissance fair vibe, with booths selling handmade items, food, and various trinkets. There were also performances by jugglers, acrobats, and poets. The Hells Angels were present to maintain order, adding to the unique atmosphere. Admission was $2, and all proceeds were donated to the Hunters Point Child Care Center in San Francisco1.

The Fantasy Fair was a significant cultural event that influenced the format of future rock festivals and contributed to the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Two festivals, both called the Miami Pop Festival, were held in Miami in 1968. The first took place in May 18–19, 1968.

Both festivals were held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida. The second Miami Pop Festival was held December 28–30, 1968 before around 100,000 people.

The notable performers included. The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, Steppenwolf, and Three Dog Night. This festival was innovative for having two main stages operating simultaneously, a unique feature at the time. Monck was instrumental in the design stage.

It was produced by Tom Rounds and Mel Lawrence, who had previously organized the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival. At this festival, Rona and Chip met, so by the time they got to Woodstock, they were somewhat familiar with one another.

Both festivals were pivotal in the history of rock music, showcasing a wide range of artists and setting the stage for future large-scale music events.

Paul

Paul Saunders is a true music marketing maverick seeking to change the way singer-songwriters achieve success in their music careers. Saunders is Founder @New Music Lives & Lightwork Digital. The music industry is not working for singer songwriters making them the least paid and the last paid, and what the alternative is - It's Time For A Change...Past Time...Big Time! Saunders has worked with Wishbone Ash.