Richie Havens may have kicked off musical proceedings with his opening solo set, but Sweetwater, truth be told, is the first actual musical group that played the Woodstock Music & Art Fair on August 15, 1969. According to Woodstock Wiki, “Day Song” is the fourth song they played:
“Day Song“
Sweetwater (1969)
LP Musician Credits
Bass & Vocals – Fred Herrera
Drums & Percussion – Alan Malarowitz
Congas & Percussion – Elpidio Cobian
Cello – August Burns
Flute & Vocals – Albert B. Moore
Keyboards & Vocals – Alex Del Zoppo
Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar – Nansi Nevins
Producer – Chris Huston
(image courtesy of Discogs)
“Day Song” was included on Sweetwater’s second album, Just For You. Those on more limited budgets back in the day might more easily have obtained the song through the affordably-priced WB sampler, The 1969 Warner/Reprise Record Show. Reprise would also release “Day Song” as the B-side to “Without Me” in March of 1971.