In the summer of 1970, the Atlanta International Pop Festival marked a significant moment in music history. This event, held over the Fourth of July weekend, transformed a soybean field next to the Middle Georgia Raceway in Byron, Georgia, into a massive concert venue. This was the second and final edition of the festival, following the success of the previous year’s gathering.
The festival was organized by Alex Cooley, who had also been responsible for the first festival in 1969 and the Texas International Pop Festival. His experience helped in bringing together some of the most notable music acts of the time, creating a lineup that drew massive crowds.
Originally planned for three days, from July 3 to July 5, the festival stretched into the early morning of July 6 due to its packed schedule and enthusiastic attendees. The lineup was intended to feature a mix of rock, blues, and other music genres. Notable performers at the festival included The Allman Brothers Band, B.B. King, Procol Harum, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. However, some scheduled acts like Jethro Tull and Captain Beefheart had to cancel, the former due to illness and the latter for unknown reasons.
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One of the most memorable performances was by Jimi Hendrix. He played to what was possibly the largest American audience of his career. During his performance, he played his famous rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, coinciding with the fireworks on the night of July 4, which became a highlight of the festival.
Tickets for the event were reasonably priced at $14, making it accessible to a large number of people. Despite this, the festival became a free event when the promoter decided to open the gates to everyone. This decision came after crowds outside began to dismantle the barriers that had been put up around the venue.
The attendance figures were staggering, with estimates ranging from 350,000 to as many as 600,000 people. This massive turnout showed the huge interest and excitement around the festival, which was described as “three days of peace, love, and music,” echoing the famous Woodstock festival held the previous summer.
Local Atlanta bands like Radar and the Hampton Grease Band also took the stage, showcasing the diverse music scene of the area. This inclusion highlighted the festival’s role in promoting local talent alongside internationally renowned artists.
