From Woodstock to Monterey
"A Forty Year Odyssey of Nancy Nevins"
We were the children of the sixties, confused,
rebellious, anti-mainstream and influenced by the
primal/psychedelic music of the time. While in search
of personal identity,the definitive gathering of The
Woodstock Generation was held on Yasgur's Farm in
Bethel, New York, August 16,17,18th, 1969. Amidst the
regalia of The Counter Culture and the storied
musicians of The Golden Age was a seventeen year old
prodigy by the name of Nancy Nevins. As a teenager
with a great vocal range, stage charisma and genetic
beauty, she would make an indelible impact on the
500,000 fans who traversed the highways of America for
this clandestine event. Nancy was one of the
first women of the genre to become the lead vocalist
of a known musical intity and the songs of Sweetwater
would resonate for nearly four decades. A traumatic
event would see her essentially disappear for years
but perseverence and the love of music would see her
resurface a few years ago and begin her ascent into a
justified place in the pantheons of great women
singers. It is no small task to reestablish the
credibility of what was perceived to be a lifelong
ambition but fast forward to Monterey 2007.
Arrangements had been made to find Nancy at the
Oakland Airport and so, who to look for all these
years later was the question. It was no surprise that
Nancy remains the diva darling of "flower power", a
stunning, vivacious and talented singer who quite
frankly could be the last true "rock star" of her
generation. She remains accessible,affable and
charming with a face that could rival Helen Of Troy,
which launched a thousand ships in reference to Greek
mythology.
Exposure seemed critical but for those who were
fortunate enough to see the early morning
abbreviated set, there is great comfort in knowing
nothing has changed. She was and remains a mover and
shaker,unabashed by the misfortune of the past, and
optimistic about the future. Her vocals are pure,
the lyrics are those of sensibility and the result
becomes the culmination of a musical tapestry that
spans 38 years. Fate took her away for much to long
and although she feels fortunate to be able to
entertain the masses, it is all of us who have been
blessed with the return of Nancy Nevins. She remains
poised for the impending re-entry, a media darling
whose charm is only mirrored by her genetic allure and
the uncanny ability to reach into the recesses of her
mind and find the voice that mesmerized a temporary
city so long ago on the grassy knolls of Yasgur's
Farm. What a gift.......in a time when banality and
scathing lyrics have dominated the airwaves, the
presence of Nancy Nevins can only bring a smile to
those who know and love her and await the return that
has been so long in coming.
Cheers
Don