Bert Sommer

Bert Sommer was a talented musician, songwriter, and actor whose career, while marked by moments of brilliance, often flew under the radar of mainstream recognition.

Despite his significant talent and contribution to the music and entertainment industry, Sommer is perhaps best known for his performance at the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969, an event that epitomized the counterculture movement of the late 1960s.

Early Life and Career

Born on February 7, 1949, in Albany, New York, Bert Sommer embarked on his career in the entertainment industry at a young age. His initial foray into the limelight came through acting. In the mid-1960s, Sommer landed a role in the original Broadway production of "Hair," the groundbreaking musical that captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. His involvement in "Hair" not only showcased his acting abilities but also provided a platform for his musical talents.

Transition to Music

Leveraging his experience and connections from "Hair," Sommer soon transitioned to a career in music. With a gentle voice and a knack for poignant songwriting, he began to make his mark in the burgeoning singer-songwriter movement of the late 1960s. Sommer's music, characterized by introspective lyrics and melodic compositions, resonated with the era's ethos of peace, love, and personal exploration.

Woodstock and Beyond

Bert Sommer's performance at Woodstock in August 1969 stands as the most notable highlight of his career. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Sommer was invited to perform at the festival, taking the stage on the first day. His performance included a mix of his original songs and covers, most notably an early rendition of "America" by Simon & Garfunkel, which reportedly received a standing ovation from the Woodstock crowd. Unfortunately, due to various logistical issues and decisions by the filmmakers, Sommer's performance was not included in the widely seen Woodstock film or soundtrack, significantly limiting his exposure from the event.

Recording Career

Following Woodstock, Sommer continued to record and release music. His discography includes albums such as "The Road to Travel" (1968), produced by Artie Kornfeld, one of Woodstock's organizers; "Inside Bert Sommer" (1969); "Bert Sommer" (1970); and "Songs" (1977). Despite the quality of his music and the depth of his songwriting, Sommer struggled to achieve commercial success. His gentle, introspective style often stood in contrast to the rock-dominated music scene of the 1970s.

Later Years and Legacy

Bert Sommer's later years saw him continuing to perform and write music, though he never attained the level of fame or recognition some of his contemporaries achieved. He passed away on July 23, 1990, at the age of 41, leaving behind a body of work that, while overlooked by many during his lifetime, has garnered appreciation from aficionados of the era's music.

Sommer's legacy is that of a quintessential "lost" talent of the Woodstock era—a gifted songwriter and performer whose contributions to one of the most celebrated cultural events of the 20th century went largely unrecognized. For those who delve into the history of Woodstock and the music of the time, Bert Sommer represents a fascinating what-if story, a reminder of the myriad talents that populated the music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s. His music continues to be rediscovered by new generations of listeners, offering a glimpse into the soulful, introspective side of the era's soundtrack.