Country Joe and the Fish
Country Joe and the Fish was an American psychedelic rock band formed in Berkeley, California, in 1965.
The band was a significant part of the San Francisco music scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for their musical innovation, political activism, and a performance at the historic Woodstock festival in 1969.
Formation and Early Years
The band was founded by "Country" Joe McDonald (vocals, guitar) and Barry "The Fish" Melton (lead guitar, vocals), with the name "Country Joe and the Fish" deriving from McDonald and Melton's nicknames. The group started as a duo, performing folk and protest songs, but quickly evolved into a full band as they embraced electric instruments and the psychedelic music movement.
Rise to Fame
Country Joe and the Fish gained prominence with their first album, "Electric Music for the Mind and Body" (1967), one of the first psychedelic albums to come out of San Francisco. The album included songs with innovative sound effects, electric guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics, setting the tone for much of their later work.
Their second album, "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die" (1967), contained perhaps their most famous song, the anti-Vietnam War anthem "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag." The song, and particularly its chorus ("One, two, three, what are we fighting for?"), became an iconic protest song of the 1960s.
Woodstock and Later Years
Country Joe and the Fish performed at the Woodstock festival in August 1969, where McDonald's solo acoustic performance of the "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag" became one of the highlights of the festival, further cementing the band's place in rock history.
Despite their success, the band underwent several lineup changes and shifts in musical direction. By the early 1970s, tensions within the band and changing musical tastes led to the group's decline. They disbanded in 1971 after releasing their fifth studio album, "C.J. Fish."
Band Members
The band's lineup changed several times throughout its existence. Key members included:
"Country" Joe McDonald (vocals, guitar) - The band's co-founder and primary songwriter, known for his distinctive voice and political lyrics.
Barry "The Fish" Melton (lead guitar, vocals) - Co-founder of the band, contributing to the group's psychedelic sound.
David Cohen (guitar, keyboards) - Played a crucial role in the band's musical arrangements, contributing to both guitar and keyboard parts.
Bruce Barthol (bass) - His bass playing was foundational to the band's rhythm section.
Gary "Chicken" Hirsh (drums) - Provided the beats that drove the band's psychedelic and folk rock tunes.
Paul Armstrong (drums, percussion) - Early member who contributed to the band's initial sound.
Over the years, the band also included several other musicians who contributed to various albums and performances.
Legacy
Country Joe and the Fish are remembered not only for their musical contributions but also for their impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Their songs provided a soundtrack to a generation's protest against the Vietnam War and called for social change, leaving an enduring legacy in the history of American music.