Act #4 Tim Harden Friday, August 15, 1969... 8:45 p.m.

Tim Hardin Woodstock Setlist Live

My Take:

Tim Hardin's performance was marked by a mix of challenges and memorable moments. Scheduled as the fourth performer on the first day of the festival, Hardin took the stage on Friday night, August 15, from 8:45 to about 9:30 PM. His set included Songs such as "How Can We Hang On to a Dream?", "If I Were a Carpenter", and "Reason to Believe."

Despite being a respected Songwriter, Hardin's performance was marred by his legendary Stage Fright and Heroin addiction. He most definitely consumed Alcohol to manage his Anxiety, which affected his performance. His Vocals were sometimes slurred, and he appeared unsteady on Stage, even bumping into his Microphone at times.

Nevertheless, Hardin managed to engage the Audience with his atmospheric Delivery and sensitive Vocals. The Crowd responded enthusiastically to his rendition of "If I Were a Carpenter" As the Performance progressed, Hardin was joined by a Backing Band, which included talented Musicians like Gilles Malkine and Drummer Steve "Muruga" Booker, helping to elevate the latter part of his Set.

The Crowd was polite (by this time, you could tell many were Stoned, even in the darkness. The Crowd noise was mostly a 4 to 6.

Tim Hardin's Musical Bio

Tim Hardin was an American folk Musician and Composer, born on December 23, 1941, in Eugene, Oregon. He is best known for his influential work during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly his compositions "If I Were a Carpenter" and "Reason to Believe," which became hits when Covered by other Artists Bobby Darin and Rod Stewart. Hardin's early life was marked by a lack of interest in formal Education, leading him to drop out of High School and join the U.S. Marines at 18.

During his Service, he developed a Heroin Addiction, a struggle that persisted throughout his Life. After his discharge, Hardin moved to New York City in 1961, where he began performing in Greenwich Village and developed his musical style, which blended Folk, Blues, and Jazz.

In 1965, Hardin signed with Verve Forecast and released his first album, Tim Hardin 1, in 1966. This Album included "Reason to Believe" and "Misty Roses" and was critically acclaimed, drawing comparisons to Bob Dylan's work.

His second album, Tim Hardin 2, released in 1967, featured "If I Were a Carpenter," which became a major hit for Bobby Darin. Despite his Songwriting success, Hardin struggled with Stage Fright and Addiction, which affected his Live Performances and Career trajectory. His set was marred by these personal challenges. Hardin continued to release music throughout the 1970s, but his output declined due to his ongoing battle with Addiction. He died of a Heroin and Morphine overdose on December 29, 1980. R.I.P. Tim