“The first three times I performed it in public, I burst into tears – because it brought back the intensity of the experience”: How Joni Mitchell wrote Woodstock – an era-defining song that spoke to a generation

Over five-and-a-half decades on, the song Woodstock still resonates with its message of hope, peace and unity in a turbulent, trouble-strewn world. Joni Mitchell was booked to play on Sunday 17 August – and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were also scheduled to perform. But by the time Mitchell, Crosby, Stills and Nash arrived at JFK airport, everyone knew about the logistical challenges at Woodstock. “This is only the second time we've played in front of people, man,” Stills told the crowd, “We're scared shitless!” Four versions of the song Woodstock would eventually be released by four separate artists, all in 1970.