Country (Joe) McDonald Rock guitarist, vocalist Date of Birth: 01.01.1942 Country: USA

1. Biography of Country Joe McDonald
2. Early Life and Musical Influences
3. Career and Country Joe and the Fish
4. Solo Career and Activism
5. Later Years

Biography of Country Joe McDonald

Country Joe McDonald is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the frontman of the psychedelic rock band Country Joe and the Fish. He was born Joseph Allen McDonald on January 1, 1942, in Washington, D.C. His parents, Warden and Florence McDonald, were political activists who named their son after Joseph Stalin.

Early Life and Musical Influences

McDonald spent his childhood in El Monte, California, where his family moved after the war. He grew up attending concerts at the El Monte Legion Stadium, where he was exposed to various genres of music, including country, blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel. He became a regular at the Lighthouse club in Hermosa Beach, where artists signed to the Good Time Jazz label performed. McDonald developed a passion for Dixieland jazz and began playing in bands such as the Berkeley String Quartet and Instant Action Jug.

Career and Country Joe and the Fish

In 1964, McDonald made his first recording with folk guitarist Blair Hardman. These recordings were released in 1977 as "The Early Years." McDonald started the left-wing magazine Rag Baby in the mid-60s, which played a significant role in the formation of Country Joe and the Fish. The band gained popularity in San Francisco and became regular performers at venues like the Jabberwocky coffeehouse in Berkeley and the Avalon and Fillmore West halls. They signed with Vanguard Records in 1966 and released their debut album, "Electric Music for the Mind and Body." Their most famous song, "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag," was released as a single and reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Solo Career and Activism

After Country Joe and the Fish disbanded in 1971, McDonald pursued a solo career and continued his involvement in the protest song tradition of the 60s. He released albums such as "Thinking of Woody Guthrie" and "Tonight I'm Singing Just for You." McDonald actively participated in the anti-war movement, including a trip to Vietnam as part of the Free The Army campaign with Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. This led to his inclusion in President Nixon's "blacklist." McDonald released several more albums throughout the 70s and reunited with Country Joe and the Fish in 1977 for the album "Reunion."

Later Years

From the 80s onward, McDonald focused on working with various veteran groups from the Vietnam War, such as Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Vietnam Veterans of America. This resulted in the release of the album and video "Vietnam Experience." In 2004, he formed the Country Joe Band, consisting of members from the original lineup, and in 2007, he performed a tribute concert to Woody Guthrie. McDonald continues to have an active music career and remains a prominent figure in the folk and protest song genres.