Country Joe McDonald, Woodstock star and anti-war singer, dies aged 84

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Guardian staff and Associated PressMarch 9, 2026 at 12:49 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Country Joe McDonald, the musician best known for his anti-Vietnam War protest song "I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-To-Die Rag," died on Sunday in Berkeley, California, at the age of 84 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. McDonald rose to fame in the 1960s as a counter-culture icon, with his song becoming a highlight of the Woodstock festival in 1969. Born in Washington D.C. in 1942, he began his music career in the San Francisco Bay Area, forming the band Country Joe and the Fish. His anti-war anthem, written in 1965, gained notoriety for its satirical lyrics and provocative "F-U-C-K" cheer, leading to legal troubles and professional setbacks despite its popularity. McDonald's music and activism were deeply intertwined, reflecting his anger and frustration with the Vietnam War.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Janis Joplin 30% United States 35% Berkeley, California 40% Lyndon Johnson 45% Kathy McDonald 50% Country Joe and the Fish ×365% Woodstock ×475% Vietnam War ×385% Country Joe McDonald ×995%

Keywords

country joe mcdonald 100% anti-war singer 90% vietnam war 90% i-feel-like-i’m-fixin’-to-die rag 80% woodstock 70% protest song 60% 1960s 50% parkinson's disease 40%