JBL, the Legendary Audio Brand That Walloped Woodstock, Is Still Packing a Punch

So many still consume its product, even if they aren't aware of it

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

One afternoon in the summer of 1969, Woodstock promoter Michael Lang took sound engineer Bill Hanley to Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, N.Y., to show him the grounds for the concert he was planning. The moment Hanley looked out at 700 acres of grassy hillside, he knew the only way to throw sound that far was to build a system from scratch. Soon, two towers of yellow construction scaffolding rose 70 feet in the air, each cradling two clusters of speaker cabinets.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in

Adweek magazine cover
Click for more from this issue

This story first appeared in the June 10, 2019, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.