MTSU’s Dr. Burriss Remembers Exactly Where He Was—and What He Was Wearing—During Woodstock ’69

Jul 29, 2025 at 09:55 am by WGNS News


COMMENTARY: In August 1969, the famous Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place. It was actually in Bethel, New York—and not the town of Woodstock. With a reflection on where he was, what he may have been wearing, here is MTSU Journalism Professor, Dr. Larry Burriss… Despite the passage of time, the memories and music of that era still inspire nostalgia and a sense of hope.Hear past commentaries by Dr. Burriss HERE.

About Dr. Burriss - Dr. Larry Burriss is a highly accomplished professor of journalism with extensive experience in both academia and professional media. He teaches introductory journalism courses, media law, and quantitative research methods at the graduate level.

His academic credentials are impressive, holding five degrees:

Dr. Burriss has a distinguished career in print and broadcast news, public relations, and academic research. He has published extensively in both scholarly and popular publications, covering topics such as presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, adolescent social media use, legal research, and even studies on Middle Earth.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Burriss has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication, and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. His contributions to the state include being appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

A decorated professional, Dr. Burriss has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. He also has a distinguished military background, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His active-duty service included deployments to Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe, and the Pentagon.

Dr. Burriss continues to inspire students and colleagues with his vast knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of journalism and media studies.

 

Tags: 1960s culture 1969 music festival 60s nostalgia Bethel NY Bethel Woods Center classic rock commentary Crosby Stills Nash Dr. Larry Burriss editorial guided tours Bethel Larry Burriss Max Yasgur farm music festival site news op-ed opinion peace and love era Vietnam era WGNS Woodstock festival Woodstock history Woodstock memories Woodstock Nation
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