Country singer-songwriter “Country Joe” McDonald, a well-known voice of the 1960s protest movement and a memorable performer at the Woodstock festival, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 84. He died at his home in Berkeley, California, following complications related to Parkinson’s disease. The news was confirmed by his wife, Kathy McDonald, in a statement shared with the media. Born Joseph Allen McDonald on January 1, 1942, in Washington, D.C., he grew up in California where his passion for music began early. Influenced strongly by folk legend Woody Guthrie, McDonald developed a style that blended folk, rock, and powerful social commentary. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he moved to Berkeley during the 1960s, a time when the city was at the center of political activism and cultural change. There, he became deeply involved in the protest movement, using music as a way to express the frustrations, hopes, and ideals of a generation shaped by civil rights struggles and the Vietnam War.

McDonald rose to national recognition as the lead singer of the band Country Joe and the Fish, a group known for its psychedelic rock sound and politically charged lyrics. One of their most famous songs, “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” became a widely recognized protest anthem during the Vietnam War. The band reached a historic moment in 1969 when they performed at the legendary Woodstock festival. During the performance, McDonald led the crowd in the famous “Fish Cheer,” a moment that later appeared in the Oscar-winning documentary Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music. Over the years, he continued writing songs and releasing albums while remaining involved in social and humanitarian causes, including support for veterans and environmental advocacy. McDonald is survived by his wife, Kathy, his five children, several grandchildren, and his brother. His music and message remain closely tied to one of the most transformative cultural periods in modern history.