The Woodstock Festival of 1969 is more than just a music festival—it’s a symbol of peace, love, and a pivotal moment in cultural history. Among the many images that captured the spirit of Woodstock, one stands out: the cover of the official Woodstock album, featuring a young couple wrapped in a blanket, holding each other tightly amidst a sea of festival-goers. This iconic photograph became a defining image of the 1960s counterculture and is often referred to as “The Hug.” But who were this iconic couple, and what became of them after Woodstock? Meet the Iconic Couple from the Woodstock Album Co – Tymoff.
The Festival That Defined an Era
Before delving into the story of the couple, it’s important to understand the significance of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Held from August 15 to 18, 1969, in Bethel, New York, Woodstock was attended by more than 400,000 people, becoming a symbol of the 1960s counterculture. It brought together a generation united by their opposition to the Vietnam War, their pursuit of peace, and their love for rock ‘n’ roll. The festival featured legendary performances by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Woodstock was more than just a music festival; it was a movement. Despite the mud, lack of food, and insufficient facilities, the spirit of camaraderie, love, and peace prevailed. The cover photo of the official Woodstock album perfectly encapsulated this spirit, featuring two young lovers holding each other amidst the chaos.
The Couple: Nick and Bobbi Ercoline
The couple featured on the iconic album cover are Nick and Bobbi Ercoline. At the time of Woodstock, they were just 20-year-old kids from Middletown, New York, who had recently started dating. They had no idea that their embrace, captured in a spontaneous moment of affection, would come to symbolize an entire era.
Nick Ercoline, a construction worker, and Bobbi Kelly (later Ercoline), a waitress, decided to attend Woodstock on a whim. They borrowed money from friends and drove with another couple to Bethel, New York, where the festival was being held. Like thousands of others, they had to abandon their car and walk several miles to reach the site due to the massive traffic jams.
A Chance Moment Captured Forever
On the morning of Sunday, August 17, 1969, photographer Burk Uzzle, then working for Magnum Photos, was roaming the festival grounds capturing candid moments of festival-goers. As the sun rose, he spotted a young couple wrapped in a colorful blanket, embracing each other while standing barefoot in the mud. He snapped the photo, unaware that it would become one of the most iconic images of the 1960s.
The photo was later selected as the cover of the 1970 triple LP album “Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More,” which featured live recordings from the festival. The album went on to become one of the best-selling albums of its time, further immortalizing the image of Nick and Bobbi Ercoline.
Life After Woodstock
Unlike many other stories associated with rock ‘n’ roll history, the story of Nick and Bobbi Ercoline did not end in tragedy or scandal. In fact, their lives after Woodstock have been remarkably ordinary, and that’s part of what makes their story so special.
Nick and Bobbi continued their relationship after Woodstock, eventually marrying in 1971. They settled down in Pine Bush, New York, where they raised two children and both pursued careers in education—Nick as a school administrator and Bobbi as a special education teacher. Their love story has stood the test of time, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021.
Despite being the faces of an era defined by rebellion and change, Nick and Bobbi’s lives were grounded in the values of family, community, and commitment. They have often said that their presence at Woodstock was more about being with friends and experiencing the music rather than joining a countercultural movement.
The Impact of the Woodstock Cover
The photograph of Nick and Bobbi Ercoline on the Woodstock album cover is more than just an image; it represents the spirit of a generation. For many, it captures the essence of the festival—peace, love, and music. Over the years, the image has been reproduced in countless retrospectives, books, documentaries, and exhibitions. It serves as a reminder of the idealism of the 1960s and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
The Ercolines have embraced their role as symbols of the Woodstock era, but they’ve never let it define them. They’ve spoken at numerous Woodstock anniversaries and music history events, sharing their experiences and memories from the festival. They often reflect on the photograph’s impact and how it became a symbol of peace and love, a stark contrast to the tumultuous times of the late 1960s.
Tymoff: The Photographer Behind the Iconic Image
While Burk Uzzle is often credited as the photographer, it’s important to note that the image is associated with the name “Tymoff.” This refers to the album’s art director, who was responsible for selecting the image for the cover. Tymoff’s eye for capturing the spirit of Woodstock through this photograph was instrumental in cementing its place in history.
Tymoff’s choice of this image reflects a keen understanding of the zeitgeist. The photograph’s simplicity—a couple wrapped in a blanket—contrasts sharply with the chaotic energy of the festival. It became a visual metaphor for finding peace amid chaos, a message that resonated deeply with a generation seeking respite from the turbulence of the 1960s.
A Legacy of Love and Peace
As we reflect on the Woodstock Festival and its place in history, the story of Nick and Bobbi Ercoline serves as a poignant reminder of what the festival stood for. Their love, captured in a fleeting moment, became a timeless symbol of an era that valued peace, love, and community above all else.
Today, Nick and Bobbi continue to live in upstate New York. They remain active in their community and occasionally share their unique Woodstock experience at public events. In a world that often seems more divided than ever, their story is a reminder that love and unity are still possible.
Conclusion
The iconic photograph of Nick and Bobbi Ercoline on the Woodstock album cover captures more than just a moment; it captures the essence of an entire generation’s hopes, dreams, and ideals. Their story is a testament to the power of music, love, and the enduring impact of a single photograph. As we celebrate the legacy of Woodstock, we are reminded that behind every iconic image are real people with real stories—stories that continue to inspire and resonate across generations.
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