**36. “Country Joe” McDonald**
“Country Joe” McDonald, the iconic hippie rock star and anti-war activist whose songs captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture, died on March 8, 2026, at age 84. If you ever sang along to protest anthems at rallies, felt the energy of Woodstock through old footage, or simply loved classic rock with a message, this one will stir memories of youthful idealism and rebellion.
Best known for “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag,” McDonald became a voice for peace during the Vietnam War era. His performances at Woodstock and beyond blended sharp satire with heartfelt calls for change. He continued making music and speaking out for decades. Fans over 40 who came of age with his generation will feel this as the quieting of one more soundtrack to the turbulent yet hopeful times that shaped so many lives.
