Artie Kornfeld, born Arthur Lawrence Kornfeld in 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, is a prominent American musician, record producer, and music executive, widely recognized as the "Father of Woodstock." Raised in a Jewish lower-middle-class family, Kornfeld's early life involved frequent relocations, including a move to North Carolina where he worked at the Charlotte Coliseum to watch performances by legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

Kornfeld's passion for music led him to transition from playing the trumpet in symphonic orchestras to embracing the guitar, a shift that aligned with his love for rock and roll. By the mid-1960s, Kornfeld had established himself as a successful songwriter, having written over 75 Billboard-charting songs and contributed to more than 150 albums. He became the youngest vice president at Capitol Records, where he played a significant role in shaping the music industry.

In 1969, Kornfeld co-created the iconic Woodstock Music & Arts Festival alongside Michael Lang, envisioning it as "Three Days of Peace and Music." The festival became a historic event, drawing over 400,000 attendees and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

Throughout his career, Kornfeld has been involved in various facets of the music industry, including composing, producing, and managing artists. He has worked on over 100 platinum projects and received 12 BMI songwriter awards. Kornfeld's influence extends beyond Woodstock, as he continues to promote music, peace, and equality worldwide. He also hosts "The Spirit Show with Artie Kornfeld" on artistfirst.com and has published a book titled "The Pied Piper of Woodstock."

Kornfeld resides in Delray Beach, Florida, with Caroline Ornstein, continuing to inspire and impact the music world decades after his pivotal role in the Woodstock festival.