These Celebrities Were The Biggest Hippies Back In The Day
Back in the '60s and '70s, many of the celebrities who now appear to be older and straight-laced were actually wild hippies who spread their flower power wherever they went. Hippies are defined as young people who reject the established norms and rules of society in favor of communal living, non-violence, and free love.
Some celebrities have come to be associated with hippie culture while others were a part of the movement while it was trendy. Keep reading to see some photos of your favorite celebs while they were going through their hippy phase.
Cher
Cher's fashion choices in the '60s and '70s are still inspiring artists to this day. This woman looked like a hippy in every sense of the word. While Cher chose to be in a monogamous relationship with her partner in life and in song, Sonny Bono, she still very much supported the free love movement.
That became more apparent after Sonny and Cher split, but for a while, they were America's model couple. Cher became a hugely successful solo artist, and eventually ended up embracing '8s culture, but we'll always remember her as a hippy with her long, straight black hair.
John Lennon
If there is any celebrity to is associated with the hippy movement, it has to be John Lennon. Lennon decided to use his fame to advocate for anti-war causes. He strongly supported peace and wrote many hit songs about choosing love and peace above all else.
His relationship with Yoko Ono only solidifies his hippy status even more. To this day, if you want to dress up as a hippy, you better believe you're going to be sporting some of John Lennon's signature sunglasses.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin is the definition of a free spirit. This woman proved time and time again that women were just as capable of being rock stars as men were. She didn't just advocate for hippy causes, she lived her life as a rebel and an outcast. She stood up for what she believed in and she sounded darn good while doing it.
In the late '60s, she was living in a commune with bandmates and partying with The Grateful Dead. Is that not the hippiest sentence you've ever heard?
Joan Baez
Joan Baez is not as talked about as some of the other entries on this list, but we think that she's seriously underrated. Baez embraced all people, and even put a Spanish song on her first album as a gesture of love and inclusion.
Back in the day, Baez dated Bob Dylan. She also became friends with activist and icon Martin Luther King Jr. Baez used her soulful voice to advocated for causes that she believed in. Also, she wore the heck out of some '70s fashion.
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell might be the voice of a generation. This woman's music has endured for years and many up and coming musicians often cite her as an inspiration. Joni got her start in Canada in the 1960s. She would busk for change dressed in clothes she made herself.
By the time she was 21, she had moved to the U.S. where she was discovered by David Crosby. She became the frontwoman of the hippy movement.
Carly Simon
Carly Simon wrote hit song after hit song in the 1970s. She looked like a hippy, she sounded like a hippy, and she moved like a hippy. Carly was able to nab a Grammy for Best New Artist in the early '70s and she hasn't stopped making history since.
While her music wasn't as politicized as some other artists of the time, it did offer another empowered, female voice to the era. Carly is still singing today. There was even a Broadway musical written about her life.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's raspy voice is instantly recognizable. This man is a true hippy though and through. When he was honored for the Novel Prize in Literature (the first time a musician has ever been granted this award) he chose not to attend the award ceremony. Now that's a countercultural move.
Dylan's music has always been associated with the civil rights movement and left-wing politics. He's been an advocate for change as well as a respected artist for decades now.
Stevie Nicks
Before joining up with Fleetwood Mac in the UK, Stevie Nicks got her start in 1967 in the band Fritz. She booked some gigs opening up for heavy hitters such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
Three years later, Stevie and her partner from Fritz ended up joining the popular band Fleetwood Mac. It was Stevie who wrote two of their most successful songs, "Landslide" and "Rhiannon." Stevie embodied hippy culture, and Fleetwood Mac wouldn't have been the same without her.
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda is the first celebrity on this list who isn't a musician. She was born into an acting family, and it quickly became apparent that she had inherited the acting bug. Even though she was basically born into mainstream success, Fonda took it upon herself to protest in support of several hippy causes.
Beginning in the '60s, the actress supported the Civil Rights Movement and opposed the war. She has been an activist at least as long as she's been an actress.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand lived for her art in a way that only a hippy could. She put everything on the line to make it as a singer and an actress in New York City. While she was still a teenager, she crashed on the couches of friends while pursuing her acting career.
Even though she became a household name by the time the '60s rolled around, she never forgot her humble beginnings. She still favors bohemian styles and loose, flowing hair.
Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem was widely recognized during the hippie movement as a feminist leader. The journalist wrote in a candid voice that resonated with many Americans. Like a true hippie, she protested the Vietnam War by pledging not to pay her taxes.
The same year as Woodstock, Gloria published "After Black Power, Women's Liberation," an article that earned her national attention. She also co-founded Ms. magazine in 1971, which certainly earned her a spot as one of the most fundamental leaders during the hippie movement.
Yoko Ono
Artist, singer, and songwriter Yoko Ono rose to the limelight during the hippie movement as an activist and the wife of John Lennon. The two quickly became one of the most well-known couples of the era.
The pair was rarely apart and used their joined forces to fight for peace. Yoko has created art for decades and continues to use her voice to promote human rights and positive change. Her style and mindset embody what the hippie movement was all about.
Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra's father was none other than the great performer Frank Sinatra. Her style transcended that of her famous dad's by utilizing the hippie influence that emerged in the '60s.
Not only did Nancy adorn her hair with flowers and wear colorful outfits, but she also recorded a song that oozed with female confidence for the time. "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" is still one of her most popular numbers.
Michelle Phillips
Born and raised in southern California, Michelle Phillips quickly embodied the hippie persona as a young model. She forged her independence at a young age, getting married at just 18 years old and moving to New York.
The pair formed The Mamas & the Papas, which rose to prominence in the late 1960s. Michelle began expressing her interest in free love by becoming involved in two separate affairs. Despite the tension this caused, the band needed her stage charisma. The hippie performer transitioned to an acting career in the '70s.
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn gained international attention for roles portraying the stereotypical ditzy blonde at the start of the '60s. Her style and charm won over audiences, and by the end of the decade she was a leading lady.
She performed in both comedies and satirical dramas, embracing the playful side of the hippie movement. While she wasn't as outspoken at the time, Goldie later expressed her belief in meditation and spirituality. She also has supported humanitarian efforts.
George Harrison
Though John Lennon continues to be known as a leader of the hippie movement, his fellow bandmate from The Beatles, George Harrison, was also involved. George's long hair and vividly-patterned clothing weren't the only ways he participated in the movement.
The lead guitarist became intrigued by Indian culture and took up the sitar. He also became a vegetarian and learned the art of meditation. These influences became a profound part of the hippie movement by contributing to the promotion of peace.
Pattie Boyd
The beautiful Pattie Boyd was a model and photographer at the time that she met George Harrison of The Beatles. By then, the band was at the top of their game, and the media adored the young hippie couple.
Along with George, Pattie embraced the culture of India and spirituality. While still married, George became friends with Eric Clapton, who ended up falling for Pattie. The love triangle was very hippie-ish, especially since it involved a woman who embodied the style. She also inspired songs by both musicians.
Mick Jagger
There are few things more "hippie" than abandoning a degree in economics for life as a rock star; in 1963, that is precisely what Mick Jagger did. Along with fellow bandmate Keith Richards, he began writing songs that could pull on the heartstrings, like "As Tears Go By" and "The Last Time."
Their first hit was perfect for the free-loving hippie movement: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Their defiant image contrasted that of The Beatles during the British Invasion, representing a grungier side of the era.
Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull first gained attention thanks to her boyfriend, Mick Jagger. It was at a Rolling Stones party in the '60s that she caught the eye of the band's producer. As a singer-songwriter, her music became recognized around the globe.
Mick and Marianne's relationship was highly publicized during the hippie era, and it was claimed that some of his songs were inspired by her. Marianne's life and music reflected a darker side of the hippie movement: substance abuse. Nevertheless, she persisted and became regarded as one of the top female rockers.
Keith Richards
While Mick Jagger is considered the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards shared many of those responsibilities and was equally in the limelight during the hippie era. Both musicians co-founded the band and wrote the songs.
On top of that, Keith would sometimes take on the vocals during a concert to give Mick a break. He is also known for creating unique sounds with his guitar through open tuning. His style and innovation were well-received during the revolutionary time period of the '60s.
Jimi Hendrix
Despite his career only lasting a handful of years, Jimi Hendrix is still regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time due to his massive influence. True to the hippie embrace of positive change, Jimi dared to be different for the sake of making something better.
The music pioneer was at the top of his game when he performed at Woodstock. Hippies flocked to see Jimi perform. His fashion, sound, and way of life was riddled with hippie influence.
Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin entered the world of acting in the mid-'60s, but became well known in 1969, when she met Serge Gainsbourg. The multi-talented pair collaborated musically throughout the '70s.
Their first hit "I love you...me neither" was considered scandalous at the time, but that was the way during the hippie movement. Jane's voice wasn't the only thing getting attention at the time. As a model, she had influence in the fashion industry. Like a true hippie, she had a line of tote bags named after her.
David Bowie
David Bowie experimented with many styles and genres of music. Out of the hippie era blossomed David's emergence as a bohemian folk musician. He formed a folk trio with his girlfriend at the time, Hermione Farthingale.
After the couple broke up in 1969, David started a popular folk club and wrote his second album. This time, his lyrics focused on hippie themes such as peace and morality. His next album recognized some of his influences, such as fellow hippie musician Bob Dylan.
Veruschka von Lehndorff
German supermodel Veruschka von Lehndorff was 20 years old when her career launched and she found herself in New York City shortly after that. Several years later, she attended the famous Woodstock festival.
Many of Veruschka's photos show her in nature and wearing hippie-inspired attire. She left the fashion industry in the '70s to avoid certain social pressures being put on her, but she occasionally models in her older age. Now that is a true self-loving hippie!
Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison lived the hippie lifestyle after graduating from college, living on a rooftop in Venice Beach, California. His deep voice and poetic lyrics brought a soulful feel to the psychedelic music of The Doors. The band rose to prominence in 1967 with the single "Light My Fire."
The suggestive lyrics were a hit among free-loving hippies. In a matter of years, Morrison had traded in his leather pants and clean-shaven face for a thick beard and casual clothes, emphasizing his boho look.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson came to Los Angeles in the '50s with the hope of becoming an actor. This proved challenging at first, and he ended up having more success behind the camera at first. That's what lead to his successful screenplay, The Trip.
As the name implies, it was a psychedelic film that was perfectly timed with the hippie movement, hitting theaters in 1967. Two years later, Nicholson starred in Easy Rider and established himself as the anti-hero of the counter-culture movement.
Talitha Getty
Talitha Getty had an artist father and a bohemian model stepmother, which was the perfect recipe to bred a hippie in the '60s. Sure enough, she wore a white miniskirt during her wedding to John Paul Getty, who introduced Talitha to Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull.
Talitha embraced the hippie culture in her style. She has since been regarded as a model of hippie chic and boho-chic. She also appeared in a handful of films throughout the decade, including Barbarella, which starred activist Jane Fonda.
Grace Slick
One of the most recognizably hippie songs to date is "White Rabbit," a song about the effects of psychedelics. Grace Slick composed that song while she was still performing with her band, The Great Society.
Shortly after that, Grace became the lead singer of the established band Jefferson Airplane. She carried the group to greater heights as they transformed their sound from rock to psychedelic. Their popularity soared thanks to their hippie audience and Grace landed a spot among the top musicians of the time.
Rod Stewart
One of the best-selling artists of all time, Rod Stewart's husky voice was a perfect match for the bluesy undertones hippies loved so much. The English musician toured the states with the Jeff Beck Group in 1968, where audiences fell as hard for him as they had Hendrix.
Rod Stewart left the band to put out a solo album before joining forces with rock group Faces. His long hair, style, and talent brought him continued success through the hippie movement and long after.
Warren Beatty
Warren Beatty was already a well-established actor by the time the '60s rolled around, but earned a place in the hippie movement with rebellious roles and an irresistible style for the times.
In 1967, at just 29 years old, Warren produced and starred in Bonnie and Clyde. The film was a huge success and earned ten Academy Award nominations. His next film, The Only Game In Town, was also suited for the hippie era as it revolves around music, love, and compulsion.
Johnny Winter
That slender man with larger-than-life tattoos is rocker Johnny Winter. The musician started a band at the young age of fifteen but didn't take off until he was discovered in 1968. Upon being signed to Columbia Records, he was handed $600,000, one of the largest advances in recording history.
The record label's generous offering is a testament to how well suited Johnny was for hippie era audiences. Mere months after being discovered, Johnny performed at Woodstock. His long hair and bluesy sound was a perfect fit for the movement.
Jerry Garcia
You can't talk about the counterculture era without mentioning the Grateful Dead. As a songwriter, singer, and lead guitarist of the band, Jerry Garcia encompassed everything being a hippie meant. He stole his mom's car, got kicked out of the Army, and committed his adulthood to music.
In conjunction with his rebellious attitude, Jerry's wild hair, thick beard, and style were as hippie as his music. From folk to blues to psychedelic rock, he could appeal to any music-lover of the era.
Robert Plant
Robert Plant was a dream to many hippies. His stage presence, thick wavy hair, and psychedelic voice were irresistible in the late '60s and '70s. As the frontman of Led Zeppelin, he led the band to success amid the hippie era.
The same year as Woodstock, Led Zeppelin dropped their first and second albums. The latter included "Whole Lotta Love," which by the name alone was perfectly suited for the movement. By 1971, "Stairway To Heaven" had made them rock legends.
Jimmy Page
When mentioning Robert Plant, it seems only fair to also talk about Jimmy Page. That's because Jimmy was the one who auditioned Robert to start the band Led Zeppelin. Over the years, the two became close musical partners as they wrote smash hits together.
Like Robert, Jimmy had the look and stage charisma that seemed destined for the hippie movement. His thick mop of hair, flowy clothes, and double-neck guitar drove fans wild. Like Jimi Hendrix, he's been recognized as one of the most skilled and influential guitarists of all time.
Roger Daltrey
Roger Daltrey founded The Who, a British band that rose to prominence in the mid-'60s. Roger dressed like a hippie and performed like a rebel, becoming the one to popularize swinging the microphone by its chord.
His rainbow suspenders, long and wavy hair, and bell-bottom jeans fit right into the hippie style. His use of stuttering as a means to express frustration in the hit "My Generation" was an exemplary homage to the counterculture era.
Richie Havens
The opening act at Woodstock was none other than Richie Havens, a musician and New York native. The true artist wrote poetry and drew before his love for folk music prompted him to pick up a guitar.
His poetry background may have come in handy as he was picked up by Bob Dylan's manager in the mid-'60s. He cranked out a handful of albums and combined folk, funk, and blues. His performance at Woodstock launched his career thanks to his loyal following of hippies.
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie was destined to be a folk star having been born to folk singer Woody Guthrie and composer Marjorie Guthrie. His musical family instilled a natural talent in Arlo that met with his anti-war support in his song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree."
The lengthy blues song put him on the map in the mid-'60s and earned him a recording deal. His counterculture lyrics made him a hit among hippies, which brought him from playing small venues to taking the stage at Woodstock.
Sly Stone
Sly Stone of the band Sly and the Family Stone brought funk to Woodstock. Though he was born in Texas, Sly was raised in the hippie movement's central location, the San Francisco Bay Area.
The music prodigy mastered four instruments by the age of eleven and started joining bands in high school. By the mid-'60s he was a disc jockey for a soul station based out of San Francisco. Around that time is when he formed his own band. The multiracial bandmates were an illustration of the human rights hippies were fighting for.
John Fogerty
Sporting long hair and longer fringe, John Fogerty stepped onto the stage at Woodstock with his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Years prior, he'd had to walk away from his band due to being drafted into the Army.
Upon his return, the band was finally able to find the commercial success they had lacked years prior. Their rock hits like "Susie Q" and "Proud Mary" landed them a spot in the Woodstock lineup and more success in the years to follow.
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana has remained so prevalent in the music world that it's hard to remember he was around back in the '60s. The then-novice guitarist took to the stage at Woodstock the same year that his band was signed to Columbia Records.
Their first album was set to release after the famous music festival, which made the performance that much more of a fantastic shock among hippies. Santana's distinct sound has attracted artists and audiences alike ever since.
