Singer/songwriter John Sebastian turns 69 today, March 17, 2013. His band, the Lovin’ Spoonful, had seven Top 10 hits from 1965 to 67. Sebastian has had a successful solo career as well. Let’s take a look at some of his work.

First, let’s watch the Spoonful perform on Shindig! They look adorably young and energetic. Watch those dancers jumping around. And now they all get senior discounts and probably complain that their food is too spicy.

The Lovin’ Spoonful performs “Do You Believe in Magic?” and  ”Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” on Shindig! (1965)

Next, let’s take a trip to Yasgur’s Farm:

John Sebastian performs “Darling Be Home Soon” live at Woodstock (1969)

I bet you’d be completely shocked to learn that he was tripping on acid during this Woodstock performance! Aw, look at that cute tie-dye outfit.

People born a little later might remember Sebastian for having written and performed the theme song to a popular sitcom:

Opening theme, Welcome Back Kotter, sung by John Sebastian (1975)

I once heard Sebastian say in an interview that the show was originally going to be called Kotter. Stumped by the assignment of writing a song called “Kotter,” Sebastian came up with the “Welcome back…” idea, and the rest is history.