Richie Havens, the Man That Gave Us ‘Freedom’ at Woodstock Has Died

 

We’re sad to announce that Richie Havens, the man that opened Woodstock with his famous acoustic song “Freedom,” has died at the age of 72.

Here is the official announcement via his longtime representatives, The Root Agency:

“RICHIE HAVENS was gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music. His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic appearance at Woodstock in 1969. For four decades, Havens used his music to convey passionate messages of brotherhood and personal freedom. Billboard Magazine writes, “This acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring and graceful with age.” From Woodstock to The Isle of Wight to Glastonbury to the Fillmore Auditorium to Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall, Richie played the most legendary music festivals that ever were, and most of the world’s greatest concert venues. But even when performing in a Greenwich Village coffeehouse or a small club or regional theater, he was eternally grateful that people in any number turned up each time to hear him sing. More than anything, he feels incredibly blessed to have met so many of you along the way.”

Mr. Havens set at Woodstock ended up being much longer than planned as traffic control issues were hampering the other acts from getting to the concert stage.

Here is that historic performance along with “Here Comes The Sun.” Below that is a marvelous version of Cat Stevens “Peace Train” and lastly Mr. Havens’ wonderful reading of “I Don’t Wanna Know (About Evil).”