Richie Havens in 2009
photo by John Economos

One of folk music’s most iconic interpreters, the man who captivated a generation with his extended improvised performance of “Freedom” to open the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969, has passed away at the age of 72. Richie Havens died of a “sudden heart attack” at his home in New Jersey on April 22nd, according to this agent Tim Drake.

Best known for his passionate and deeply rhythmic strumming style and rich soulful vocals, Havens established himself as one of the preeminent voices of the tumultuous 1960s. Along with his original compositions, Havens covered everything from Dylan and the Beatles through jazz and r&b classics, infusing each with his own blend of emotional rhythm and soul.

Richie was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 21, 1941. He was the eldest of eight siblings. Beginning his musical career as teenager in the 1950s singing doo-wop for a group called “The Last Men,” Havens was quickly drawn to the politically charged atmosphere of Greenwich Village. By 1967 he had landed himself a deal on Verve Forecast, which at the time was also the label of folk legend Bob Dylan. Soon afterward he released the album Mixed Bag, which won him critical appraisal and garnered worldwide attention.

His rise to stardom was catapulted on a rainy Autumn day in August, 1969, when his two-hour-and-forty-five-minute set to open Woodstock enshrined his place in music history. During the performance Havens was asked to do six separate encores in front of a 500,000 person crowd due to the late arrivals of other performers. The combination of perseverance and energy in spite of extremely improvised circumstances resulted in one of the  most legendary performances in music history.

In the four decades following Woodstock, Havens continued to spread his message of love and peace and through his music. He performed at countless national events including Martin Luther King Jr.’s memorial service and  Bill Clinton’s inauguration ceremony. In 1991 he was a recipient of the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award for his continued presence in and advocacy of sociopolitical consciousness by the public. In 2003, the National Music Council honored him with the American Eagle Award for his place in American music history. The story of his life can be found in his autobiography, titled They Can’t Hide Us No More.

In a cover feature in Sing Out! v.53#2 (written by John Kruth), Richie discusses his long music career and its influences. As he describes, his style has evolved greatly, but his message has ultimately remained intact. As Kruth wrote: “His songs are prayers, pleas for conscious living, peace, love and brotherhood.”

Richie served as an honored member of the Sing Out! Advisory Board since 1997. We miss his generousity and grace already.

A public memorial in being planned. Details will be posted on his web site: <http://www.richiehavens.com>.

– Cristiano Lima