Woodstock singer Havens, 72, dies of heart attack
Source: AP
Richie Havens, who sang and strummed for a sea of people at Woodstock, has died of a heart attack Monday, his family said in a statement. He was 72.
Havens, a folk singer and guitarist, was the first performer at the three-day 1969 Woodstock Festival. He returned to the site during the 40th anniversary in 2009.
"Everything in my life, and so many others, is attached to that train," he said in a 2009 interview with The Associated Press.
Havens was born in Brooklyn. He was known for his crafty guitar work and cover songs, including his well-received impersonation of Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman."
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/woodstock-singer-havens-72-dies-heart-attack-205952329.html
WheelWalker
(8,956 posts)The Wielding Truth
(11,415 posts)Some spirits just move right together.I bet she will miss him very much. His spirit will be missed.
Warpy
(111,339 posts)I was a fan before Woodstock happened. Unfortunately, my favorite album of his was stolen right after Woodstock, by one of the sleazebags my roommates brought in, undoubtedly.
He was a wonderful artist.
shenmue
(38,506 posts)Archae
(46,345 posts)Seems all the performers from my day are dropping like flies.
Faygo Kid
(21,478 posts)He was just great, and more than just at Woodstock (although he knocked us all out with "Freedom" .
azurnoir
(45,850 posts)In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)azurnoir
(45,850 posts)I couldn't find the Woodstock video
Danmel
(4,924 posts)RIP Richie.
olddad56
(5,732 posts)Not only was he the first performer at Woodstock, but the next groups were stuck in traffic and he played for a long, long time.
greatauntoftriplets
(175,749 posts)A great musician.
DrDan
(20,411 posts)RIP Richie.
jdadd
(1,314 posts)upaloopa
(11,417 posts)because I was in the war and remember Woodstock and all the movements, riots, victories and loses. I would not have wanted to grow up in a different time. We had a belief that we could make a better world together. It doesn't look much like we succeeded but it sure was a trip trying.
I'm afraid today there are mightier enemies aligned against us. But the fight goes on.
"Sometimes I feel like a motherless child a long way from my home"
olddad56
(5,732 posts)Kidding, I am almost 65 and I feel the same way. What an exciting time. I missed a lot because I was in the Navy from 67 -71, and two years of that was spent overseas. Made up for lost time in the early 70s. God Bless the GI bill and cheap college tuition. Wouldn't trade those navy and college days for anything.
KT2000
(20,587 posts)This is sad news -and another reminder of how luck some of us oldsters were to be a part of some wonderful music that had such meaning.
RIP Mr. Havens
tridim
(45,358 posts)Mr.Bill
(24,319 posts)I heard him talk about that in an interview. He said little did he know that he was destined to play it every time he performed for the rest of his life. He said there would be a riot if he didn't play it. He will be missed.
olddad56
(5,732 posts)he had to wing it for once he ran out of material and that was how he created FREEDOM. Improvisation at it's finest. The song he is most remember for was born at Woodstock when the following acts were stuck in traffic. What a beautiful moment in time.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)That sound and spirit being the naive but forceful idealism of our generation. His unique style and soulful grace will live on.
Ezlivin
(8,153 posts)RIP Mr. Havens.
Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you,
And maybe when we meet then suddenly I will know you.
If all the things you see ain't
quite what they seem,
Then don't mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.
And you can follow; And you can follow; follow...
From "Follow."
radiclib
(1,811 posts)RIP Sweet Richie
scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)The sound of his voice has echoed through all my years. I was 19 when Woodstock happened.
Good journey to you, Richie!
sw
G_j
(40,370 posts)you could ever meet, and then there is his music! Love you Richie!
Gurney Hack
(5 posts)...Freedom...Freedom...Freedom...freedom...
RIP Richie. Peace.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)Gurney Hack
(5 posts)..I've lurked a long time but this made me come on to post.
Richie was better than all right.......
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)JitterbugPerfume
(18,183 posts)he was a wonderful and beautiful soul
Octafish
(55,745 posts)His voice -- that song -- his meaning -- is part of my being.
Hasta siempre, Hermano.
Beacool
(30,251 posts)I saw Richie Havens perform in one of my town's Arts & Crafts festivals a few years ago. He was great.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in peace.
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)This really hurts. I just loved his voice.
madrchsod
(58,162 posts)he left the world just a little bit better.
shanti
(21,675 posts)your voice will not be forgotten. safe journey.
Mean Gene
(65 posts)lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)Manifestor_of_Light
(21,046 posts)With PP&M. Powerful.