Well he said it best...His career was struggling at the time but to open the show at Woodstock and making a grand entrance by helicopter in style proved he had finally "Made it". I'm glad i was there less than 40 feet from him. He played long and hard and even left the stage playing right down to the elevated walkway from the back of the stage. When he had stopped playing mid way down the ramp and my cousin and myself ran around there to reach thru and shake his sweaty hand. It was wonderful. The day that he passed away i woke up sweating from a dream...he was in the dream smiling....then he was gone and i woke up. Later towards lunch i heard on the radio that he had passed away and i spent the rest of the day crying and listening to youtube videos of him. I Was only ten at Woodstock but by the time it was over...i was 30 in what i learned there.
Had the privilege to see Richie live on stage in North London. The crowd called for an encore, the band had unplugged and left, the mic was off. He sang solo, unaccompanied just to show what a master he was.
It really doesn't get much better than Richie Havens. I've probably seen almost 1000 concerts. Dozens and dozens of different incredible artists. Rock and jazz greats. I'd would have to put Richie in the top 3 people I've ever seen. Not to mention he is one of the best human beings I've ever met. A truly great performer with an even greater soul - Peace and Love just flowed from this man.......RIP Richie, you greatly missed.
I've always loved Richie , dating way back to the 60's . I'm really proud that I had the opportunity to take my young son , some time in the 90's to see Richie in concert in Sarasota, FL . My son is a musician , guitarist/singer/songwriter/arranger/composer/poet now . Somehow I know that that concert played some part in inspiring him . Power to George Lewis, Jr. . . . from George Lewis, SR.
What a fantastic musician who spent most of his life performing ,rather than seeking stardom: a true star... whose star is still shining so bright R.I.P.
I saw Richie Havens live while a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany in 1971. After the concert and the encores...a few dozen of us G.I.s stay on and begged for an encore and Richie Havens came back out and played a few tunes just for us. Unforgetable.
I was blessed to see Richie at the Earlville Opera House. There might have 20 people there. He was late driving up from the city and was so incredibly apologetic. He did nothing but requests for us and his lateness. It was like, having him play In your living room. May God Bless You Richie. R.I.P.
My grandmother had a stroke this week and is not likely to make it through and Richie havens came to mind. We went to see him play the tiniest of shows in a store many years ago....I was young and over come by his voice. It carries so much depth and love all at once.
Richie Havens to me epitomized the most sincere musician of the era. There’s great performers and entertainers but it’s the true artist that draws a listener into there world and can literally mesmerize them with such talent for only a few of the gifted... Mr. Havens was one of the gifted! RIP Sir and Thank You.
I was fortunate to see Richie Havens in concert at a small venue called The Prairie Lady in Oklahoma City sometime in the 1970’s. It was so special to see him in such an intimate setting.
he reached into your heart and soul - he has found his ultimate freedom and we will miss him - thankfully he left these treasure as his gift to the world - the world is a sadder place without him but richer for him
Deeply affecting. This beautiful segue of tunes with Richie's unique take on them, brought me to tears. Richie was an incredible musician and interpreter, may his legend live on so that others may celebrate and learn.
Awesome, sincere & honest performance. Kinda like hanging out in the living room with friends & family singing and playing acoustic instruments off the cuff. That's the "unplugged," organic element of artists from that era - they made you feel like an integral part of the music, even if you're just listening...
The only time I ever cried when I heard an artist died, I used to drive around La Jolla hills stoned listening to a Richie Havens tape. I still don't full comprehend why I cried. But, I know some great Creator force somewhere knows why I cried. Fly, Richie, fly......
Richard Arthur - Thank you for sharing yourr deep experience. You must have a beautiful Spirit & the Spirit knows. I have finally learned, that "those who feel it, know it & those that know it, feel it." Fly, Richie, fly........... Amen
Richie Havens is unique believe me the best interpreter of songs. Listen to his interpretation of Bob Dylan songs and his unique and exquisite guitar playing is without parallel. Watching this video brings back my university days and the great age that was the 70s with all its great music. I'm so sorry I never got a chance to see him live but have enjoyed and still enjoy his music-Rest in Peace Richie you've bought so much joy and love to so many people!
You do know he actually wasn't a guitar player as he never attempted to learn the guitar; everything was tuned to open D where you can almost strum anything, it's almost like drumming the guitar rather than playing it
One of the most prolific performer's I have seen! such a spirited voice with command and commitment. I saw him at the Ivanhoe theater in Chicago in the 70's. and Indiana University each time he had a great band!
Two of my favorite songs in one. One of the first acts at Woodstock. I will never forget that summer, or Richie. RIP they don't make em like him anymore.
CORRECTION: Richie was the VERY FIRST ACT to perform at Woodstock. (I know, I was there!) He was not scheduled to perform first, but was requested to do so since - due to the traffic/confusion - the other acts that were scheduled to perform had not been able to get there in time to do so. As a result, Richie played - and vastly entertained the crowd - for THREE HOURS! A truly great and amazing man, as well as poet/lyricist, musician and singer. There will never be anyone else quite like Richie. They broke the mold after Richie was cast. He was a certified, real, true "original."
So Underrated, this man should be up there with the ranks of Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Nick Drake etc. Those great folk musicians. Notice how he plays guitar with the use of his thumb, on the fretboard. That voice is masculinely powerful.
One of the richest, greatest and emotive voices of all time, really underrated and overlooked, not fair. Many great singers and players didn't write their own songs or were not great songwriters, Ella, Billy, Frank, Ben, Sonny, Roger etc.
Have always loved Richie Havens since i first heard his voice back in 1969!!!! Have followed him since. RIP Richie! I love this song and reminds me of my first love and husband Rudy. We both loved Richie Havens...
So much better than Van's. Naturally authentic. A genuine soul. Always gives me faith. Miss Ya Richie. He was always playing. And he sweat out every lyric. RIP
I had the pleasure to see Richie in the early '70's at a college concert. Just an amazing talent...singing and playing. The world won't see his like again.
Richie, I was so sad to hear of your passing from us earthly beings, but I know you will do more for us now, help more to rise up to lead us to a more peaceful world. I'll always love ya, what you did for us.. and I know it's not ending, only a better beginning. I feel good about this :)
God knows that I am breaking" just like a little girl" since we lost you on Monday, ironically Earth Day. You made this earth a better place for all of us who enjoyed your music all these years! Thank you so much. R.I.P. Richie
Unique style and wonderful message in his music. Rest In Peace "Shes an angel of the first degree Shes as sweet as tupelo honey Just like honey from the bee"
The night sky has an infinite number of lights ...... some shine brighter than others ....Richie Havens is a night light you see...it shines brighter than ...many many others .... !!!
One of the Greatest Folk-Rock-Singers and Guitar Players! I was Bless to witness Brother Richie Havens in Concert approximately 2007 at World Café in Philly-a Dream come True-I was at Woodstock in Doors---Bless His Soul! Brother Riche Havens sweating the Music out of his Heart and Soul-A Great Performance on the Sacred Spot and in the Magnificent Moment---Bless Him for that Gift of Woodstock Music he gave to us Forever-and he Opened and Started Woodstock Up-the First Artist of the Day---for 3-Hours--He got Caught-Up in the Spirit of Hid Music--Artistic Natural Brilliance--Coming the WarmSoulWater in His DeepSoulWell.
I'm missing him so much at this moment. His pure Soul always made me cry with reflection of what is within myself and could not express like this. beautifully
I have a good friend who has been playing in bands since the mid 60s. He has played with Hendrix, Dave Mason, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Crosby-Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker, Maria Muldar, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt and Etta James. (If you are interested and research it this will tell you who he is. But, I hesitste to post his name on a public site) He loved this guy. I am not certain he ever played with him to any extent. But, he said that this guy had the sweetest spirit. Since my friend has a sweet spirit Richie must have been very special.
+john9944 I've seen interviews with Richie Havens and his warm kind personality shines thru. I feel like he's a friend even though I never met him. Richie is a major inspiration to me with his open tuning rendition of songs and his voice. I've been swtitching from electric to accoustic guitar due to him.
john9944 Richie was one of a kind. He had a unique way of playing the guitar. I heard him tell the story of how he went on first at Woodstock and how nervous he was. Started with here comes the sun I believe or could have been freedom. If you listen to the Woodstock album he says something about breakfast in bed for 500,000 or something.
Its one of a kind human bieng, very soulfull of simplicity of Jazzy mood. I dont know his music, but this time I always keep listening to his music in youtube. (Tupelo Honey, Heplessly Hoping and The Times They Are Changing,), and i always amazed everytime i see/hear his style of playing guitar so awkward but i like it very much. R.I.P. Sir.
Ritchies' interview and moving story about Elvis Presley brought me here. Both songs beautifully done here by Ritchie...as always. Still sad he's gone.
