Richie Havens, the folk singer who opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock rock festival, has died of a heart attack at 72. [yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rynxqdNMry4[/yt] Free at last.
I can remember as a little kid being captivated by his voice and style when he appeared on Sesame Street: [yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdCx-1afCgM[/yt] A brilliant and unique rhythm guitar player, and a very thoughtful and interesting guy from all I've read about him. I will miss him.
I loved Ritchie Havens. That haunting airy voice could make just about anything sound profound. His slowed down version of the song, Woodstock, is still my favorite rendering of that song. Along with Chicago great, Terry Callier, who sadly died last year, two black folk music giants have fallen. RIP to them both.
Ritchie Havens (do not be mislead from the preview image) - [yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av93enHTZRk[/yt]