Richie Havens Just Checked out and Left the Building

by Robert Wilkinson

Yes, the icon of Woodstock just checked out.

Mister Richie Havens (January 21, 1941 – April 22, 2013) has been an extraordinarily loved folkie for almost 50 years. I don't have time to do an adequate tribute to him at this time, but for now, here's his 1969 iconic performance at Woodstock of "Freedom."

We'll follow that powerful performance with a 1971 live performance of "Here Comes the Sun."

From 2009, a live performance by Richie Havens doing "Maggie's Farm" and "Won't Get Fooled Again."

From the 2010 Newport Folk Festival, a very herky-jerky video of Richie Havens and the Levon Helm Band doing "The Weight."

For our closer, a Richie Havens live performance from 2009 of one of the greatest songs of all time, "All Along the Watchtower."

Thanks for the open tuning folk power, Richie. You were a force majure and a voice for truth and justice. RIP and thanks for the years of great music.

© Copyright 2013 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Esther]

Dear Robert,
I just heard the news and visited this site straightaway as I know you are such a music lover. I knew you would be posting a beautiful tribute, and indeed you have. Bravo, my friend, and Peace to the soul named Richie.

[Tim Beckley]

Richie was also a master astrologer and ufo experiencer. I spent a couple of hours
with him when he visited me at my publishing office. Farewell my friend.