Richie Havens died today after an extended illness at the age of 72. A man who taught himself the guitar became a legend because of what he was able to do with that instrument. Known for how he used his large thumb across to give his music a unique sound, Havens is often remembered for his performance in 1969 , at Woodstock.
What few people either knew or remember, Havens created the legendary song, FREEDOM, because the show producers asked him if he could stretch his performance, and so, the legend goes, he created the song, and went on with that performance that he made up on the spot, for nearly half an hour.
Havens, a native New Yorker, performed all over the world, including a performance a short while ago at The Landmark on Main Street. His energy, the life he gave that guitar, and his inspiring vocal qualities, were both unique and inspirational.
I will always remember his Woodstock performance, as well as the hundreds of hours I have spent listening to his memorable music. As one of the members of my generation who believes that nearly all real music came from the mid 1960s to the mid 1970s, at least we'll still be able to enjoy Havens' music on the XM Classic Vinyl Station.
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