R.I.P Richie Havens

Jan 21, 1941 - April 22, 2013

Folk-rock singer and guitarist Richie Havens died today at age 72, according to a statement on the artist’s booking agency website. The Roots Agency posted an “in memorium” statement about the singer, who broke into the public eye at Woodstock in 1969.

Richie Havens was gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music. His fiery, poignant, soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since his historic appearance at Woodstock in 1969. For four decades, Havens used his music to convey passionate messages of brotherhood and personal freedom. Billboard Magazine writes, “This acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring and graceful with age.”

From Woodstock to The Isle of Wight to Glastonbury to the Fillmore Auditorium to Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall, Richie played the most legendary music festivals that ever were, and most of the world’s greatest concert venues. But even when performing in a Greenwich Village coffeehouse or a small club or regional theater, he was eternally grateful that people in any number turned up each time to hear him sing. More than anything, he feels incredibly blessed to have met so many of you along the way.

In addition to performing at charity benefit concerts, Havens formed the Northwind Undersea Institute, an oceanographic children's museum on City Island in The Bronx. The museum led to the creation of The Natural Guard, an organization that educates children about the environment. Havens won the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award in Sherborn, Massachusetts on April 12, 1991.

On March 20, 2012, Havens announced on his Facebook page that he will stop touring after 45 years, due to health concerns

Richie Havens - Official website