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Richie Havens

Richie Havens was an iconic American folk singer and guitarist known for his impassioned style of performance, soulful covers of contemporary pop and folk songs, and his unique rhythmic guitar playing. Born on January 21, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Havens began his musical journey in the Greenwich Village folk scene during the early 1960s, where he quickly garnered attention for his intense stage presence and emotionally charged renditions.

Havens rose to fame after his breakthrough performance at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969, where he was the opening act. With his fierce strumming pattern and distinctive open tuning, he captivated the massive audience for nearly three hours, famously improvising the song "Freedom" on the spot, which became an anthem of the era. Over the course of his career, Havens released more than 25 albums, touching on genres beyond folk, including funk, soul, and rhythm and blues. Albums like "Mixed Bag" and "Catch the Wind" showcased his versatility as an artist and solidified his reputation as a musician who transcended traditional genre boundaries.

Always socially conscious, Havens used his music to convey messages of peace and unity. Even after his later works, such as "Nobody Left To Crown" in 2008, Havens continued to be celebrated for his commitment to personal and global enlightenment. His extensive touring and vibrant live performances, including those captured on "Live At The Cellar Door and at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium," continued until his last years. Richie Havens passed away on April 22, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a passionate, soul-stirring artist who inspired countless listeners with his heartfelt music and unyielding optimism.

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