Remembering Richie Havens

I heard the bad news today that Richie Havens passed away today from a heart attack at age 72.  I have written about Richie several times in this journal.  Murray the K introduced me to Richie when he was on WOR-FM in the late 1960s.  Pete Fornatale named a radio show after his seminal album shown above.  Mixed Bag is still heard on WFUV Saturdays from 4 PM - 8 PM and is hosted by Don McGee after Pete's untimely passing.

Richie is best known for his show stopper Handsome Johnny at Woodstock in 1969.  It seems since Richie was the only performer who arrived at Yasgur's Farm, he was allowed to start the show.  I remember Richie as one of the best interpreters of Bob Dylan's songs.  At dinner tonight we heard his CD Richie Haven sings Beatles and Dylan.  My favorite has to be Just Like a Woman.  Please see his performance at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert.  If there was a Folk Music Hall of Fame, Richie Havens would be one of the first inductees.




 Please also see this video of the late Pete Fornatale talking about Richie Havens.