Richie Havens: Woodstock Opening Act Dies at 72
April 22, 2013
Richie Havens was an American folk singer and guitarist. Born on January 21, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, he began in Greenwich Village.
He opened the 1969 Woodstock festival and improvised the song "Freedom" after running out of material. He was known for his open-tuned guitar style and for covers of Beatles songs such as "Here Comes the Sun."
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Havens died of a heart attack in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 22, 2013, at age 72.
Achievements: Woodstock opening performer.
Birth: January 21, 1941 - Brooklyn, New York.
Profession: Folk singer.
Interesting Facts: He improvised "Freedom" at Woodstock.