Richie Havens

Richie Havens (born January 21 1941 in Brooklyn, New York) is an African American folk singer and guitarist. Havens is best known for his somewhat wild guitar style of brisk strumming.

Related Topics:
January 21 - 1941 - Brooklyn, New York - African American - Folk

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Havens first rose to fame in the Greenwich Village folk music scene that also fostered Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. In 1969, Havens opened the Woodstock Festival. He received continuous ovations and kept playing encores until he ran out of songs. Finally, he decided to improvise a version of "Motherless Child" to which he added a verse with the word "Freedom" repeated over and over. The song became an international hit.

Related Topics:
Greenwich Village - Joan Baez - Bob Dylan - 1969 - Woodstock Festival

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One noticeable thing about Havens is his rhythmic skill. Some of his recordings feature a drum sound which is actually Richie's foot tapping on the floor.

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He later played at the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

Related Topics:
1993 - Bill Clinton

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Havens rarely writes his own songs and often interpret the works of Dylan and The Beatles. He has also appeared on solo albums by former Genesis members Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel.

Related Topics:
The Beatles - Genesis - Steve Hackett - Peter Gabriel

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John Lennon said about Richie Havens during an interview for Rolling Stone in 1971: "He plays a pretty funky guitar."

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