On April 22, 2013, American folk singer/songwriter/activist Richie Havens died from a heart attack at 72. Havens had been retired from the spotlight for three years, quietly living in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Havens, famed for his intense and fiery live performances, had toured for over 30 years, and had recorded 30 albums prior to his decision to retire due to failing health.
Perhaps his most famous live performance was his breakthrough one at Woodstock in 1969, which came after another scheduled artist's equipment was held up in a snarl of traffic. Havens, who had been scheduled to be the fifth act, ended up opening that historic three day event, to thunderous applause and critical acclaim.
Recalled Havens: "It was 5 o'clock, and nothing was happening. I had the least instruments and the least people to fuss with onstage." His set, originally scheduled for 40 minutes, ended up a stupendous two hour, 45 minute bravura performance that even today is lauded as one of thehighlights of that legendary event, and a high water mark in Havens' long career. Richie Havens made a welcomed return to Woodstock for its 40th anniversary festival in 2009
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