Richie Havens (January 21, 1941 – April 22, 2013)

Although known entirely for doing renditions of folk and pop songs written by others Richie Havens was undoubtedly one of the signal performers of the 20th century.  He owes a strong place in the cultural psyche to his opening three hour set at Woodstock where Havens worked through his whole repertoire as delayed artists made their way towards the stage.  Improvising an old negro spiritual Motherless Child, which would later become the song Freedom, bore an indelible place in the minds of music lovers everywhere.

Live and in performance Havens was an incredibly giving performer who peppered his set, such as in his version of Dolphins- made famous by Tim Buckley, with callings of the zodiac.  His version of Here Comes The Sun rivals Harrison's own - which was written at a time when the Beatles communicated more through lawyers and creative waters ran dry like winter's streams.  Known for his rhythmic almost plodding style of guitar work (often in open tunings) he was almost always accompanied by some sort of hand drum on albums such as Live At The Cellar Door, Mixed Bag and Collection. Likewise Fire And Rain, a staple of the rock radio canon, shed circuit, and a personal song of loss made common was made anew through Richie's tender artistry. 

Richie will be remembered for the blessings of ease he bestowed on his audience and an uncommon clarity of purpose.