I saw Havens about 10 years ago at a street festival, just him and his Open D tuned acoustic. I was blown away. Which is to say, his “legend” rested on much more than just his Woodstock moment of glory. RIP
The act who was to follow him got hung up at the airport and he had finished his set already, as he left the stage they asked him if he could do a little more… that’s where the improv came in! No pressure eh!
Heard today that Richie Havens ashes will be spread over the Woodstock site on the 44th anniversary of the event. Honoring his 3 hour performance on opening day. Fyi
Wow. Saw him in a Jazz club in Newport, RI. I was 15’ away. Put his guitar on a stool in front of him, and sang Floyd’s “On the Turning Away” a cappella. During the performance, his guitar fell off the stool, but he didn’t miss a soulful note. I can tell you there wasn’t a dry eye in the place when he was done.